Careers5 March 20265 min read

Controls Engineer vs Automation Engineer: What's the Difference?

Joseph Brijin Chacko, CEng

Founder & Director, OSCABE

"Controls engineer" and "automation engineer" are two of the most commonly used job titles in industrial automation, yet they are frequently confused — by candidates, employers, and recruiters alike. While there is significant overlap between the roles, understanding the distinctions is important for career planning, job searching, and hiring. This guide clarifies the differences and helps you position yourself in the market.

Controls Engineer: The Specialist

A controls engineer focuses on the design, programming, and commissioning of control systems. This is fundamentally an electrical and software engineering role, with deep expertise in:

PLC programming — writing and debugging control logic for Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Beckhoff, and other platforms

Electrical design — control panel layout, circuit design, and compliance with BS 7671

Instrumentation — selecting, calibrating, and integrating sensors, transmitters, and actuators

Safety systems — functional safety design including SIL-rated systems and safety PLCs

Commissioning — testing, fault-finding, and bringing systems to operational readiness

Controls engineers typically work at the component and system level. They are concerned with how individual machines and processes are controlled, how signals flow between sensors, PLCs, and actuators, and how safety requirements are met.

Typical salary range: £38,000-£60,000 (permanent), £300-£500/day (contract)

Automation Engineer: The Generalist

An automation engineer takes a broader view. While they may possess many of the same technical skills as a controls engineer, their role extends to system integration, process optimisation, and project delivery. Key responsibilities include:

System architecture — designing how PLCs, SCADA, MES, and enterprise systems connect and communicate

Process optimisation — using automation to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase throughput

Project management — planning, delivering, and commissioning automation projects

Vendor coordination — managing relationships with equipment suppliers, integrators, and OEMs

Continuous improvement — identifying opportunities to automate manual processes

Automation engineers think about the production line or plant as a whole. They consider how automation serves business objectives, not just technical requirements.

Typical salary range: £40,000-£65,000 (permanent), £350-£550/day (contract)

Skills Overlap

In practice, there is considerable overlap between these roles. Many engineers hold both titles at different points in their careers. Core shared skills include:

PLC programming and configuration

SCADA and HMI development

Industrial networking and communication protocols

Understanding of manufacturing processes

Problem-solving and fault-finding ability

Key Differences at a Glance

Aspect	Controls Engineer	Automation Engineer
Focus	Component and system level	Plant and process level
Primary output	Control code and panel designs	Automated production systems
Key skills	PLC programming, electrical design	System integration, project delivery
Typical industries	All manufacturing, utilities, infrastructure	Manufacturing, FMCG, pharmaceuticals
Career path	Senior Controls, Principal Engineer	Automation Lead, Solutions Architect

Which Career Path Is Right for You?

If you enjoy deep technical work — writing elegant PLC code, designing safety circuits, and commissioning systems hands-on — a controls engineering career may suit you best. If you prefer a broader perspective — designing how entire systems work together, optimising processes, and managing projects — automation engineering offers a wider scope.

Many of the most successful professionals in our network have built careers that combine both perspectives. Starting in controls engineering provides a strong technical foundation, while moving into automation engineering broadens your impact and opens doors to leadership roles.

Finding the Right Role

Whether you identify as a controls engineer, automation engineer, or both, OSCABE can help you find roles that match your skills and ambitions. Browse current openings or register with us for personalised job matching and career advice from our Chartered Engineer-led team.