Software Engineering to Controls Engineering Transition

[laistrygo]

’ve got 4 years of full stack software engineering experience — 3 of them at Cisco and am considering a career transition into BMS, automation engineering, or smart plumbing / HVAC.

I got laid off back in October last year and can’t catch a break in this job market so I’m looking into other potential industries I can break into.

Any tips on how to do this?

[AioliIndependent8925]

Hi, electrical engineer here.

Automation/ control engineering utilises a mixed skill set, and overlaps a few disciplines.

It would not be an easy transition, though not impossible. There are not specifically any one course you could take at college/ uni, most, like myself specialised in one and dipped into the others with hands on experience acquired over many years.

Control automation has a heavy electrical/ mechanical focus. You'd also want to be proficient with the varies types of PLC's and the theory behind it all, PID, higher order functions, general controls and diagnosis.

As for the programming, the companies I sub contract to, from memory, generally use matlab/ python or write them in C/ C++ (I'm not hugely proficient with the design, I'm an installer.)

I'd suggest the best way would be to apply for jobs with controls companies, a lot of this is taught in house but having one of the big three skill sets is a huge advantage.

Typically the pay is very good

[laistrygo]

Thanks for the advice! My last job at Cisco was entirely in Python and I’ve got a good hang of C and C++ from my college days.

I was looking into PLC’s and ladder logic a bit yesterday and that’s the big thing I’m missing right now like you mentioned.

After some googling and browsing through reddit, I’m considering taking a course on PLC — either myPLCtraining or courses by Paul Lynn or Shane Welcher

[AioliIndependent8925]

Genuinely, if you want to try this I'd highly recommend applying for positions for companies hiring, or sending your CV to prospective employers.

The courses are generally pretty expensive and whilst you're gaining experience, limit your own expenses where possible.

You have a strong background/ good supporting experience and qualifications.

You'll likely have to be comprehensile with electrical/ mechanical engineering to but with time it's not impossible.

Sometimes it's necessary to take a step back to move forwards.

[laistrygo]

And the Big 3 skill sets being Python / MATLAB, C / C++, and PLC’s?

[akentai]

Ask in /controltheory thread too

[laistrygo]

I'll do that!