What does a controls engineer actually do?
A controls engineer sets up, programs, commissions and fault-finds the systems that run machines and processes. The Skills England standard for automation and controls engineering technicians lists the kit: PLCs, robots, HMIs, SCADA, variable speed drives, soft-starters, instrumentation, safety systems and servo drives. Day to day you could be writing or changing PLC logic, editing an HMI screen, calibrating a transmitter, or tracing a network fault on a stopped line.
Panel work is part of the job too. The same standard describes building control panels, running site cabling and maintaining automation systems, using a multimeter and software tools. On a small firm you may design, build, wire and commission the panel yourself. On larger jobs those tasks are often split between panel builders, programmers and commissioning engineers.
Which sectors employ controls engineers?
The Skills England standard names automotive, food and drink, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and construction, along with manufacturing, logistics and utilities. Water companies are a steady employer. Thames Water, for example, has advertised a Level 3 instrumentation, control and automation apprenticeship.
There are two broad kinds of employer. Some keep their own plant running, so you work on one site keeping lines up and improving them. Others are system integrators, equipment makers or service companies who send you to customers' sites to install, commission and support. The second kind usually means more travel and more variety, and you learn faster because every job is different.
Can an electrician move into controls?
Yes, and it is a common move. An electrician already reads circuit diagrams, wires panels, tests safely and fault-finds, and the controls standard lists all of these. What you need to add is the software side: PLC programming, HMI and SCADA configuration, and industrial networks. Maintenance electricians in factories are well placed, because they meet PLC faults on breakdowns and can pick up programming on the job.
A short course gives you a foundation. EAL offers a Level 3 Award in Programmable Logic Controllers covering PLC hardware, software, applications and programming. You must be 16 or over to take it, and you do not need evidence from a job. A certificate alone will not get you hired, though. Employers want to see that you have changed and commissioned real programs.
What software and technical skills do employers ask for?
The standard sets out what a competent technician should be able to do. You should be able to program and configure a range of PLCs or robots, make changes to HMI and SCADA systems, and configure industrial networks. You should also be able to set up and calibrate field instruments that measure things like flow, temperature and pressure. The networks it names include Ethernet, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, Modbus and AS-Interface.
Safety knowledge counts as much as programming. The standard expects you to understand functional safety terms such as SIL (Safety Integrity Level) and PL (Performance Level), and to write risk assessments and method statements. Adverts usually name the PLC platform the site runs. Experience on that platform is worth more than a general claim that you can program.
Pay
GBP a year, before tax. Figures for instrumentation and controls roles are based on the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, April 2026 (provisional), brought up to date with a wage index. Each is a single central estimate, and the regional figures are modelled. Programming experience, site travel, shift and call-out work, and the sector you work in all push actual pay up or down. Refer to the Instrumentation & Controls salary guide for figures from live adverts.
What you need
- Electrical groundingYou need to read circuit diagrams and understand how the parts of an automation system work, and you must be able to work safely on industrial plant.
- PLC programmingYou must be able to configure PLC hardware and write or change program logic to improve how machinery runs and how often it is available.
- HMI and SCADAYou should be able to change existing operator screens and supervisory systems, or set up new configurations.
- Industrial networksYou need to configure and fault-find networks such as PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Modbus and Ethernet, using diagnostic tools.
- InstrumentationYou should be able to set up, calibrate and commission field instruments that feed the control system.
- Functional safetyYou need a working knowledge of SIL and PL terms, and the ability to produce risk assessments and method statements.
- Professional registration (optional)EngTech registration with the Engineering Council is not compulsory. It is usually reached through an approved Advanced Apprenticeship, or a Level 3 engineering qualification approved by a licensed institution plus relevant work experience.
How to get there
- Age 16+Get GCSEs or a college courseMaths and English matter most. College options include electrical and electronic engineering, automation and control engineering, or the T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing.
- Years 1-3Start an apprenticeship or a tradeTake an automation and controls, or electrical, control and instrumentation, apprenticeship with a manufacturer, utility or integrator. Or qualify as an electrician first.
- Years 2-4Build PLC and instrument skillsWork on live plant fault-finding, calibration and small program changes. A Level 3 PLC award gives a formal base if your job does not cover it.
- Years 4-6Take on programming and commissioningWrite new logic, build HMI screens and commission systems on site. This experience is what employers pay for.
- Year 5+Register and progressApply for EngTech through a licensed engineering institution. Then move into senior controls, project lead or design roles, with IEng or CEng possible after further study.
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Questions people ask
Do you need a degree to become a controls engineer?
No. Many controls engineers come up through an apprenticeship or from the electrical trade. A degree helps if you want to move into design, systems engineering or chartered status, but plant and integrator roles mainly recruit on proven skills.
Do you need a licence to work as a controls engineer in the UK?
No licence is required to program or commission control systems. Employers judge you on qualifications, experience and safe working. EngTech registration with the Engineering Council is voluntary, but it is a recognised way to show your competence.
Is a PLC course enough to get a controls job?
Usually not on its own. A course such as the EAL Level 3 Award in Programmable Logic Controllers gives you the theory and some practical work. Employers still want to see time on real plant changing, testing and commissioning programs.
Is controls work office-based or on site?
Most roles are both. You may write and test code at a desk, then commission it on site and fault-find on breakdowns. Integrator and service roles involve more travel than in-house plant roles.
How much does a controls engineer earn?
Modelled figures for instrumentation and controls work put pay at about £38,600 a year across the UK and about £44,300 in London. Engineers who program, commission and work call-out often earn more than these central figures.
Sources
- Skills England: Automation and controls engineering technician standard (ST0662)
- EAL: Level 3 Award in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
- Engineering Council: Engineering Technician (EngTech)
- National Careers Service: Manufacturing systems engineer
- Find an apprenticeship: Thames Water instrumentation, control and automation Level 3 apprentice
- National Careers Service: Electricity generation worker
