Automation Engineers

High School

In high school, take classes in physics, chemistry, mathematics (especially calculus), shop, and computer science (especially programming and computer-aided design). If your school offers courses in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), be sure to take those, too. Other recommended classes include English, speech, social studies, and foreign language.

Postsecondary Education

You will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in automation, process control, computer science, or electrical, mechanical, chemical, or computer engineering to become an automation engineer. Some employers seek candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in one of the aforementioned fields, as well as experience with manual and automated testing procedures. Typical class topics include robotics, electromechanics, fluid dynamics, process control, mechatronics, digital control systems, electromechanics, control electronics, computer-aided design, and artificial intelligence. Engineers who seek managerial and executive-level positions typically have master’s degrees in business management or engineering management.

Some people prepare for engineering careers by participating in apprenticeships or by receiving training in the military.

Certification

Automation engineering is an interdisciplinary field and, as such, engineers need a wide range of skills and knowledge based on their employer and job title. As a result, many aspiring and current engineers augment their training by participating in in-person and online certificate programs—which typically last from six months to a year. Certificate programs are offered by professional associations; for-profit, online learning providers; and colleges and universities. For example, the International Society of Automation offers the automation project management specialist certificate to applicants who complete a course and pass a multiple-choice exam. In the program, students learn how a variety of engineering disciplines (software, computer systems, networks, and instrumentation) are used in automation, new technologies, and other topics. Visit https://www.isa.org/certification/certificate-programs to learn more about the program. The Missouri University of Science and Technology offers a graduate certificate in Automation Engineering and Programming Logic Controllers (PLC) that is a cross-disciplinary program between electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering. To earn the certificate, students must complete required courses (Plantwide Process Control and Advanced PLC), as well as two of the following classes: Intermediate Chemical Process Safety, Mechatronics, Robotic Manipulators and Mechanism, and Manufacturing Equipment Automation. Visit https://distance.mst.edu/distance-programs/distance-graduate-certificate for more information.

Other Education or Training

Keeping your skills up to date and staying aware of industry trends are key to success as an automation engineer. Professional associations often provide continuing education (CE) opportunities such as in-person classes, presentations and workshops at industry conferences, and webinars. For example, the Association for Advancing Automation offers CE opportunities at its conferences as well as webinars such as Technologies Used in Automation: How to Get Started; Putting Motion Control to Work in Your Production; Collaboration and Robotics: The Latest Solutions; and Smart Automation: How AI is Changing Industry Today. The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, International Society of Automation, and other associations also provide professional development classes, webinars, and other educational options. Contact these organizations for more information.