💻IT & Technology
Automation Engineer
Automates industrial processes
Builds systems that run production without constant human involvement — from sensors to industrial controllers.
What they do
- ▹Designs the automation scheme for a specific part of production
- ▹Configures industrial controllers (PLCs) and sensors
- ▹Tests an automated line before it goes live
- ▹Fixes faults and refines how the automation logic behaves
Skills you need
- ▹Electrical engineering and industrial electronics
- ▹Controller programming (e.g. ladder logic)
- ▹Reading technical schematics
- ▹Attention to detail and process sequencing
- ▹Hands-on work with equipment on-site
Focus on these subjects at school
PhysicsComputer scienceMathematics
Where they work
- ▹Industrial plants (food, textile, metallurgical)
- ▹Systems integration and automation companies
- ▹Power-sector enterprises
- ▹Industrial equipment service centers
Pros
- + Growing demand as factories modernize
- + Combines engineering knowledge with programming
Challenges
- − Mostly plant-floor work rather than an office job
- − Line downtime from a fault falls directly on the engineer
Programs that lead to this profession
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