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What does an Automation Engineer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

An Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems. They work with a variety of technologies to create custom solutions that improve efficiency and productivity. Automation Engineers are problem-solvers who are always looking for ways to improve the status quo.

Automation Engineer job duties include:

  • Develops and implements automated manufacturing systems
  • Designs and develops robotic systems
  • Implements quality control procedures
  • Creates process improvement plans
  • Develops cost-reduction strategies
  • Generates production reports
  • Manages inventory levels
  • Maintains equipment
  • Trains other engineers and technicians

Automation Engineer Job Requirements

An Automation Engineer typically needs a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in engineering, although a Master's degree is often preferred. Certification from the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IEE) is also helpful. An Automation Engineer should have at least 5 years of experience in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.

Automation Engineer Skills

  • PLC
  • HMI
  • SCADA
  • DCS
  • MES
  • Siemens
  • Rockwell
  • ABB
  • Omron
  • Mitsubishi
  • Schneider

Related: Top Automation Engineer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Automation Engineer

An automation engineer is a professional who designs, builds, and maintains systems that automate processes. Automation engineers are in high demand in many industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. To become an automation engineer, you will need to have a strong background in engineering and computer science. In addition, you should be familiar with the principles of automation and have experience working with automated systems.

If you are interested in becoming an automation engineer, the first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Once you have completed your undergraduate studies, you should consider pursuing a master’s degree in automation engineering. This advanced degree will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. In addition to your educational background, it is also important to have experience working with automated systems. Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have previous experience working in an industrial setting.

Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can begin searching for jobs as an automation engineer. There are many job openings for automation engineers across the country. You can search for these positions online or through job databases such as Monster or Indeed. When applying for jobs, be sure to highlight your experience with automated systems on your resume and cover letter.

As an automation engineer, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining automated systems. Your duties will vary depending on the industry in which you work. However, common tasks include developing software programs to control machinery, testing new equipment before it is put into use, and troubleshooting issues with existing systems. Automation engineers typically work full-time hours and may be required to work overtime on occasion.

Related: Automation Engineer Resume Example

Related: Automation Engineer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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