Industrial Automation Careers Overview

Operators

• Responsible for staging materials for assembly lines and controlling machine operations.
• Maintain production statistics and monitor equipment functionality.
• Essential skills include basic math, attention to detail, effective communication, physical stamina, and the ability to follow detailed procedures.
• A high school diploma is typically required, often supplemented by technical training through on-the-job shadowing and company-sponsored training programs.

Maintainers

• Key tasks involve inspecting equipment, performing preventive maintenance, calibrating components, troubleshooting issues, and repairing defective parts.
• Skills necessary for this role include the ability to prevent problems through maintenance, diagnose issues, interpret schematics, and repair system components.
• Career pathways often involve completing apprenticeship programs and obtaining technical education from community colleges, technical institutes, vocational-technical schools, and industrial automation manufacturers.

Engineers

• Focus on designing new systems, programming for functionality, implementing updates, and testing for verification.
• Advanced skills required encompass mechanical and electrical aptitude, mathematical proficiency, problem-solving, analytical thinking, creativity, and programming skills.
• Typically hold a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, covering subjects such as robotics, statistics, fluid dynamics, and power generation.
• Licensing as a Professional Engineer is recommended, varying by state, requiring a degree, Engineering exam completion, and supervised work experience.

Summary

• Automation careers encompass roles with distinct functions focused on operations, maintenance, and engineering.
• Different career areas require specific skills and competencies pertaining to job functions.
• Advancement often necessitates relevant degrees and certifications to enhance skills and career prospects.