How to Become an Automation Engineer
Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.
In the rapidly evolving world of technology, automation engineers play a crucial role in improving efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness across a wide array of industries by using technology to streamline and automate various processes.
But what is an automation engineer, and how do you become one? What skills are required, and what does the job outlook look like? In this comprehensive guide, we will answer all these questions and more, providing you with a complete roadmap to a career in automation engineering.
This guide will explore what an automation engineer does, the steps to becoming one, the various automation engineer job descriptions and salaries, and the future prospects of this evolving field.
6 Steps to Becoming an Automation Engineer
Becoming an automation engineer involves several essential steps and typically takes 4-6 years. Here are the key steps to becoming an automation engineer:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Start with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably in a field such as electrical, mechanical, computer, or automation engineering. This education is the basis for technical knowledge needed for designing and implementing automated systems.
Step 2: Develop Technical Expertise
Get proficient in programming languages such as Python, C++, or ladder logic for programmable logic controllers (PLCs). You should understand control systems, robotics, and sensor technology. Familiarize yourself with CAD (computer-aided design) and CAE (computer-aided engineering) software.
Step 3: Gain Hands-On Experience
Practical experience is vital to working as an engineer. Look for internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions that provide you exposure to automation projects. Participating in hackathons or competitions can also be beneficial.
Step 4: Professional Networking
Build a professional network: Connect with industry professionals through LinkedIn, attend conferences, and join engineering organizations.
Step 5: Create a Portfolio
Compile a portfolio that highlights your projects, designs, and systems you have helped automate. This portfolio will highlight your abilities and the work you have done.
Step 6: Keep Learning
Keep up with the industry: Read industry publications, attend workshops, and continue to educate yourself about the latest innovations in the field. Professional certifications in new software, control systems, or emerging fields like AI and machine learning can keep your skillset relevant and open doors to advanced career opportunities.
Featured Online Bachelor’s in Engineering Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is an Automation Engineer?
An automation engineer uses technology to streamline and automate various processes in manufacturing, electricity generation, warehouse distribution, and mining. These engineers work to reduce human intervention and maximize efficiency.
Their daily tasks may include handling technical support requests, designing and managing the installation of electrical equipment, and performing design calculations. They also prepare equipment specifications, develop operator manuals, and frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams.
What Does an Automation Engineer Do?
An automation engineer’s responsibilities depend on the specific industry and the complexity of the automated systems they manage. Here are the most common responsibilities:
- Designing and implementing automation systems: Automation engineers design and implement automated equipment and systems to improve production processes. This can involve both hardware and software components.
- Programming controllers: Controllers are crucial components of automation systems. Automation engineers must be proficient in programming to set up these controllers.
- Simulating and testing processes: Before automation systems are implemented, they must be thoroughly tested. Automation engineers use computer simulations to test these systems and make the necessary adjustments.
- Troubleshooting systems: Automation engineers need strong problem-solving skills and expertise of system operations to diagnose any problems that occur, such as system failures or malfunctions.
- Researching emerging technologies: Automation is a rapidly evolving field, and automation engineers must stay up-to-date with the latest developments. This can involve researching new technologies and finding ways to incorporate them into existing systems.
- Providing technical support: Automation engineers may also provide technical support to other employees or customers. This can involve explaining how automation systems work, troubleshooting problems, or providing training on new systems.
- Checking for compliance with safety regulations: Automation systems can be complex and potentially dangerous, so automation engineers must make sure all systems comply with relevant safety regulations to protect employees and equipment.
Automation Engineers Career and Salary Potential
With automation becoming integral to operational efficiency across various industries, the demand for skilled automation engineers may continue to rise. Automation engineers enjoy high job stability due to the essential nature of their work.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that similar occupations in computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering had median annual salaries of $138,080, $109,010, and $99,510, respectively, as of 2023. It also projects growth in these careers ranging from 5% to 10% from 2022-2032. Salaries for automation engineers can range significantly based on location, experience, and industry. The median annual wage for architecture and engineering occupations was $91,420 — well above the median annual wage of all occupations of $48,060.
The field offers substantial opportunities for advanced roles and specializations, making it a strong choice for those interested in pursuing this career. Potential roles range from junior automation engineers to senior management positions.
| Job | Description | Average Salary (Aug 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Automation Engineer | Assists in developing and maintaining automation scripts such as testing, debugging, and documenting automation processes | $78,520 |
| Automation Engineer | Designs and implements automated systems within an organization | $84,300 |
| Senior Automation Engineer | Manages high-level planning, decision-making, and strategic initiatives in the automation engineering department | $111,620 |
| Controls Engineer | Works with rapidly evolving technologies and control systems and is often involved in projects ranging from space flights to power grids | $83,990 |
| Robotics Engineer | Designs, builds, and maintains robots and robotic systems | $93,800 |
| Director of Automation | Oversees the automation strategy within an organization | $126,870 |
Essential Tools and Programs for Automation Engineers
Automation engineers need to be proficient in a variety of tools and programs. Key areas of proficiency include:
- Programming Languages: Expertise in languages like C++, Python, Java, and JavaScript is essential for writing and maintaining automation code.
- Control Systems: Knowledge of PLCs, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCS) is crucial for industrial automation processes.
- Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Selenium for web testing, Jenkins for CI/CD pipelines, Ansible for IT automation, and robotic process automation (RPA) platforms like UiPath.
- Advanced Technologies:Understanding machine learning, artificial intelligence, and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies is increasingly important for developing intelligent and adaptive systems.
- Software Development: Proficiency in software development practices, including DevOps methodologies and experience with version control systems like Git.
- System Integration: The ability to integrate various hardware and software components into cohesive automated systems.
- Database Management: Skills in managing databases and knowledge of SQL for handling data related to automation processes.
- Cloud Computing: Familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. By mastering these tools and programs, automation engineers can create efficient, reliable, and scalable automated systems.
6 Essential Automation Soft Skills
While technical proficiency is crucial, automation engineers also need soft skills to excel in their roles. These include:
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Automation engineers often encounter complex challenges that require innovative solutions. They need to analyze problems, identify solutions, and apply critical thinking.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Because the automation field often has new innovations, automation engineers must be adaptable and open to learning new tools and techniques.
- Collaboration and Teamwork: Automation engineers often need to work in teams, which requires cross-collaboration with other engineers, programmers, and professionals from various disciplines. Because of that, they need to be able to work well with others and know how to share knowledge.
- Effective Communication: Automation engineers need to communicate technical information to non-technical stakeholders clearly. This includes presenting ideas, explaining challenges, and providing updates on project progress.
- Creativity and Innovation: The nature of automation engineering often requires creative thinking and innovative solutions, so the ability to think outside the box and come up with new ideas is crucial.
- Attention to Detail: Automation engineers must pay close attention to detail to make sure automation systems function correctly and efficiently. This includes carefully checking code, monitoring systems, and promptly addressing any issues.
5 Professional Certifications and Advanced Courses for Automation Engineers
Pursuing professional certifications and advanced courses can significantly enhance an automation engineer’s skills and career prospects.
Here are some top options:
Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
- Provider:International Society of Automation (ISA)
- Skills Acquired: Automation practices, control systems, project management
- Cost: Exam fee required
- Description: The CAP certification validates expertise in process automation and control systems, covering principles of operation, project management, and implementation strategies. It requires a bachelor’s degree and five years of work experience or equivalent work experience.
Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
- Provider: Quality Assurance Institute (QAI)
- Skills Acquired: Software testing, quality control principles
- Cost: $350-$420
- Description: Suitable for professionals with experience in automation, this certification validates skills in testing applications and understanding software architecture and debugging.
Professional Scrum Developer Certification
- Provider: Scrum.org
- Skills Acquired: Agile testing, scrum application development
- Cost: $200
- Description: This certification is for developers building a career in agile testing, covering agile testing and scrum app development.
A4Q Certified Selenium Tester Foundation
- Provider: iSQI
- Skills Acquired: Selenium, WebDriver, automated testing solutions
- Cost: $236.56
- Description: Assesses Selenium testing knowledge in business environments, providing hands-on experience with Selenium’s automated testing solutions.
ISTQB Certified Tester Advanced Level, Test Automation Engineer (CTAL-TAE)
- Provider: ISTQB
- Skills Acquired: Test automation, software architecture, API testing
- Cost: $170
- Description: Designed for quality assurance professionals, this certification covers test automation, software architecture, and API testing.
Automation Engineer Interview Questions
Preparing for an interview as an automation engineer involves familiarizing yourself with a variety of technical and situational questions. Here are some common interview questions for automation engineers and tips on how to prepare for them:
- What is your experience with automated testing frameworks? Be ready to discuss specific frameworks you have used, such as Selenium, Appium, or Robot Framework, and provide examples of how you have implemented them in your previous roles.
- Can you explain how you would automate a login page? Describe the process of identifying page elements, creating test scripts to input data, and validating successful logins, including handling negative test scenarios.
- What are some challenges you have faced in test automation? Discuss issues such as maintaining test scripts as applications evolve and the strategies you used to keep them up-to-date.
- How do you ensure the stability and reliability of your test automation framework? Highlight practices like using version control, documenting processes, and regular reviews to ensure the test framework remains stable.
- Can you describe a time when you used test automation to improve the efficiency of a manual testing process? Provide a specific example where you identified repetitive manual tests and automated them, leading to significant time and resource savings.
Professional Organizations for Automation Engineers
Joining professional organizations can provide numerous benefits for automation engineers, including networking opportunities, continuing education resources, industry updates, and potential job leads. Here are some of the top professional organizations for automation engineers:
- International Society of Automation: ISA is a global non-profit organization that provides over 160,000 world-class technical resources, highly respected certifications, and proven training courses. They offer resources for technical questions, networking opportunities, and professional development resources.
- Association for Advancing Automation: A3 is an automation trade association that provides education, networking, and public advocacy services for automation businesses. They offer resources such as industry statistics, standards, and certification programs, as well as networking opportunities at conferences and events.
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: IEEE is the largest technical professional organization that tries to advance technology to benefit humanity. They provide resources such as technology standards, conferences, and continuing education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming an Automation Engineer
Automation does require math. It’s needed for developing algorithms, optimizing production, and maintaining precision in robotic systems. Key mathematical areas include algebra, trigonometry, calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics.
Explore More College Resources
Best Accelerated Engineering Degree Programs
Discover the top accelerated engineering degree programs and learn about the career outlook for engineers. Find out how to choose the right program for you.
Updated September 18, 2024
Online Master’s in Engineering Programs
An online master’s in engineering can lead to new career opportunities. Find the best online engineering master’s program for your future.
Updated August 29, 2023
Master’s in Engineering Program Guide
Become the architect of your own engineering career with a master’s degree in engineering. We can help get you started.
by Meg Embry
Updated August 13, 2024