What Is Control Engineering and Automation? A Complete Overview You Need to Know

Control Engineering and Automation is a field that studies the operation of automated production lines, automated systems, and the application of control technologies in industrial environments.

What is Control Engineering and Automation?

So, what is Control Engineering and Automation? Control Engineering and Automation, also known as Control and Automation Engineering, is a field of study that primarily focuses on the design and research of how automated production lines and automated systems operate, based on data and sensor applications in factories and industrial plants.

In addition, this major also trains students to manage products in companies trading automation technology equipment, as well as design, manufacture, and control robots.

Compared to the past, labor productivity has increased significantly thanks to the emergence of control and automation technologies.

The Control Engineering and Automation major provides students with specialized knowledge and skills in areas such as industrial communication, production automation, robot design, manufacturing and control, as well as the control of automated devices and systems, etc.

What Does Automation Engineering Study?

What does Automation Engineering study? This is certainly a question many students are wondering about. Currently, students pursuing Automation Engineering are provided with and trained in the following professional knowledge and skills:

• Electrical and electronic circuit theory

• Intelligent sensor systems

• Traditional and modern control methods

• Design, manufacturing, and testing of measurement and control devices

• Intelligent measurement technology

• Consulting, design, and development of automation systems

• Programming automation for industrial production lines

• Robot manufacturing and control

• Management and supervision of engineering projects

• Power electronics control and electric drives

• Operation and maintenance of automated production lines

• Integration of devices to establish control systems

• Industrial communication network systems

• Research and development of intelligent automation devices and modern control systems toward Industry 4.0, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Not only focusing on professional knowledge, skills such as scientific thinking, the ability to learn and adapt to technology, creativity, and professional working discipline are indispensable in the training program.

Moreover, Automation Engineering is a broad field that continuously evolves with technological advancements, therefore opportunities to pursue higher levels of education for students are extremely promising.

Learn more: High-skilled automation manpower supply services

Is the Salary in Control Engineering and Automation High?

So, what can graduates of Automation Engineering do after graduation? This is also a question that many students are highly interested in. As the name suggests, the main job of this field is to control and automate production lines in factories and industrial plants. However, not all graduates work directly in operating production lines.

Depending on the training program and specialization, students majoring in Automation Engineering may obtain college diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, or even higher engineering qualifications. In reality, academic qualifications play an important role in determining job positions in the field of Control Engineering and Automation. Therefore, students pursuing this major need to carefully consider their level of education.

Below is a list of some job positions for graduates in Control Engineering and Automation, along with their corresponding salary ranges:

Electrical – Mechatronics Technician

The technician position is an important stepping stone for newly graduated students with limited working experience.

For this position, the average monthly salary ranges from 7,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND. With more practical experience, the salary can gradually increase to 20,000,000 – 25,000,000 VND per month.

System Engineer

The average salary for a System Engineer ranges from 9,000,000 to 16,000,000 VND per month. For professionals with strong capabilities and long-term experience in the industry, the salary can reach 27,000,000 – 30,000,000 VND per month.

Control Programming Engineer

A Control Programming Engineer is a dream position for many students graduating from Automation Engineering.

The income for a Control Programming Engineer with limited experience ranges from 8,000,000 to 15,000,000 VND per month, and can later increase to 25,000,000 – 30,000,000 VND per month.

Learn more: Industrial automation system programming services

Design Engineer

The salary for a Design Engineer ranges from 9,000,000 – 14,000,000 VND/month for those without experience, and gradually increases to 30,000,000 – 45,000,000 VND/month for engineers with extensive practical experience.

Operation and Maintenance Engineer

For this position, employees receive an average salary of 8,000,000 – 16,000,000 VND/month, which can increase to a higher level of approximately 20,000,000 – 30,000,000 VND/month.

System Specialist, Consulting Specialist

The income of system specialists or consulting specialists may be paid monthly or based on individual projects. This depends on each specialist’s capability, experience, and professional reputation.

Overall, the average income ranges from 10,000,000 – 20,000,000 VND/month, and may later increase to 25,000,000 – 35,000,000 VND/month.

Lecturer, Researcher

Lecturer positions at universities or research specialists in design, control, and automation are suitable for students with excellent academic performance who graduate with high grades and have a strong passion for research and teaching.

Income for these positions is paid according to government salary and incentive policies.

Is Automation Engineering Easy to Find a Job?

Despite its attractive salary, is Automation Engineering an easy field to find employment in?

With the continuous development of technology and constantly changing consumer demands, machinery and equipment must also be continuously improved to avoid becoming outdated.

Because this field requires constant innovation and adaptability, there are many job opportunities for newly graduated students. Moreover, control and automation have high applicability in industrial production, making this field difficult to replace.

This means that the job market for this industry always offers numerous opportunities for everyone. Therefore, as long as students equip themselves with sufficient knowledge, professional skills, and maintain diligence and effort, Automation Engineering can be considered a field with good employment prospects.

What Skills Are Needed to Study Control Engineering and Automation?

For students who are still unsure whether they should pursue Control Engineering and Automation, or whether they can build a long-term career in this field, consider the following essential skills:

• Creativity and innovative thinking

• Interest in machinery, control systems, and automation

• Attention to detail

• Strong and agile logical thinking

• Ability to work well both independently and in teams

• Good analytical skills

• Proactive attitude and willingness to explore and experiment

• Strong performance in natural science subjects

• Basic technical skills

Where to Study Automation Engineering?

Students pursuing Automation Engineering need to apply through the following examination subject combinations:

• A00: Mathematics – Physics – Chemistry

• A01: Mathematics – Physics – English

• B00: Mathematics – Chemistry – Biology

• C01: Literature – Mathematics – Physics

• D01: Literature – Mathematics – English

• D07: Mathematics – Chemistry – English

• D10: Mathematics – Geography – English

Currently, many universities offer programs in Control Engineering and Automation. Below is a list of universities by region, from South to North:

Southern Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education

• Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry

• Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City

• Lac Hong University

• Tra Vinh University

• Can Tho University of Technology

• Vinh Long University of Technology Education

Central Vietnam

• Vinh University of Technology Education

• Vinh Industrial University

• University of Technology Education

• University of Danang

• University of Science and Technology

• Dong A University

• University of Danang

Northern Vietnam

• Hanoi University of Industry

• Hanoi University of Science and Technology

• Hanoi Open University

• University of Economics – Technology for Industries

• Hai Phong University

• University of Information and Communication Technology

• Thai Nguyen University

• Electric Power University

• Hung Yen University of Technology and Education

• East Asia University of Technology

• Quang Ninh University of Industry

We hope that with the information provided by MINA TECH VN, you will gain a clearer understanding of the future potential of Control Engineering and Automation, and be able to define your own career direction if you choose to pursue this engineering field.

A manpower supply company not only provides labor but also delivers appropriate human resource solutions to best support business operations. Minatech Vietnam is one of the most reputable manpower suppliers today. With flexibility and credibility, we offer more than just temporary staffing solutions.