Definition

What is an automation engineer and how do you become one?

Andy Patrizio
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An automation engineer designs and develops autonomous systems to manage repetitive tasks and improve efficiency and productivity. Such engineers work across many industries, from software development to factory operations, using automation in robotics, control systems, software and machinery to reduce human error and increase production speed.

The profession has gained significance in this era of artificial intelligence (AI), but programming its accompanying complex automation is not trivial. It typically requires a bachelor's degree in an engineering field with simultaneous real-world experience through internships. Also, students must earn certifications during the process, then gain further knowledge in entry-level jobs. Some automation engineers pursue a master's degree for more in-depth knowledge in a specialized field.

What does an automation engineer do?

Automation engineers design, develop and eventually employ automated systems to optimize processes across a multitude of industries. The engineer's job -- to automate workflows and systems -- reduces manual effort, increases efficiency and improves reliability.

Automation engineers work with a much wider range of technologies and tools than traditional programmers. In fact, automation engineers require knowledge of software applications, databases, networks and hardware devices, such as machinery and robotics.

Types of automation engineers

Regardless of the field, automation engineers strive to improve efficiency, consistency and safety while reducing human intervention. Duties and skill requirements vary greatly across different industries.

For example, in the oil and gas field, automation engineers focus on safe and efficient operation of facilities and equipment. In pharmaceuticals, they ensure processing is both efficient and compliant with strict regulatory standards from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or Good Manufacturing Practices.

In the food and beverage industry, the focus is high-quality production, packaging and distribution in compliance with hygiene and safety standards. For utilities like water and electricity, automation engineers ensure reliable distribution of resources and maintain infrastructure.

In all forms of manufacturing, their goal is safe, high-volume, error-free outcomes.

Also, within a particular industry, there could be many types of automation engineers. Here are two examples.

Industrial automation

Industrial automation professionals earn different positions and titles that reflect their levels of expertise:

  • Entry-level titles include junior automation engineer and automation technician.
  • Mid-level titles include automation engineer, control systems engineer and process automation engineer.
  • Senior-level titles include senior automation engineer, lead automation engineer and automation project manager.
  • Specialized positions and titles include robotics engineer, instrumentation engineer and automation consultant.

IT automation

IT features a broad array of automation engineers for many different tasks, including the following:

What industries need automation engineers?

Because of automation's proven record of boosting efficiency and safety while reducing human error, automation engineers feature prominently in many industries, such as the following:

  • Manufacturing. The manufacturing sector uses automation on assembly lines and for part handling, testing, material handling and quality monitoring.
  • Oil and gas. This industry requires complex automation systems to monitor safety, optimize operations and reduce risk in hazardous environments.
  • Healthcare. Automation systems manage the production of pharmaceuticals, the assembly and use of medical devices that meet regulatory standards, as well as lab testing and data collection.
  • Food and beverage. Automation aids in food production and packaging to improve consistency, reduce waste and meet industry hygiene standards.
  • Energy and utilities. Renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydroelectric plants use automation to optimize energy generation and operational efficiency.
  • Robotics. Automation engineers design, develop and deploy robotic systems for industrial, commercial, medical and household applications.
  • Construction. Engineers work with robotic systems that aid in wide-ranging tasks -- bricklaying, 3D printing and even structural monitoring -- to reduce human error.
  • Logistics. Automation raises the speed and accuracy of warehouse operations, inventory management, sorting, packaging and transportation of goods.
  • Telecommunications. This industry relies on automation engineering for network monitoring, optimization and data processing of large-scale communications.
  • Architecture. Smart buildings and other physical infrastructure extensively use automation for the design and operation of functions such as HVAC control, lighting, security systems, energy use, waste management and traffic flow.

Automation engineer education requirements

While the technology industry is full of very successful programmers with no formal education, automation engineering often requires at least a bachelor's degree in engineering -- electrical, mechanical and computer engineering among them.

Beyond programming skills in common languages such as Python, C++ or Java, automation engineers must grasp industrial control systems and their components -- programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition and distributed control systems. Also, they need to understand computer-aided design software for creating physical components, along with process control systems.

Automation often involves robotics, so these professionals must be comfortable with industrial automation software tools from Siemens, Rockwell Automation and ABB.

Certifications indicate proficiency with established automation practices and aid professional advancement. They include Certified Automation Professional from the International Society of Automation (ISA), Certified Control Systems Technician, also from ISA, and certifications in specific software or systems such as PLCs.

Concurrent with their schooling, motivated future automation engineers gain hands-on experience through internships during college. Completing personal or academic automation projects also opens entry-level job opportunities.

Automation engineer required skills and responsibilities

Automation engineers often complete years of school and fieldwork, gaining experience from various theoretical and real-world settings while earning certifications to highlight their proficiencies. They then apply these disparate abilities to numerous jobs, which include the following:

  • System design. This is the automation engineer's first of many steps in any process.
  • Hardware and software development. These engineers develop software and hardware, then write and test the software using common programming languages, such as Python, or specialized languages, such as PLCs.
  • Equipment maintenance. Traditional software engineers typically do not maintain their servers. However, automation engineers must ensure their robotics and other hardware systems function correctly and continuously.
  • Testing and validation. Automation systems are not always handed off to a company's QA or test department. In some cases, the automation engineer, as the developer, is also the tester.
  • Collaboration. Automation engineers work with other engineers, project managers and even stakeholders.

Besides the ability to collaborate, other soft skills are required, though most are applicable to any developer. Still, here are some important soft skills for an automation engineer:

  • Adaptability. Automation engineers are tasked with optimizing multiple systems and troubleshooting any problems.
  • Communication. Automation engineers share ideas with technical and nontechnical stakeholders, requiring clear yet varied communication suitable to the audience.
  • Time management. These professionals often perform multiple, complicated tasks in a short time.
  • Enthusiasm. Automation engineers sometimes work closely with other groups, requiring a blend of confident leadership and an understanding of the importance of teamwork in completing any process successfully.

What is the average salary of an automation engineer?

As of February 2025, the average U.S. salary for an automation engineer among Indeed's roughly 4,000 respondents was $101,492 per year, including a reported $6,000 bonus.

This was last updated in March 2025

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