Many can adapt to the mathematics of different fields, but designing an
electronic board and designing a bridge are miles apart, irrespective of
sums.

Well, on the surface this is true. However, when you get to the really deep
stuff, you'll find yourself solving the same sort of control theory problems
whether you are designing a bridge, or an optimising heating controller.
Whether the solution to the control theory problem is made of steel,
transistors or x86 assembly language is just window dressing.

Christian.