r/ElectricalEngineering • u/JarlMarcquis • 1d ago

Power vs Controls Engineering

Those of you that have been in both Controls Engineering & Power (Design/Consulting), what made you stick with one over the other? I am torn between staying where I am now, or changing fields and switching to something different:

Currently I have a decent job as a mainly power focused EE at a design/consulting firm. Current focus is drawings, specs, light load calcs, design packages, etc. In my future they will be adding Arc Flash Studies & Protection Coordination to my list of responsibilities. I would take the lead and spearhead that with some guidance from senior EEs. Essentially a traditional EE role.

I also have a great offer to pursue a controls engineering position. Panel design, testing, programming, commissioning. I'd be giving up some benefits for higher pay, traveling further distances than I am now (~20%) and performing the functions of a OEM/Integrator. The opportunity excites me as it would be office/shop, PLC programming, more in-person, more tangible that what I have experienced thus far in my career.

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u/c126 1d ago

Power requires PE at some point, so theres that to consider.

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u/clavado_en_un_bar 1d ago

I did power for 2-3 years, one of the most boring jobs ever. I took the FE before graduation with no intentions to go into power. I only took this job because I had no luck in my desired field. Now I’m in semiconductors.

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u/ruff285 1d ago

I have been in controls for about ten years now. I question why I do what I do but I love unique problems and with controls they come in spades. I don’t travel much anymore unless a plant shuts down and needs immediate response. Although I do get the calls at night and on the weekends.