Automation is hot. Historically, the term “automation” suggested the robots found in factory settings. Today, that’s one aspect of modern automation, a growing technique, and a trend in every workplace of all sizes. Business Daily says, “Every business process is on the table for automation, especially as technology becomes more sophisticated.”
Automation lets companies streamline their processes, reduce manual errors, and improve efficiency. At the heart of these benefits is the automation engineer. What is the role of an automation engineer? What is the job outlook? We have answers—and jobs—so read on to find out more.
Why is Automation Engineering a “Hot Job?”
The benefits of automation drive the need for more experts in this field. Automation eliminates mundane tasks, allowing humans to focus on more important things. Automation can save employers money and time, allowing for actual cost savings that impact an organization’s bottom line. Automation can also improve the customer experience by making interactions more efficient and cutting down wait times.
Automation is at the heart of our digital transformation. Automation is fast becoming essential to organizational competitiveness, but only if companies have the talent to assess, program, and deploy new and better versions of software that automate the workflows we encounter every day. So, what does an automation engineer do all day?
What is the Role of an Automation Engineer?
At the center of workplace automation is the automation engineer. An automation engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing computer automation systems to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and increase productivity. While every job is different, these are some common responsibilities of a senior automation engineer:
- Analyzing business processes and identifying areas to automate.
- Designing and implementing automation solutions using programming languages and tools.
- Debugging and troubleshooting automation systems.
- Maintaining and updating automation systems to ensure they function effectively.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure automation solutions meet business requirements.
- Mentoring and guiding junior developers and engineers.
- Staying updated with emerging technologies and industry trends in automation.
Of course, every job is different, so most automation engineers encounter these general tasks. What training do you need to enter this field, and what is the job outlook?
What Training and Experience Does an Automation Engineer Need?
Typically, we see automation engineers with:
- Advanced academic training in computer science or electrical engineering.
- Programming skills in Python, Java, C++, or Ruby, to write code for automated software.
- Knowledge of software automation tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Robot Framework, and others.
- Troubleshooting skills to help resolve automation interface issues.
- Familiarity with development methodologies such as Agile, DevOps, or Scrum.
- Hands-on experience with databases like SQL.
- A track record of continuous learning and intellectual curiosity.
The future of automation engineering looks bright. As the world evolves, automation will continue to rise to the forefront. Industries of all types will hire automation engineers, from the energy sector to shipping and distribution, healthcare, and automotive—to name a few. You can turn to Blackstone Talent Group to help you find a professional home as an automation engineer. Call on us today to find out how we can help.