Tips for Becoming a Successful Automation Engineer

Automation engineering is focused around the design, development, creation, optimization and management of automation systems. These systems are common in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, where equipment and machinery is used for creating end products. Automation engineers are responsible for streamlining and automating processes for ensuring that manufacturing systems function as effectively and efficiently as possible. Since it is a growing industry, more and more people want to become automation engineer.

But, in order to become specialists in automation, there are certain skills you need to have. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Problem solving

The purpose of automation is problem solving so you should enjoy this kind of work and even flourish in an environment where you have the autonomy to figure out practical solutions for technical problems. Every successful engineer should be able to do work on a micro level while keeping the bigger macro challenges and goals in mind.


From interpreting and testing new automation concepts to managing current procedures, an automation engineer needs to perform analysis constantly. This means that anyone who enjoys math, numbers and applying them to challenging processes will be able to succeed as an automation engineer.

Knowledge of specific processes/equipment

Senior positions are only given to specialists in automation. Therefore, you will need to have specific experience and knowledge about certain equipment and processes.


It is also vital to have excellent communication skills in order to be a successful automation engineer as you will have to communicate your findings, ideas and ongoing observations to other team members and engineers.


While it seems like a scientific and technical job on the surface, automation engineering also demands limitless creativity for developing ideas and solutions for automation innovation. Successful engineers should be able to try new things and develop solutions for complex processes.