Top Five Controls Engineer Interview Questions (and Answers)

As a controls engineer, you can work in a huge variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, chemicals, energy, oil and gas, and utilities. But first you have to ace your controls engineer interview by displaying not only your technical knowledge of control theory, system dynamics, and instrumentation but also your understanding of project management, teamwork, and standards.

Be ready to concisely articulate what a controls engineer does (designs, develops, and maintains systems that automate processes), and prepare personal anecdotes that set you above other candidates.

Here are a few common controls engineer interview questions you may encounter, with some nutshell responses for you to expand upon based on your own training and experience.

How do you apply negative and positive feedback mechanisms?

Example Answer: I use feedback to measure the output of a system and compare it to a desired setpoint. Negative feedback helps me improve stability and consistency by counteracting changes. For example, I might need to maintain desired temperature levels despite disturbances. While positive feedback often leads to instability by increasing sensitivity, I would rely on it to test applications requiring signal enhancement like oscillators.

What do you do when specifications change mid-project?

Example Answer: I stay flexible and draw upon my project management skills to assess the impact of the disruption on scope, timeline, and resources. I start by communicating clearly with stakeholders to understand their requirements and adjust to their new expectations. I then update the project plan and documentation, ensuring that my team is informed and tasks are realigned accordingly. [Tell the story of a project challenge you faced, how you solved it, and what the positive impact was.]

When have you used SCADA systems?

Example Answer: Supervisory control and data acquisition systems have been a big part of my role in many scenarios. I’ve used platforms like [specify the platforms you’ve used] to configure and deploy SCADA systems, integrating them with PLCs and RTUs and customizing scripts and interfaces to meet project requirements. They help me diagnose and resolve issues promptly so I can maintain optimal system performance and reliability.

Where do you find opportunities to keep up with trends and advancements?

Example Answer: I’m always looking for professional development courses, conferences, and webinars that can inform me on new methodologies and instrumentation. I also subscribe to industry journals including [name the publications you read] and keep an eye on online forums such as [give examples of the forums you follow]. And I find that being in professional societies like [specify] helps me engage and trade knowledge with people who are dealing with the same issues as I am.

Why are documentation and standards compliance important?

Example Answer: It’s vital for me to maintain proper documentation to ensure the safety, efficiency, accountability, and quality of my work. I adhere to standards like IEEE 828 for configuration management and ISA-5.1 for instrumentation notation, and I’ve used [list version control systems you’ve used] to track the maintenance phases and design evolution of a project. Using consistent terminology and procedures keeps my entire team on the same page.

Notice we mixed technical questions with prompts about soft skills that every good candidate should cultivate. Show your interviewer that you’re the complete package, and you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding controls engineering career.