Control room engineer
You’ll manage and monitor equipment in a control room to ensure smooth and safe operations.
Also known as: control room specialist, control room technician, control room operator
About the job
What it's like
As a control room engineer, you could work in a variety of industries. These include manufacturing, energy, telecommunications or utilities. You could be based in, for example, a power plant, a chemical plant or a water company.
It can be fast-paced in this role, especially if there are faults or emergencies. It can also be rewarding, knowing you're keeping people, homes and businesses safe.
If you work offshore, you’ll monitor, control and optimise the operations of offshore wind turbines. And you’ll do it all from an onshore control centre.
Your tasks might include:
monitoring systems and equipment, such as pumps, turbines and compressors
analysing data from sensors and control systems to detect trends and issues
identifying faults and fixing them remotely or by instructing technicians on site
responding to emergencies
making sure all operations follow industry safety standards
reporting and documenting maintenance and incidents
Green job
In this job, you could be doing work to help the environment, for example in a wind farm or a renewable energy company.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Transport -
Digital technologies -
Energy -
Engineering and manufacturing
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- time management
- taking responsibility
- resilience
- reliable
- problem solving
- observation
- attention to detail
- analysing
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Design and Technology
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Engineering Science
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Information and Communications Technology - ICT
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Practical Electronics
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Applications of Mathematics
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Electrical or Electronic Engineering
Computer Science
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you find work or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Computer Science
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Some employers look for you to hold a Senior Authorised Person (SAP) authorisation.
For some jobs, you may need to have a full driving licence to travel to sites.
You may need to hold a UK passport depending on you’re working for, to pass security clearance requirements.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Control room engineer'
