Automation engineering technician
Also known as: assistant in automation engineering, technician in automation engineering, automated systems technician, technician in automated systems, automation inspector, automation technician
About this occupation
Automation engineering technicians collaborate with automation engineers in the development of applications and systems for the automation of the production process. Automation engineering technicians build, test, monitor, and maintain the computer-controlled systems used in automated production systems.
Essential skills and knowledge
- assemble machines
- automation technology
- computer engineering
- mechatronics
- circuit diagrams
- read engineering drawings
- fasten components
- perform test run
- adjust engineering designs
- align components
- inspect quality of products
- install automation components
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Robotics Technicians (O*NET 17-3024.01). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors.
- Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics.
- Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors.
- Maintain service records of robotic equipment or automated production systems.
- Modify computer-controlled robot movements.
- Perform preventive or corrective maintenance on robotic systems or components.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Equipment Maintenance, Active Listening
US median pay: US$73,900 a year (2025), 15,520 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.4)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.0)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.7)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (3.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.5)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.5)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Photonics Technicians
- Avionics Technicians
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.