With the rapid advancements in technology and the rise of artificial intelligence, businesses are increasingly turning to automated solutions to streamline their operational processes. Task automation presents immense potential for enhancing a company's efficiency, productivity, and overall profitability. Moreover, by automating repetitive tasks, employees can focus on more valuable and strategic aspects of their work, ultimately leading to better outcomes.
Have you ever pondered how these processes become automatic? That's where the expertise of automation engineers comes into play! These skilled professionals are the driving force behind creating and implementing automated solutions. Their knowledge and ingenuity enable them to design and develop systems that optimize various processes within a company.
Fed Manutech, an engineering recruitment firm, delves deeper into the captivating world of automation engineering, shedding light on the essential role these professionals play in shaping the future of industries.
What does an automation engineer do
Automation engineers play a pivotal role in the design, development, and implementation of automated systems across diverse industrial sectors. Their responsibilities include conceptualizing the architecture and programming of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or communication systems that facilitate interaction between operators and the automated machinery.
From the project's inception, automation engineers collaborate with internal departments like maintenance, methods, and engineering to define the system's specifications. They will not only collaborate internally with various departments but also engage externally to define specifications and carry out the commissioning process. This involves working with external stakeholders, clients, or vendors to ensure the successful implementation of automated systems and solutions. With the advent of Industry 4.0, the demand for automation engineers has surged, making them highly sought-after in the job market.
The primary objective of these engineers is to automate production processes or repetitive tasks typically performed by employees, such as object sorting. Moreover, they must ensure that technical teams are well-versed in using the automated systems, which involves popularizing and providing training on the technology.
It's worth noting that in 2019, approximately 7.2% of women engineers were employed in the field of automated production.
What sectors might be interested in automated production engineering?
Automation engineers have a wide range of potential sectors to work in, encompassing not only manufacturing but also other industries where process automation plays a critical role. Within the industrial sector, these engineers may be involved in automated production plants, machine manufacturing companies, as well as in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. These sectors utilize automation to enhance production processes by improving efficiency, precision, and safety.
Beyond the industrial sphere, automation engineers can explore opportunities for power engineering jobs. Here, automation systems are employed to monitor and control power grids, power plants, or water distribution facilities. Additionally, the logistics and transportation sectors offer potential openings, especially with the rise of autonomous vehicles and automated warehouses.
Moreover, high-tech companies and engineering consultancies present enticing prospects for automation engineers. These firms are at the forefront of developing advanced automation solutions across various fields and applications. This diversity of sectors ensures that automation engineers have a wealth of options to apply their skills and expertise.
What skills are required for an automation engineer?
When applying for the position of automation engineer, it is crucial to highlight specific skills that are particularly valuable for the role, including:
- Strong problem-solving abilities to tackle complex automation challenges effectively.
- Demonstrated capability to work independently and take ownership of projects and tasks.
- Proven track record of providing prompt and dependable technical support to fellow technicians and team members.
- Aptitude for pedagogy to effectively convey technical concepts during training sessions and facilitate team understanding.
- Diplomatic skills to communicate technical terms in a more accessible manner and simplify intricate ideas for non-technical stakeholders.
Ensure that your engineering CV showcases these essential qualities if you possess them - they will undoubtedly enhance your candidacy for the position. 😊
How to be an automation engineer
Ideally, to qualify for this position in automated production, a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or automated manufacturing engineering is preferred. Alternatively, a master's degree in applied sciences can also be considered.
Furthermore, it is essential to acquire the engineer designation from the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec to fulfill the necessary requirements for the role.
Automation engineer salary and career path
As a junior automation engineer, you can anticipate earning an annual gross salary of $80,000. With increasing experience and tenure, this figure has the potential to rise to approximately $85,000 gross per year, though it may vary.
If you desire more interaction with customers or teams, there are several promising career paths to consider. Roles such as project manager, project leader, or automation department manager offer excellent opportunities for such engagement.
Find your automation engineer job with Fed Manutech
Fed Manutech is a specialized agency that focuses on recruiting technical profiles and engineers. They provide a diverse array of manufacturing jobs, specifically catering to automation engineers as well. If you are a candidate seeking opportunities, they encourage you to submit an unsolicited application to explore potential openings.
On the other hand, if you are an employer looking to hire, entrusting Fed Manutech with your recruitment needs can lead to finding the ideal candidate for the position you are seeking to fill.