Also called: I&C Engineer
Designs the sensors, valves and control systems that run refineries, water plants and power stations automatically.
You choose the right pressure and flow sensors, design the control logic that opens a valve when a tank gets too full, and test the system before startup. During commissioning you might work 12-hour days on site.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in electrical, chemical or mechanical engineering.
Ways in: 4-year college. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering.
Growing faster than average (about 7% over 10 years). Electrical engineers overall.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI drafts control logic and spots process problems; commissioning plants, troubleshooting sensors and safety systems stay human.
Classes: Physics, Chemistry, Computer science, Electronics CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2071.
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