How to Be Mechanical Controls Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 27, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Mechanical Control Engineers are responsible for designing, testing, and implementing control systems that govern the operation of mechanical systems. These systems can range from the relatively simple to the extremely complex and require a deep understanding of physics and mathematics in order to be successful. The end result of their work is typically an efficient and reliable system that can be used to control a variety of mechanical processes.

The effectiveness of their work has a direct impact on the quality of the product being produced, as well as on the safety of those using the machinery. In addition, their work can have an effect on the environment, as their designs must ensure that a system is running optimally with minimal emissions.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a Mechanical Controls Engineer is to earn a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. A degree in Mechanical Engineering will provide students with a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles.
Gain Experience. After completing a Bachelors degree, it is important for aspiring Mechanical Controls Engineers to gain experience in the field. This can be done through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions.
Consider Certification. Although it is not required, some employers may prefer candidates who have earned certification from a professional organization, such as the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).
Pursue Graduate Studies. Many employers will require applicants to have a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. A Masters degree program can help students to develop advanced knowledge and skills in the area of mechanical engineering.
Learn About Automation and Controls. Aspiring Mechanical Controls Engineers should become familiar with automation and controls systems. They should be able to design and implement systems that integrate sensors, actuators, and other components to create control systems that are reliable and efficient.
Stay Up-to-Date. As technology advances, Mechanical Controls Engineers need to stay up-to-date on new developments in the field. They should regularly read trade publications and attend conferences and seminars to remain informed on the latest trends.

The successful hiring of a Mechanical Controls Engineer requires a reliable and qualified individual. The hiring process should begin by thoroughly researching and screening potential candidates, which can be done by looking at references and conducting interviews. In addition, the expertise of the engineer should be carefully evaluated, including their experience in control systems design and programming, troubleshooting, and other related fields.

Once the right candidate has been identified, they should be tested in a practical environment to ensure their ability to succeed in the position. Lastly, the employer should provide ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure the engineer is up to date on the latest technology and industry practices. By taking these steps, employers can ensure that they are bringing in a reliable and qualified Mechanical Controls Engineer who can help the organization succeed.

You may want to check Mechanical Systems Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, and Mechanical Quality Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Design and develop mechanical control systems for automated production machinery and equipment.
Analyze mechanical control system design requirements and create detailed technical specifications.
Plan and execute tests to ensure that mechanical control systems meet performance requirements.
Research, identify, and evaluate new technologies, materials, and components related to mechanical control systems.
Prepare technical reports, manuals, and other documentation related to mechanical control systems.
Monitor and troubleshoot existing mechanical control systems, making modifications and repairs as necessary.
Liaise with suppliers and vendors to select appropriate components for mechanical control systems.
Provide technical guidance to other engineers and production personnel.
Utilize computer-aided design (CAD) software to create and modify mechanical control system designs.
Develop custom software programs to interface with mechanical control systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong knowledge of mechanical components, systems and processes.
Expertise in CAD/CAM software and 3D modeling.
Ability to design, build and troubleshoot mechanical control systems.
Proficiency in understanding and developing control algorithms.
Experience with industrial automation and robotics.
Knowledge of electrical system design and integration.
Ability to develop and maintain electrical schematics, diagrams, and blueprints.
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
Understanding of safety protocols and regulatory compliance.

Mechanical Controls Engineers are highly skilled professionals who work to develop and optimize the automation systems and processes used in many industries. The most important skill for a Mechanical Controls Engineer is the ability to think critically and strategically, as it is essential for success in this role. This means being able to apply their technical knowledge and experience to develop solutions to complex problems.

They must also be able to understand the effects of their solutions on both the individual machines and the overall system. In addition, they must have strong communication skills to collaborate with other engineers, vendors, and management teams. Finally, they must have a strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy and safety in their work.

These qualities are essential to become a successful Mechanical Controls Engineer.

Mechanical Automation Engineer, Mechanical Test Engineer, and Mechanical Maintenance Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting control systems?
Describe a project that you have designed and implemented.
How do you stay current on the developments in the field of Mechanical Controls Engineering?
What challenges have you faced in the design and implementation of control systems?
What strategies do you use to optimize the performance of mechanical control systems?
What experience do you have in developing and maintaining control system documentation?
How comfortable are you working with various control system components such as actuators, sensors, valves, etc. ?
How have your skills and knowledge helped you solve complex problems in the past?
How do you handle unexpected issues that arise during the design and implementation of mechanical control systems?
How would you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple deadlines?

Common Tools in Industry

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Electronic devices used to control a wide variety of industrial and production processes. Example: Rockwell Automations Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLC.
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Systems. Software used to provide an interface between the user and the machine. Example: Siemens WinCC HMI software.
CAD Design Software. Computer-aided design software used to create and modify plans, diagrams, and schematics. Example: Autodesk AutoCAD.
Motion Controllers. Devices used to control mechanical motors and actuators. Example: Parker SSD Motion Controllers.
SCADA Software. Supervisory control and data acquisition software used to monitor and manage processes in industrial settings. Example: Ignition SCADA by Inductive Automation.
Vision Systems. Software and hardware used to inspect parts and verify quality control. Example: Cognex VisionPro.
Robotics Systems. Computer systems used for automated production tasks. Example: KUKA Robotics Systems.
CNC Machines. Computer numerical control machines used for industrial fabrication tasks. Example: Haas Automation CNC Machines.

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
National Instruments Corporation (NI)
Robotics Industries Association (RIA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA)
International Society for Measurement and Control (ISMAC)

We also have Mechanical Applications Engineer, Mechanical Assembly Technician, and Mechanical Maintenance Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Hydraulics. The branch of mechanics that studies the effects of forces and motions of liquids.
Pneumatics. The branch of mechanics that studies the effects of forces and motions of gases.
Automation. The use of automated technology to control processes, machines, and other equipment.
Robotics. The use of machines or robots to complete tasks that would otherwise require human intervention.
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). A type of computing system used to automate industrial processes.
Sensors. Devices that detect changes in physical conditions such as temperature, pressure, or motion and send signals to a controller or other device for further analysis and action.
Actuators. Devices used to control the movement of a system in response to a signal from a controller or other device.
Coding. The process of writing instructions in a programming language that can be used to control a machine or device.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Mechanical Controls Engineer?

A Mechanical Controls Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains mechanical control systems for industrial and commercial applications.

What are the responsibilities of a Mechanical Controls Engineer?

A Mechanical Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining mechanical control systems and components such as motors, actuators, sensors, and switches. They must also analyze system performance and create solutions to improve efficiency and reliability.

What qualifications do I need to become a Mechanical Controls Engineer?

To become a Mechanical Controls Engineer, you will need a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as mechanical engineering, robotics engineering, or electronics engineering. You may also need additional certifications or licenses depending on the specific job requirements.

What skills does a Mechanical Controls Engineer need?

A Mechanical Controls Engineer needs to have strong technical knowledge of mechanical control systems and components, as well as knowledge of electrical circuits, systems design, and computer programming. Good problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and communication skills are also valuable.

What is the average salary for a Mechanical Controls Engineer?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for Mechanical Engineers was $92,800 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,800, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $149,100.