Automation engineering has been an integral part of the manufacturing industry for decades. The rapid development of technology provides different businesses, such as the construction and finance industries, with an opportunity to automate their processes. This constant penetration is paving the way for a broad range of automation jobs in Canada and across the globe.
The context ahead discusses the role of an automation engineer and how you can make a successful career in the domain.
What Is an Automation Engineering Job?
Automation engineering involves utilizing technology to automate and streamline different manufacturing processes. Automation engineers work to create new software or machines that enhance the efficiency of an operation and reduce human interaction to improve productivity and save cost. They are in charge of monitoring, testing, and improving the processes at every stage.
How to Start Your Career as an Automation Engineer
Get A Degree in Engineering
Automation jobs typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Depending on your interest, you can pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science, or engineering physics, among others.
Apply For Internship
While studying engineering, you can work internships to gain practical knowledge. It will help you excel in your studies and connect you with the professional community, increasing the opportunity to get a suitable job after graduation. In addition, internships will add weight to your resume and give you an edge over other candidates.
Choose Your Forte
In a broad sense, automation jobs are classified into two categories: mechanical and software automation. If you like working on-site with machines, consider studying mechanical engineering. If you wish to work in an office with coding and programming, consider software engineering. Choose a branch of automation that can help you focus on specific skills to become a successful engineer.
Apply For Automation Jobs
Determine your specialty and start looking for automation engineering jobs in your area. You can reach out to a reputed recruitment agency in Canada. Ensure your resume highlights the specific skills and experience you’ve gained through internships.
What Skills Do You Require for Automation Jobs?
Automation engineering requires technical skills, including hard and soft skills that vary by industry and role. Considering the primary aspects of automation, here are some common skills you should have:
Mechanical Knowledge
Mechanical knowledge is a must if you are interested in working with machinery in factories. You need a solid basic understanding of mechanics to find solutions to different problems like repairing an automated machine component.
Leadership Qualities
Automation jobs often demand initiating a new project to automate a system. It is when engineers may have to manage an engineering team. Acquiring leadership skills ensures you can guide your team through client requirements, design plans, and implementation to achieve effective results.
Programming Skills
Computer programming skills are essential for automation engineer jobs that require automating systems. You need to learn coding software solutions and languages such as C++, Java, Python, and SQL to program machines like robotic assembly lines.
Troubleshooting Proficiency
Automating troubleshooting processes is often one of the primary responsibilities of an automation engineer. It is vital to have in-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of troubleshooting to accomplish creating and implementing advanced troubleshooting steps in a design system.
Data Management
Data management is the key if you want to become a successful engineer. You need to interpret and transform data from various sources into actionable insights that enable you to develop a program, improve accuracy, enhance production speed, and more.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
These skills are essential to developing pragmatic solutions for complex automation processes. Automation jobs frequently require performing analysis, monitoring, and testing systems where strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills are crucial.
Eye For Detail
Every stage in an automation process requires paying close attention to detail. Whether you drive innovation, analyze a system, or repair a machine part, an eye for detail is fundamental to creating effective automation techniques.
Capability To Work in Teams
Automation engineering jobs involve collaborating with teams to achieve set goals, design user-centric products, and develop optimal applications. Team spirit will help you create a positive work environment that enhances productivity and achieves the best results.
Is Automation Engineering a Good Career Opportunity?
With the constant evolution of technology such as robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, automation is set to penetrate almost every business across the globe. As a result, automation engineering will remain one of the most in-demand jobs now and in the future.
Contact Us to Learn More About Automation Jobs
If you plan to start a career in automation engineering or seek a next career move, look no further than Winters Technical Staffing. We are Canada’s recruitment agency with 45+ years of a long history of successfully providing staffing services.
Our recruiting specialists have years of experience successfully matching engineers and automation technicians with the best local opportunities. They understand the short and long-term needs of clients and candidates to help find the perfect match.
Let us help you find the right job. Call us at 416-495-7422 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.