Industrial Automation Technician

Technicians in industrial automation ensure that machines on factory floors operate as they should, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency. They also develop and implement new automation systems to further optimize production.

Essential Responsibilities

These professionals are responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, calibration, and programming of a wide array of automated industrial equipment, including robots, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and distributed control systems (DCSs).

They use a variety of tools to diagnose and troubleshoot problems with these systems, including electrical meters, oscilloscopes, and diagnostic software, and often work with engineers and other technicians to resolve complex issues.

Skills and Knowledge

Industrial automation technicians typically need a strong understanding of electrical engineering, electronics, and computer science. They also need to be familiar with the specific software and hardware used in industrial automation systems.

These technicians must be able to work independently and as part of a team, and they must be able to communicate effectively with other technicians, engineers, and management.

Education and Training

Most industrial automation technicians have an associate degree or a certificate in electrical engineering, electronics, or computer science. Some may also have a bachelor's degree in a related field.

In addition to formal education, many industrial automation technicians also receive on-the-job training from their employers.

Career Growth

With experience, industrial automation technicians can advance to more senior positions, such as lead technician, supervisor, or manager. They may also specialize in a particular area of industrial automation, such as robotics or PLC programming.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for industrial automation technicians is expected to be good over the next few years. The increasing use of automation in manufacturing and other industries is expected to drive demand for these professionals.

Transferable Skills

The skills that industrial automation technicians develop can be transferred to other careers in related fields, such as electrical engineering, electronics, and computer science.

Day-to-Day

The day-to-day work of an industrial automation technician can vary depending on the specific industry and work environment. However, some common tasks include:

• Installing, maintaining, and repairing automated equipment
• Troubleshooting and diagnosing problems with automated systems
• Programming and configuring PLCs and DCSs
• Working with engineers and other technicians to resolve complex issues
• Documenting and reporting on the status of automated systems

Challenges

Industrial automation technicians may face a number of challenges in their work, including:

• Working with complex and potentially hazardous equipment
• Troubleshooting and diagnosing problems that can be difficult to identify
• Keeping up with the latest advances in automation technology
• Working in a fast-paced and demanding environment

Projects

Industrial automation technicians may work on a variety of projects, including:

• Installing and commissioning new automation systems
• Upgrading and retrofitting existing automation systems
• Developing and implementing new automation strategies
• Troubleshooting and repairing complex automation problems
• Providing technical support to other technicians and engineers

Personal Growth

Industrial automation technicians can experience a great deal of personal growth in their careers. They have the opportunity to learn about new technologies, develop their problem-solving skills, and work on challenging projects.

They can also make a real difference in the efficiency and productivity of their organizations.

Personality Traits

Successful industrial automation technicians typically have the following personality traits:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in becoming industrial automation technicians can complete a number of self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role. These projects can include:

• Building a simple automated system using a PLC or Arduino
• Troubleshooting and repairing a common automation problem
• Developing a new automation strategy for a specific process
• Writing a technical report on a specific automation topic

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about industrial automation and prepare for a career in this field. These courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in this role.

Online courses typically include lecture videos, projects, assignments, quizzes, exams, discussions, and interactive labs. These resources can help students learn about the different aspects of industrial automation, including:

• Electrical engineering
• Electronics
• Computer science
• PLC programming
• DCS configuration

While online courses can be a helpful learning tool, they are not enough to prepare someone for a career in industrial automation. These courses can provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to get started, but they will also need to gain hands-on experience working with industrial automation systems.