Last updated 16:00, Wednesday, 22 October 2008

A CONTROL and instrumentation engineer (CI) is essentially responsible for developing, installing and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery and processes.

The main objective of the work of CI engineers is to ensure these systems and processes operate efficiently and safely. They usually work for the companies who manufacture and supply the equipment, or for the companies who use it.

CI engineers need a thorough understanding of the operational processes of an organisation and have a multidisciplinary role, working closely with colleagues across a number of functions such as operations, purchasing and design.

Responsibilities common to many CI engineer positions may include designing and developing new control systems; modifying existing systems; working with design engineers, operation engineers, purchasers and other internal staff; liaising with clients, suppliers, contractors and relevant authorities (e.g. the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority); project management within cost and time constraints; ensuring compliance with the health and safety regulations and quality standards; writing computer software; and developing new business proposals.

Typical starting salaries range from £19,500 to £24,000. Salaries for those with several years experience range from £25,000 to £35,000. Salaries for those at senior level (with 10-15 years’ experience) are in excess of £40,000 and can be higher in the oil and gas sector, at between £60,000 and £70,000.

Salary levels vary according to the size of organisation, industry sector and geographical location.

Irregular working hours may be normal for CI engineers, who need to be on-call to deal with faults which occur at the plant or site.

Visiting clients and working on-site is a common aspect of the work.

CI engineers often have to work under pressure, to tight deadlines and budgets.

Positions are available across the UK and opportunities to work overseas are widely available, particularly within the oil and gas industry.

There is still a gender imbalance in the CI engineering sector. Organisations such as the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology are aiming to help redress this imbalance.

There is a general skills shortage in engineering disciplines. Coupled with the continued growth of sectors such as renewable energy research, there are currently many opportunities.

Popular degree courses for CI engineers are electrical and electronic engineering degrees, which may include specific CI elements or modules.

Several institutions offer specific control and instrumentation engineering courses, most of which are four-year courses leading to an MEng qualification. However, many other engineering, technical and scientific based degrees are also considered appropriate training, including: applied physics or physics; chemical engineering; computer engineering; mechanical engineering.

If an undergraduate degree has not included control engineering content, some employers may ask for a relevant postgraduate qualification such as an MSc in Control Systems or Advanced Control and Systems Engineering.

CI engineering is open to all engineering diploma-holders, though the following subjects are particularly relevant: computer-aided engineering/ computer engineering; electrical engineering; electronics.

You may need to consider technician grade posts, as a degree is often required for progression to senior level positions and professional engineer status. Entry without a degree or HND is unlikely.

Work experience is as valuable in this sector as in any other. Many large employers offer structured internship programmes and vacation placement schemes. These provide an excellent insight into the nature of the work and early application is advised.

Work shadowing a CI engineer may also be useful, as it shows interest and commitment.

CI engineers need to acquire an understanding of the main processes of their organisation. Initial training is therefore usually in-house and involves an introduction to various operations and learning about manufacturing processes, testing, quality standards, assembly and installation.

Many engineers will ultimately be working towards professional engineer status, generally gained by acquiring experience and training. Professional engineer status is not a necessity but is a distinct advantage when applying to many companies and often a requirement of working for a contract company or overseas.

Professional engineer status equates to gaining either Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) accreditation, awarded by the Engineering Council UK (ECUK). Many companies offer training schemes which can lead to the award of this status.