How to Be Control Systems Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 3, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The control systems technician plays a vital role in the support of industrial automation and control systems. By troubleshooting and maintaining the control systems, they are able to ensure optimal results and efficient operations. This helps to reduce downtime and increase production, which in turn leads to improved efficiency, cost savings and enhanced safety.

The technicians must have a working knowledge of electric and electronic equipment, basic programming and networking, as well as an understanding of the related software programs. In addition, they must be able to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and diagrams to identify any problems. The control systems technicians' skills are essential to the successful operation of any automated system.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Control systems technicians typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent to get started in the field.
Consider a postsecondary education. Although it is not always a requirement, some employers may prefer to hire technicians who have a postsecondary degree or certificate. Many community colleges and technical schools offer programs in electrical engineering, robotics, or computer programming that can help prepare you for a career as a control systems technician.
Gain experience in the field. Most employers prefer to hire technicians with some prior experience in the field. This can include anything from volunteer work to an internship or even a part-time job.
Obtain a certification. There are several certifications you can obtain as a control systems technician that can make you more marketable to potential employers. The International Society of Automation (ISA) offers several different certifications, including Certified Automation Professional (CAP) and Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST).
Consider continuing education. To remain competitive in the field, its important to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and trends in automation and control systems. Consider taking classes or attending seminars to stay abreast of the industry.

The success of a Control Systems Technician relies heavily on their ability to be both ideal and competent. To be ideal, they must have a thorough understanding of the theory and principles that govern the operation of systems, such as electrical and mechanical engineering, computer programming, and communications technology. They must also possess analytical skills to identify and diagnose any potential problems with the system.

To be competent, they must be able to apply their knowledge in a practical manner, use their problem-solving skills to troubleshoot any existing issues, and have the ability to repair and maintain the system. The combination of ideal and competent skills results in a well-rounded professional who can effectively monitor and control a wide variety of automated systems.

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Job Description

Diagnose and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
Repair and maintain automated systems, including PLCs, drives, and servo systems.
Install, configure, and program control systems.
Respond to service calls from customers and provide technical assistance.
Read and interpret schematics and diagrams to determine proper installation and maintenance of systems.
Monitor system performance and make adjustments as needed.
Perform preventive maintenance on control systems to ensure optimal performance.
Develop and document system changes for improved reliability and efficiency.
Train other technicians in the operation and maintenance of control systems.
Provide technical support and guidance to other departments.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to interpret and work with electrical diagrams, blueprints, and schematics
Knowledge of electrical components and circuitry
Proficiency in the use of test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic tools
Familiarity with electrical safety procedures
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose control systems
Ability to solder and crimp electrical connections
Ability to interpret error codes and follow repair protocols
Capable of programming and configuring control systems
Knowledge of mechanical systems and components
Understanding of PLCs, HMIs, and other control system software
Good communication skills for working with other technicians, engineers, and customers

A Control Systems Technician is an important role that requires a combination of technical and problem-solving skills. The most important skill a Control Systems Technician needs is the ability to understand complex systems. This includes understanding how system components, such as sensors, controllers, and actuators, interact with each other to produce desired results.

Control Systems Technicians must be able to troubleshoot and diagnose problems, as well as modify or repair system components in order to optimize their performance. In addition to these technical skills, Control Systems Technicians must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to effectively work with clients and other personnel. Finally, since Control Systems Technicians work with multiple systems, they must be able to effectively manage their time and resources in order to ensure successful completion of tasks.

These various skills are essential for a Control Systems Technician to excel in their role.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with control systems?
How do you troubleshoot control system issues?
What techniques do you use to prevent control system malfunctions?
What steps do you take to maintain and update control systems?
How do you keep up-to-date with the latest developments in control systems technology?
Describe a time when you had to adapt to changes in a control system.
What safety procedures do you follow when working with control systems?
How do you ensure accuracy when setting up a control system?
What challenges have you faced when working with control systems?
How do you handle difficult situations with clients when dealing with control systems?

Common Tools in Industry

Oscilloscope A device used to measure fluctuations in electrical signals. (eg. Used to measure voltage levels in a circuit board).
Multimeter An instrument used to measure electrical current, voltage, and resistance. (eg. Used to test the continuity of a wire).
Signal Generator A device that produces electrical signals for testing and troubleshooting. (eg. Used to generate test signals for debugging an electronic system).
Logic Analyzer An instrument used to analyze digital signals within a circuit. (eg. Used to diagnose a malfunctioning microcontroller).
Network Analyzer A tool used to measure the performance of networks and identify issues. (eg. Used to measure bandwidth, latency, and packet loss on a network).
Frequency Counter An instrument used to measure the frequency of electrical signals. (eg. Used to test the frequency of a radio transmitter).
Soldering Iron A device used to join two components together with heat and solder. (eg. Used to solder components onto a printed circuit board).
Crimping Tool A tool used to connect two wires together using a crimp connector. (eg. Used to connect two cables together).

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
American Automation and Information Council (AAIC)
Instrument Society of America (ISA)
Control System Integrators Association (CSIA)
Automation Federation (AF)
Robotics Industries Association (RIA)

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Common Important Terms

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a specialized computer used to control machines and processes. It uses a programmable memory to store instructions and execute functions such as logic, sequencing, timing, counting and arithmetic to control machines and processes.
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). SCADA is a type of industrial control system that combines software, hardware and communication networks to monitor and control all aspects of industrial processes. It is used to monitor and control process variables such as temperature, pressure, flow rate and other process parameters.
HMI (Human-Machine Interface). A HMI is an interface between a user and a machine, such as a computer, mobile device or other electronic device. The user interacts with the machine through the HMI, which can include touchscreen displays, buttons, knobs and other input devices.
Industrial Networking. Industrial networking is the technology that connects machines, devices, and systems together in an industrial environment. It allows for data and information to be shared among different components in the network in order to achieve desired production objectives.
Process Automation. Process automation is the use of technology to automate manual processes and operations. This can include the use of computers, robots, or other automated systems to perform tasks that would otherwise require manual labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Control Systems Technician?

A Control Systems Technician is a professional who specializes in installing, maintaining and troubleshooting control systems and industrial automation systems.

What skills are needed to be a Control Systems Technician?

To be a successful Control Systems Technician, you need to have strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, computer programming, mechanical engineering principles, and the latest control system technologies.

What type of industries do Control Systems Technicians work in?

Control Systems Technicians can be found working in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and water/wastewater.

What certifications can a Control Systems Technician obtain?

A Control Systems Technician can obtain certifications from organizations such as the International Society of Automation (ISA) and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

What is the average salary for a Control Systems Technician?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Control Systems Technician is $57,211 per year.

Web Resources

Control Systems Technology - Ranken Technical College ranken.edu
Systems Technician (AV) | Manhattan Area Technical College manhattantech.edu
Electronic Systems Technician Training Program | Peloton College pelotoncollege.edu