Controls Engineer Review

Designing and programming control systems for combustion equipment such as burner management systems, vapour combustors, flare ignition systems. I am involved in the initial design, CAD electrical and general assembly drawings, program design, hardware selection, risk assessment, programming, factory acceptance, and comissioining. The systems we design include a range of manufacturers of equipment and safety equipment such as high availablility / redundant PLCs and IO.

I have learnt lots of new skills in programming, standards, safety systems, system design etc. At my previous employer I was experienced in fault finding and basic programming from my studies but this has been developed massively by the educational program with the siemens PLC training courses and also training / experience at work.

I find my program very enjoyable and factual. At my educational providers I have made good friends and connections that I will have for life and may be useful to connect with in future to share experience / current issues. The Siemens training is carried out in a very friendly and professional environment and I really enjoy those courses.

The program is reasonably well organised, Siemens has always been more organised than the subcontracted training provider with some issues occuring there with organisation. However, they have always been resolved eventually and I have had full support from Siemens along the way. There has been minor disruption and delay to my scheme as a result of Covid-19.

My employer is always available to support where required but apart from the scheduled reviews will leave me to my own devices to complete the required work as per my request. I much perfer and am competent enough to manage my own time and workload in accordance with current work / educational priorities.

The training providers have always supported as required and helped to resolve any issues. From time to time they can be a little unaccomodating to work committments yet do not meet their own deadlines making it a very one-sided workflow. But on the hole I have achieved the deadlines and grades I desired.

My qualification is perfect for my role and they have worked hand in hand with my training supporting my job role and also my work furthering my experience in the required skills needed for examination (PLC related). We are currently using a lot of Siemens equipment which I have taken under my wing in accordance to my training.

Yes there are usually social activities and corporate events for employees of my workplace, however these have mainly been postponed due to covid-19. We have still had teams meetings and 'fun days' within the office where food and drink has been provided by my workplace and we have had games of bingo etc.

Yes

My company is a company that has a very good work force and vibe with it. You are welcomed straight away and the employees are treat as one big family with regular signs of appreciation provided by the company. Overall it is an enjoyable place to work with decent benefits.

Successful canditaes include those who have good communication and social skills and are able to work hard when required. It is very much a work hard-play hard attitude as it is important that the good atmosphere is created by all the employees getting on well. Good technical knowledge and an interest into the industry is also essential.