Job Description

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Work Location: Saint Paul, MN

Job Overview:

An automation engineer plays a key role in designing, testing, and optimizing automated systems across mechanical and digital environments, helping businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and achieve improved results. With the rapid expansion of automation engineering, it offers lucrative career prospects, often leading to six-figure salaries. Engineering touches nearly every aspect of modern life, from constructing bridges to developing the vehicles that traverse them.

The core duties of an automation engineer include designing, coding, modeling, and evaluating automated systems or machinery to perform specific functions. From the initial concept through to prototype development, they oversee the entire automation process. Additionally, they provide detailed documentation, such as design specifications, which the automation technician uses for system implementation and maintenance.

Automation Engineer’s Roles:

Automation engineers take on diverse responsibilities, primarily involving the design, programming, modeling, and testing of automated systems for precise tasks. These professionals typically work in industries where robotics, machinery, or software are utilized for specific applications.

Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, automation engineers create detailed layouts for automation components, assess production processes, and identify areas for optimization. Their role involves addressing technical challenges, performing routine maintenance, and troubleshooting issues as they arise. They also develop quality assurance standards and work closely with technicians to recalibrate equipment as needed.

Automation Engineer’s responsibilities:

• Maintaining Automation Systems: Automation engineers ensure the smooth operation of various automated systems. Regular tasks include debugging, troubleshooting, and conducting root cause analyses. They also collaborate with team members and stakeholders, providing technical insights and recommendations for automation implementation.
• Collaborating with Stakeholders: Collaboration is a central aspect of automation engineering. Engineers work closely with other departments such as purchasing and IT, continuously identifying opportunities for process improvements and resolving technical issues.
• Designing and Installing Systems: Automation engineers may be tasked with designing and implementing new management systems at different locations. They use simulation protocols to verify that automated machinery will perform as intended.
• Building Control Systems: Control engineering involves creating systems that manage and monitor physical processes. These range from simple circuits to complex networks with multiple sensors and actuators.
• Software Development: Programming is integral to automation engineering. Engineers write code in languages like Python, C++, and Java to control automated systems, develop applications, or create bots that streamline automation processes.
• Managing Teams and Projects: Automation engineers often take on project management roles, developing tailored solutions for enterprise teams, overseeing implementation, and providing ongoing support. Experienced engineers frequently lead teams, guiding them through the automation process.
   

Automation Engineer’s Essential Skills:

• Proficiency in Programming Languages: A solid grasp of programming languages is essential for automation engineers. Mastery of popular languages such as Python, C++, Java, Perl, and Shell is crucial, with proficiency in multiple languages being a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with Automation Tools: Engineers must be well-versed in a variety of tools, systems, and hardware used for automation. This includes control systems that manage input and output data and computers that oversee both physical and digital automation processes. Linux is particularly popular for managing these systems.
• Prioritization Skills: Knowing when and what to automate is key to an automation engineer’s effectiveness. Not every task is worth automating, and engineers must be able to distinguish between what can be streamlined and what is best left to conventional methods.
• Strong Communication Skills: Communication is vital for automation engineers, who must present proposals, designs, and project plans to various stakeholders. Essential soft skills include active listening, effective storytelling, and strong writing abilities. These skills help engineers convey complex ideas clearly and collaborate effectively across teams.