Automation Engineer Job Responsibilities

Manufacturing industries worldwide depend on automation to streamline processes and improve efficiency. Automation engineers are the professionals who create machinery and software to make these processes smoother and more efficient. Their jobs are wide-ranging, with lots of variety in both scope and tasks. Learn about job responsibilities for automation engineers and what types of automation engineer jobs exist.

What is an automation engineer?

An automation engineer is an engineering professional who creates new tools or software to minimize or eliminate issues or errors within manufacturing processes. While this role has existed for decades in manufacturing and industrial settings, it’s now finding new positions within health care, IT, and business. 

Typically, automation engineers program, test, build, and manage automation machines and processes to complete specific tasks. Some automation engineers also work in technology landscapes, creating functional networks and security measures.

Automation engineer jobs differ in title based on their specific responsibilities. Some examples include:

• An industrial automation engineer works in a manufacturing facility with robotics, machinery, and software. 

• Process automation engineers work within pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, or other chemical-based industries to create high-quality and safe processes. 

• A software automation engineer works with technology and software to create efficient and reliable IT systems.

• A robotics automation engineer helps design, build, and deploy different robotic systems to perform tasks in the health care, logistics, and service industries.

With such a wide variety of automation engineers, you’ll have the chance to find a role that fits your interests.

Key automation engineer job responsibilities

An automation engineer’s job responsibilities vary depending on which industry you work in, but typical ones may include:

Designing and developing automated systems

One of the main goals of an automation engineer is to create systems that can run with little to no human intervention. They replace different components in a manufacturing process with machines or procedures that complete tasks independently. Sometimes, this involves taking an existing system and upgrading specific parts—other times, it means creating an entirely new automated system from scratch. Automation engineers typically use CAD software to create schematics of the automated system, which are then used as the blueprint for building the system.

Implementing automation solutions

Automation engineers use a combination of electronics, mechanics, and electricity to implement automation solutions across various processes. They monitor the systems to ensure the components function correctly and troubleshoot or address any issues that may arise as the system runs. The goal of implementation is to make the systems more cost-efficient and effective.

Testing and validating automated systems

By testing and validating automated systems, automation engineers help ensure that the systems maintain a consistent quality level and help to reduce time to market. They accomplish this through multiple testing cycles, which help reveal any recurrent issues. The testing and validation cycles allow the automation engineer to see if the system works as intended.

Maintaining and troubleshooting automated systems

Often, automation engineers must write and maintain the code that makes a specific process run. They are also responsible for maintaining the actual machinery in the system, troubleshooting, repairing, and upgrading automated system components as needed.

Collaborating with other engineering teams

Automation engineers collaborate with various professionals, including engineering teams and stakeholders. They create automation design plans that address specific needs and goals and determine who is responsible for completing each part of the plan. Automation engineers also work with stakeholders to define what types of processes they want and create tailored deliverables.

Documentation and reporting

Documentation and reporting are key responsibilities for automation engineers. Through accurate and consistent documentation, automation engineers ensure they don’t introduce errors or increase their workloads needlessly. Documentation is important to automation because it allows other engineers to replicate your work accurately and efficiently.

With detailed documentation and reporting, automation engineers help others understand the processes created and what they are meant to accomplish. This allows others to help with maintenance and troubleshooting, and it communicates the purpose and value of the systems to stakeholders and clients.

How to become an automation engineer

If you’re interested in a career as an automation engineer, you’ll first want to make sure that you have the right knowledge background to successfully meet the expectations of the role. While traditionally, you would need a four-year degree, it’s becoming more common to qualify for entry-level roles through less traditional educational means. Employers want someone with a deep knowledge of and experience with computer programming languages and automation systems.

The majority of automation engineers have a bachelor’s degree in subjects such as computer science, engineering, or robotics. However, if a four-year degree isn’t the right choice for you now, you might consider developing some practical skills via other educational opportunities, such as boot camps, online courses, and certifications.

Once you have the right mix of technical skills and expertise to qualify for an automation role, reach out to other professionals in the field to build your network. You can accomplish this through professional events and organizations. These connections may help you locate a role. A strong portfolio also helps to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

Then, search for entry-level positions in whichever field you’re interested in and apply for jobs.

Learn more about automation engineering on Coursera

Automation engineering has many responsibilities, from accurate documentation and reporting to creating systems designs using CAD software. Explore the different facets of this job through courses and Professional Certificates on Coursera. With options like the University of Colorado Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management program, you can further your education and develop your automation engineering expertise.