In the age of digital transformation, the role of automation engineers has become increasingly important. These professionals are responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing automated systems in diverse mechanical and digital environments. The primary aim is to enhance business processes, reduce costs, and deliver better results.
Automation engineering is a fast-growing field that offers lucrative salaries. In the US, automation engineers can expect to earn an average annual salary of $111,668, with top earners making over $200,000 per year.
Automation engineers play a crucial role in various sectors. They are the brains behind automated systems such as store cashiers, production lines, and computer systems, which make life easier for employees, consumers, and businesses alike. These engineers utilize their expertise and skills to create, expand, and manage a wide range of systems, including manufacturing automation, robotic process automation (RPA), and warehouse automation.
While automation has been a key component of the manufacturing sector for years, its application in commerce, healthcare, and financial systems is relatively new. IT infrastructure automation, for instance, focuses on automating services and quality assurance (QA) monitoring of automated processes.
Automation engineers strive to eliminate flaws and oversights in product or software development and customer or business service systems. They are integral to deploying technologies like automated chatbots for customer service and expediting IT support ticketing and service management. The ultimate goal is to increase efficiency and reliability by automating redundant or unreliable manual processes.
Becoming an automation engineer requires early preparation as it is a skill-intensive field. Several universities offer courses in automation engineering. For example, Southeastern Louisiana University offers a ‘Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology – Concentration in Automated Systems.’ Other relevant undergraduate courses include mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering.
Specializing in computer science can also equip you with the necessary skills for a career in automation engineering. Although a bachelor’s degree can help you kickstart your career, some companies may prefer candidates with a master’s degree. A master’s degree in automation, management, or robotics engineering can help you develop specialized skills and prepare for managerial roles.
After obtaining a degree, gaining practical experience through internships and apprenticeships is crucial. Various industries are looking for automation engineers, so finding a position that aligns with your interests should not be difficult. For computer science graduates, internships in IT automation roles are ideal, while those from a mechanical engineering background can start with auto manufacturing plants and the utility sector.
Certifications can also boost your career prospects. The International Society of Automation (ISA) offers two certifications for automation aspirants: the Certified Automation Professional (CAP), intended for process automation or manufacturing automation professionals, and the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) for more senior professionals with a few years of experience.
Automation engineers are responsible for developing, coding, modeling, and evaluating automated machinery or systems designed to perform specific tasks. They work with automated equipment from conception to the prototype and are also responsible for providing extensive support to ensure these systems function effectively.
In conclusion, the role of automation engineers is pivotal in the current digital age. With the right qualifications and skills, including proficiency in electronics, computers, programming languages, and coding, you can build a successful career in this rapidly growing field.