Who is instrumentation engineer

Control instrumentation includes devices such as solenoids, valves, circuit breakers, and relays. These devices are able to change a field parameter, and provide remote or automated control capabilities.

Transmitters are devices which produce an analog signal, usually in the form of a 4—20 ma electrical current signal, although many other options using voltage,frequency, or pressure are possible. This signal can be used to control other instruments directly, or it can be sent to a PLC , DCS , SCADA system, or other type of computerized controller, where it can be interpreted into readable values and used to control other devices and processes in the system.

Instrumentation plays a significant role in both gathering information from the field and changing the field parameters, and as such are a key part of control loops. Instrumentation can be used to measure certain field parameters physical values :. In addition to measuring field parameters, instrumentation is also responsible for providing the ability to modify some field parameters.

Instrumentation engineering is the engineering specialization focused on the principle and operation of measuring instruments which are used in design and configuration of automated systems in electrical, pneumatic domains etc. They typically work for industries with automated processes, such as chemical or manufacturing plants, with the goal of improving system productivity, reliability, safety, optimization and stability.

To control the parameters in a process or in a particular system, devices such as microprocessors, microcontrollers or PLCs are used, but their ultimate aim is to control the parameters of a system.

When the word safety comes, I usually compare it with a vehicle which I am driving and suddenly I have to apply brakes. A good vehicle will immediately comes to a halt without skid and without harm to any passenger. Its an art and science of measurement and control. Automation is the buzz word in process industry, and automation is the core job of instrumentation engineers. Hence, the demand for instrumentation will always be there. But, how much you can cash on your job, it entirely depends upon, where you stand in the crowd of this field.

Largely on country, company and specialization. A vendor may be paying lesser to an automation engineer than a commissioning engineer from engineering and construction consultant, though both are doing same nature of job.

Instrumentation engineers design safety system , maintain control systems and trouble shooting in industry and responsible for smooth operation of plant. If any of the system fails, industry has to face production loss, systems damage, plant shutdown, penalties and losses due to failure of compliance and loss of lives of people and image of industry in society also degrades.

The discipline for instrumentation engineers depend on the industry you plan to work, most engineers in this field hold graduate degrees in electrical , mechanical or computer engineering.

Skills Required to become an Instrumentation Engineer All engineers are required to have strong hold on mathematics and physics. Instrumentation engineers must also possess the following skills as they find themselves in situations to solve uniquely challenging problems:.

Scope for Instrumentation Engineers Instrumentation engineers may design devices like dynamometers for measuring torque, blood glucose monitors, aircraft sensors, and smoke detectors.

Job roles of an Instrumentation Engineer An instrumentation and control engineer is required to:. Job Opportunities for Instrumentation Engineers Instrumentation engineers find employment in industries which improve efficiency, stability and safety of automated processes.

The industrial sectors include. Apart from the above instrumentation engineers also find employment in companies that utilize specialized instruments for their day-to-day operations.. By Vidhya Shree. Tourism: Scope And Career Opportunities. What Is Ayurveda? Scope And Career Opportunities. What Is Criminology?

Who is a Geoscientist? What is Sericulture? What Is Paint Technology? For Quick Alerts. These provide an excellent insight into the nature of the work and are often hands-on. You should apply early, as places are limited and competition is strong. Some degree courses offer a year in industry, which really helps to demonstrate what the career will be like, as well as making some good contacts for future job prospects.

Your course tutors or careers service should be able to help set this up. Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available. As a control and instrumentation engineer your skills will be in demand in a range of engineering sectors, including:.

Other sectors include aerospace, marine, materials and defence engineering, and environmental agencies. You'll need to have a good understanding of the main processes of the organisation employing you. For this reason, initial training is usually in-house and involves an introduction to various operations and training on manufacturing processes, testing, quality standards, assembly and installation, all specific to the company. This training is usually conducted by senior engineers.

Most engineers work towards achieving professional engineer status, typically becoming a chartered engineer CEng. This is an internationally-recognised engineering qualification, which is awarded by the Engineering Council. CEng status provides higher earning potential and improved career prospects. To become chartered you need to be a member of a professional institution to be able to apply through them for registration. The process of becoming chartered is more straightforward if you have certain academic qualifications, which include:.

It's still possible to become chartered without these qualifications but you may need to take a different route. Membership offers you additional benefits such as access to conferences, networks and news bulletins. Many companies offer sponsorship for postgraduate study, part-time PhDs, technical qualifications, MBAs and other qualifications. Search postgraduate courses in control and instrumentation engineering. Working towards professional registration, such as incorporated engineer IEng or chartered engineer CEng can aid career progression, depending on your level of qualification.

In more senior roles you may lead a team or manage test programmes. Senior positions carry the highest level of responsibility and typically include planning and management activities, as well as leading new developments. Senior engineers in production and operation functions can often be representatives at board level. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the role, working closely with colleagues across all functions and acquiring skills in a range of areas, you may choose to move sideways into other career areas either within or outside the industry.

This could include areas such as:. It may be possible to draw upon your experience to pursue consultancy-based work, or to engage in academic research in universities or undertake work as a lecturer or trainer. Jobs and work experience Search graduate jobs Job profiles Work experience and internships Employer profiles What job would suit me?