Description
Apply control systems, electrical, and instrumentation theory—usually under the direction of engineering staff—to install, program, configure, calibrate, troubleshoot, and modify PLC/DCS/SCADA systems, instrumentation, drives, and control panels, supporting safe, reliable automation and providing data for commissioning and engineering design decisions.
- • Modify, maintain, and repair industrial control systems, PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA to ensure proper operation.
- • Replace defective control components such as sensors, actuators, relays, I/O modules, and power supplies using proper tools and procedures.
- • Set up and operate test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, loop calibrators, protocol analyzers) to diagnose and verify control loops and signals.
- • Read and interpret P&IDs, control narratives, wiring diagrams, ladder logic, and schematics for assembly, troubleshooting, or upgrades.
- • Identify and resolve control system malfunctions, coordinating with OEMs, vendors, or field reps to source replacement parts or firmware.
- • Assemble and wire control panels and field junction boxes according to drawings and standards.
- • Review control designs and installations for compliance with electrical codes and industry standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, ISA).
- • Assemble, test, and maintain PLC I/O, instrumentation, and communication networks per engineering instructions and manuals.
- • Update and correct engineering documentation, including as-built drawings, I/O lists, and instrument indexes.
- • Maintain logs, change records, backups, and maintenance manuals for controls, PLC programs, and HMI/SCADA configurations.
- • Select control hardware (PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, sensors) to meet functional specifications and environmental requirements.
- • Assist in estimating material, labor, and schedule for control system installations or upgrades.
- • Train operators and maintenance staff on HMI screens, alarms, and safe operation of automated equipment.
- • Oversee and support installation, start-up, and commissioning of control equipment and automation systems.
- • Document installed equipment, loop checks, calibration results, and corrective actions taken.
- • Modify PLC/HMI logic, interlocks, and alarm settings to correct functional deviations within change-control procedures.
- • Integrate hardware and software components, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, VFDs, and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profibus).
- • Procure control parts and maintain spares inventory and related documentation.
- • Participate in ongoing training to stay current with automation platforms, safety practices, and industry standards.
- • Research components, vendors, lead times, and lifecycle costs to support control system decisions.
- • Provide engineering and user support for control system installations, upgrades, patches, and enhancements.
- • Plan and conduct quality control and acceptance testing, including FAT, SAT, I/O checkout, and loop tuning.
- • Produce and update control schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using CAD software.
- • Install, configure, and maintain PLCs, variable frequency drives, servo drives, and safety circuits.
- • Design or revise control panel and field wiring schematics for industrial equipment and building automation using CAD tools.
- • Analyze test data and trends to isolate control design or tuning issues and recommend fixes.
- • Perform preventive maintenance, calibration, and tuning of instruments, valves, transmitters, and PID loops.
- • Implement and verify safety interlocks, e-stops, and permissives; follow LOTO and electrical safety procedures.
- • Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks and protocols, including addressing, routing, and device diagnostics.
- • Monitor SCADA alarms, historian tags, and KPIs; optimize setpoints and alarm limits as directed by engineering.
- • Develop and follow maintenance standards and procedures for control systems and instrumentation.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Available on paid plans only
Interview time
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
