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

Jun 22, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The number of Control Technicians is increasing due to the rise in automation and technological advancements. As modern machines and systems become increasingly complex, the need for skilled professionals to manage and maintain them has become ever more apparent. This has resulted in a high demand for Control Technicians, who are responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of industrial equipment and processes.

They use their knowledge of electrical engineering, computer programming, and mechanical engineering to diagnose and troubleshoot problems, and develop and implement control systems. In addition, they monitor the performance of machines and systems and make necessary adjustments to optimize their performance. For these reasons, Control Technicians are essential in today's world, as they are responsible for making sure machines and systems are functioning properly and efficiently.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Control technicians must have a high school diploma or GED to start their careers.
Acquire a postsecondary certificate or degree in a related field. Many employers prefer to hire control technicians with formal education in a discipline such as electronics technology, electrical technology, or industrial automation.
Earn industry certifications. Although not always required, earning certifications from organizations like the Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA) may help control technicians enhance their job prospects and demonstrate their commitment to the field.
Develop strong troubleshooting skills. Control technicians need to be able to identify and solve problems with control systems. Hands-on experience with these systems can help technicians develop these skills.
Obtain hands-on experience. Control technicians can gain valuable experience working in a variety of industries, such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. Apprenticeships and internships are great ways to gain experience in the field and build a network of professionals.
Stay up-to-date on technology and regulations. Control technicians must keep up with the latest advancements in technology and any changes in industry regulations to ensure that the systems they work on are up-to-date and compliant.

The success of any technical control technician depends on the quality and quantity of their skill set. A technician must possess a strong knowledge of engineering principles, as well as an understanding of systems and processes. They also need good analytical and problem-solving skills to diagnose and troubleshoot technical issues.

excellent communication and customer service skills are essential for interacting with clients and colleagues. To be efficient, technicians must also be highly organized, with the ability to prioritize tasks and complete them in a timely manner. All of these qualities will help a technician be successful in the field, resulting in satisfied customers, fulfilled job requirements, and a successful career.

You may want to check Cost Control Manager, Process Control Coordinator, and Traffic Control Officer for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and maintain programmable logic controllers (PLC) to automate industrial processes.
Install, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial electrical systems and components.
Monitor and diagnose systems for malfunctions and optimize performance.
Develop and implement control systems, including process control, instrumentation, and automation systems.
Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and other automation systems.
Design/implement control systems for a variety of applications.
Develop and execute test plans for PLCs and other automation systems.
Monitor safety systems and take corrective action when necessary.
Oversee the installation of new control systems, ensuring it meets all safety standards.
Investigate, diagnose, and resolve technical problems related to automation systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of electrical components, circuits, and systems
Ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical equipment
Knowledge of safety procedures and protocols
Knowledge of computerized control systems
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
Knowledge of automation systems and programming
Ability to use diagnostic tools and instruments
Ability to program, calibrate, and maintain control systems
Ability to identify potential problems with control systems
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Having great technical skills is essential for any Control Technician. Having the ability to troubleshoot and diagnose complex systems and machinery, as well as being able to have a strong understanding of various software programs, are all key skills needed for success. having excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills is crucial for a Control Technician, as they need to be able to think quickly and efficiently in order to identify potential problems and suggest solutions.

Furthermore, strong communication skills are also necessary for a Control Technician, as they need to be able to clearly communicate with clients and other professionals in order to understand their needs and provide the best solutions. Finally, being organized and detail-oriented is essential for a Control Technician, as they need to be able to keep track of various projects and tasks to ensure that everything is completed on time and within budget. These skills are essential for a successful Control Technician and can help them reach their full potential in their career.

Process Control Engineer, Cost Control Analyst, and Inventory Control Associate are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with control systems?
How familiar are you with the different types of control systems?
What have been some of your most challenging tasks related to control systems?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot a complex control system.
What strategies do you use to stay organized and up-to-date on control system changes?
What safety protocols do you follow while working with control systems?
How comfortable are you with learning new control systems?
How do you ensure accuracy when calibrating control systems?
What is your experience with developing and testing control system software?
How do you handle difficult customer interactions related to control issues?

Common Tools in Industry

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). These are used to control automated machinery and processes in industrial settings. Example: Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLC.
Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs). These are computer-based control panels used to monitor and control processes. Example: Pro-face GP4000 Series HMI.
SCADA Systems. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are used to collect data from remote locations, as well as monitor and control processes. Example: GE Proficy iFIX SCADA.
Remote Terminal Units (RTUs). These are computerized systems used to gather data from remote devices and send it back to a central system. Example: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix RTU.
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). These are used to control the speed of an electric motor. Example: ABB ACS355 VFD.
Robotics. Robotics are used in manufacturing, assembly, and other automation processes. Example: FANUC M-10iA Robot Arm.

Professional Organizations to Know

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
Association for the Advancement of Automation in Power and Process Control (AAPPC)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE)
International Society for Measurement and Control (ISMAC)
International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC)

We also have Process Control Inspector, Traffic Control Technician, and Security Control Officer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Automation. The use of control systems and information technologies to reduce the need for human work in the production of goods and services.
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). A digital computer used for automation of industrial processes, such as control of machinery on assembly lines, robotics, and other applications.
Process Control. The use of sensors and actuators to measure and manipulate physical variables in order to maintain desired output conditions.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC). Automation of machine tools that are operated by precisely programmed commands encoded on a storage medium, as opposed to manual control via handwheels or levers.
Industrial Robotics. Automation of physical tasks such as assembly, welding, painting, and packaging, typically through the use of robotic arms.
Intelligent Control Systems. Control systems that use artificial intelligence techniques such as neural networks, fuzzy logic, evolutionary algorithms, and expert systems to make decisions about process control.
Instrumentation. The measurement or monitoring of physical or chemical properties using sensors and other electronic devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Control Technician?

A Control Technician is a professional who specializes in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of control systems and devices. They use their knowledge of industrial processes, electrical and electronic systems to keep production lines running smoothly.

What qualifications do Control Technicians need?

Control Technicians typically need a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. They must also be able to demonstrate knowledge of relevant industrial standards and principles, as well as a strong understanding of problem-solving techniques.

What kind of tasks do Control Technicians perform?

Control Technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and verification of control systems and devices. This includes inspecting and testing components, writing reports and technical documents, and troubleshooting issues with equipment.

What skills do Control Technicians need?

Control Technicians need a range of technical and analytical skills, including knowledge of industrial processes, electrical and electronic systems, problem-solving, programming languages, and communication skills.

What is the job outlook for Control Technicians?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Control Technicians is expected to grow 6 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.