[snowwindwaves]

controls engineering still mostly deals with the physics of the process and not how the software is implemented.

It is probably different on larger projects or when working for public utilities. All of the ones I have worked on are less than 50MW and are owned by corporations.

I think a lot of the automation field is learned on the job. you can take a PLC programming course but all you learn is the specifics of how to program that platform. It doesn't tell you what to program. That depends on the process you are controlling. I got in to hydro by working for a utility that owned a power plant as a student and then when looking for work after university sought out any opportunities for someone who liked programming and power plants. There are lots, but the catch is having the experience to get the job. I got in the door of a power plant by helping to program their datalogging and alerting system and then learned how to program the machines from a consultant who graciously provided me the on the job training and an owner who was willing to let me make mistakes.