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- Design and manage the technical systems that control machines and equipment in industry
- You'll need excellent technical, problem-solving and project management skills
- Opportunities to specialise in a particular field or move into freelance consultancy
As a measurement control engineer, you'll design and set up the instruments and systems that manage production processes in a range of industries, like automatic sorting operations, light and heavy engineering, manufacturing petrochemicals and biochemicals, power generation, or transport operations.
You might also be in charge of the technicians who'll install and maintain the machinery and controls.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- 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
- Giving presentations to managers and clients
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll often work on a shift or rota system. You may be required to work extra hours to meet deadlines, or to deal with breakdowns and faults.
Your time will be split between the office and the production areas of the plant or factory.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with the ability to analyse complicated problems, project management skills, the ability to prioritise your work, and budget handling skills.
You'll usually need an HNC, HND, foundation degree or degree in a branch of engineering, like computing, electrical or electronics, mechanical, or production systems and control. Maths, physics or applied physics may also be acceptable to employers.
You could also get into this job through an apprenticeship.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has more information on becoming a measurement and control engineer.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience, you could specialise in a specific area, like design, testing, manufacture or technical sales and marketing. You could also move into project management, research and development, or consultancy.