Automation Engineer
On this page
- What's it like to be an Automation Engineer?
- How to become an Automation Engineer
- Latest Automation Engineer jobs
- Top skills and experience for Automation Engineers
- Automation Engineer role reviews
What's it like to be an Automation Engineer?
An Automation Engineer uses technology to automate manual processes in industries such as manufacturing, distribution, energy and agriculture. They create and maintain automated systems to control machinery and IT systems in order to reduce the need for human intervention. Automation Engineers identify potential solutions and design new processes. They run simulations, and then build, test and manage the systems.
Tasks and duties
- Identifying processes that can be automated.
- Designing systems, writing scripts and creating frameworks.
- Testing the automated process or system to ensure desired performance.
- Installing automated systems in buildings or facilities and monitoring operation.
- Documenting projects, including materials and costs.
How to become an Automation Engineer
To become an Automation Engineer, you will need an undergraduate degree and experience. A postgraduate qualification can improve your employability.
Complete a three-year Bachelor of Engineering, four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) or a degree in a related field.
Consider securing an internship in industry while completing your undergraduate studies in order to gain experience and build networks.
Join Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau as an emerging professional.
Consider completing a postgraduate qualification in automation engineering such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Robotics and Automation Engineering or Master of Robotics and Automation Engineering.
After gaining five to eight years of practical experience, you can apply to become a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng).
