Instrument and Control Systems Engineering is about engineering that measures and controls process variables in manufacturing facilities and processing plants. Engineers design and implement the systems that use them. Instrument and Control Systems Technicians work under the supervision of engineers to measure and control the variables and report back to them.
Both engineers and technicians need college degrees to obtain jobs in an instrument and control system career. Many industries use their skills to produce and/or process vast amounts and types of products from raw materials to finished products.
You are familiar with everyday products produced by engineers and technicians that include:
- Clean water
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Lumber
- Food
- Beverages
- Oil
- Chemicals
Each of these products goes through a processing and production line to generate a useful, end-product for residential, commercial, or industrial use.
Engineers Design and Create Instruments and Mechanisms
Engineers need a bachelors or masters degree to design and implement instrument and control systems. They use their knowledge and skills to take ideas to the drawing board and computer screen to create measuring mechanisms such as timers, pressure gauges, electrical flows.
Engineers also design and implement control mechanisms to keep systems running efficiently and safely. Their experiences and intellect allow them to create products that can be patented and used in their companies. They also apply control theory to design systems with desired outcomes in mind. Instrument and control engineers are also responsible for the research that goes into developing complete systems.
Technicians Measure and Control Instruments and Processes
ICS Technicians work with engineers to help design, construct, maintain, and operate control systems. These systems collect data from production and processing and or convert it into digital formats. Technicians typically need an associate degree to perform their jobs working with an assortment of variables, including:
- Current Power
- Flow rate Pressure
- Force Speed
- Humidity Temperature
- Level Voltage
- pH
- Power
- Pressure
- Speed
- Temperature
- Voltage
To clarify this field of work, instrumentation is the use of electrical systems to take accurate measurements of these variables. Process control is used to control the equipment to reach the desired outcomes.
”Both engineers and technicians need college degrees to obtain jobs in an instrument and control system career. Many industries use their skills to produce and/or process vast amounts and types of products from raw materials to finished products.”
Manufacturing Is a Major Employer for ICS Technicians and Mechanics
Domestic and international manufacturing companies employ ICS technicians to keep their production and assembly lines running effectively and safely. Whether the facilities work with metal, wood, plastic, ceramics, electronic components, or glass, techs work to keep everything under control.
There are 592,872 manufacturing businesses in the U.S. as of 2021, and their numbers have remained steady during the last five years. Demand for technicians increases as corporations seek more international markets. These states have the highest number of manufacturers:
- California – 37,433
- Texas – 20,138
- New York – 15,112
Processing Plants Are the Other Major Employer
Processing plants all around the globe also use the services of instrument and control systems technicians to process raw material into useful products. Many of these plants work with volume instead of quantity, such as gallons, barrels, or tons.
There are many processing facilities in the U.S. that provide us with essentials, including:
- Clean Water and Waste-water disposal and processing
- Petroleum products in the form of oil and natural gas
- Foods, beverages, and pharmaceuticals
- Chemicals, plastics, and textiles
- Power generation
- Pulp products and paper
Instrument and control technicians work diligently to measure and control manufacturing and processing systems to ensure quality, safety, and production goals.
Education and Training Needed to Work in This Career
By earning an associate degree, graduates can obtain an entry-level job in this expanding career. One of Louisiana’s best schools is ITI Technical College in Baton Rouge. Our Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree in the Instrument and Control Systems Technology Program is designed to fill the needs of Gulf Coast employers. We invite you to visit our campus or request more information online.
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website:https://iticollege.edu/disclosures
References and Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instrumentation_and_control_engineering
