Measurement and Control Engineer
What is the work like?
As a measurement and control engineer, you would design, install and maintain the instruments and control systems that manage production processes in a range of industries, including:
- manufacturing
- light and heavy engineering
- petrochemicals and biochemicals
- power generation.
Depending on your exact role, your duties could include:
- assessing the development and installation of new equipment
- drawing up technical plans with computer-assisted engineering and design software
- analysing data and using computer modelling to improve the efficiency of production processes
- estimating the costs and timescales of installing new equipment
- coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople on projects
- planning and managing inspection and maintenance schedules
- attending meetings, writing reports and giving presentations to managers and clients.
Control instruments and systems let you see exactly what is happening in a specific area of the manufacturing process. If something is going wrong, you can make adjustments straight away. The sensors and instruments are also designed to collect data, which you can use in production planning and quality control.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
To work in this area, you would normally need a BTEC HNC or HND, foundation degree or degree in a branch of engineering, such as:
- systems and control
- production
- computing
- electrical or electronics
- mechanical.
Physics or applied physics may also be acceptable to employers.
See the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) website for details of UK colleges and universities offering these courses.
For more information about measurement and control engineering as a career, see the IET, SEMTA and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction websites. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) also has careers information and a course database for local colleges.
What further training and development can I do?
Once you are working you would receive supervised on-the-job training, specific to your particular industry. If you have a first degree, you may be able to start training on a company's graduate apprenticeship scheme.
Gaining incorporated or chartered status
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Where can I go for more information?
Interpoint20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
London
WC1E 6AF
Tel: 020 7387 4949
London
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £23,000 a year.
- Experienced engineers can earn up to £37,000.
- Senior engineers can earn upwards of £45,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may be required to work extra hours to meet deadlines, or to deal with breakdowns and faults.
Your time would be split between the office and the production areas of the plant or factory.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent maths, science, technical and IT skills
- the ability to analyse complicated problems
- the ability to explain design ideas clearly to technical and non-technical staff
- project management skills
- the ability to prioritise your workload
- the confidence to make decisions
- budget handling skills
- excellent communication skills
- teamworking skills.
What opportunities are there?
You can find job opportunities across the processing, manufacturing and engineering industries. You may also be able to find work with manufacturers of measurement and control instruments.
With experience, you could specialise in one area of the job, such as design, testing, manufacture or technical sales and marketing. Eventually, you could move into project management, research and development, or consultancy.
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