Role

Automation Engineer

Designs automated equipment and workflows to improve speed, quality, and safety in operations.

12 chaptersAbout 3 months15–30 min a day11 skills2 projects
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Chapter 1 is free. No card needed.

Day 1 on the Automation Engineer path.

What a Automation Engineer does

Design and improve automated machines and workflows so operations run faster, safer, and with fewer errors.

  • Design automation for machines, lines, and work cells to meet speed and quality targets
  • Program and test control logic for sensors, motors, robots, and safety devices
  • Integrate hardware and software so equipment communicates and runs reliably
  • Diagnose downtime issues using logs, measurements, and step-by-step fault finding
  • Write clear documentation for wiring, settings, change history, and operating steps
  • Coordinate with operators and maintenance to deploy changes with minimal disruption
  • Improve processes using data from cycle time, scrap, alarms, and energy use

A day in the life

  1. Review production issues and prioritize fixes with operations and maintenance
  2. Test a change in a safe environment, then deploy during a planned window
  3. Walk the floor to observe equipment, sensors, and operator workflows
  4. Meet with engineers to review drawings, risks, and integration details
  5. Document updates and track results after changes go live

Tools you will use

PLCs: ladder logic, structured textIndustrial networks: Ethernet IP, PROFINET, ModbusSCADA and HMI: alarms, trends, dashboardsRobotics: teach pendant programmingElectrical tools: multimeter, oscilloscopeCAD and schematics: AutoCAD Electrical, EPLANVersion control: GitSpreadsheets: Excel, Google Sheets

Your plan

Chapter by chapter.

1~1 wk

See what automation engineer work involves

StartFree
2~1 wk

People and Communication

Skills
31–2 wks

Make root cause analysis on a recurring defect with countermeasures

Proof
4~1 wk

Meet people who do automation engineer work

People
5~1 wk

Problem Solving and Adaptability

Skills
6~1 wk

Troubleshooting on the Floor

Skills
7~1 wk

Systems and Documentation

Skills
8~1 wk

Standards and Data Tools

Skills
91–2 wks

Make pid temperature control demo with three tuning methods

Proof
10~1 wk

Practise role interviews

Interview
11~1 wk

Choose a route into automation engineer work

Decide
12on your timeline

Apply for roles

Apply

By the last chapter

This is what you can show.

Things you've made

Root cause analysis on a recurring defect with countermeasures and Pid temperature control demo with three tuning methods

Skills you can prove

11 skills, each rated on work you actually did.

People you've talked to

3 people who do the job, with a message ready for each.

Questions you can answer

17 interview questions and a mock interview, with feedback.

Credentials

4 credentials compared, so you can pick one, or decide you don't need one. None is required.

Ways in

There is more than one route.

Ways to study

  • Bachelor degree in automation, electrical, mechatronics, or control engineering
  • Diploma or associate degree in industrial automation or instrumentation
  • Technical training in PLCs, robotics, and industrial safety with hands-on labs
  • Apprenticeship style programs combining plant work with classroom learning

How people get their first job

  • Apply for manufacturing or controls internships in plants or system integrators
  • Start in maintenance technician roles and take PLC and controls courses
  • Build a small automation portfolio using a PLC trainer or microcontroller kit
  • Earn entry certifications in industrial safety and basic electrical practices
  • Join student robotics or mechatronics teams and document your build work

Life skills on this path: Networking · Job interviews · Job search

How the work is changing

What AI is doing to this role

How AI is changing this role · one of 6 tasks we track

Write and review PLC ladder logic code

Sped up a lot

What AI does

Copilot-style tools draft ladder logic and structured text from your spec.

Still yours

You prove the logic is safe on this machine.

Reviewed September 2026

In the app · Premium

The rest is in the app

  • How AI affects the other 5 tasks
  • Whether this job is growing or shrinking
  • How hard the first job is to get
  • Similar roles that are easier to get into
  • Updated every month, with sources
See it in the app →

How we rate a job →

Already working

Already a Automation Engineer?

Plan your move to Senior Automation Engineer: 9 chapters that end with a strong case for your next review.

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Questions

Questions about this path

How long does it take to become a automation engineer with Welica?

The path is 12 chapters, 3 months at 15 to 30 minutes a day. You can go faster or slower; the plan moves with you.

Do I need a degree?

Not always. Common routes are bachelor degree in automation, electrical, mechatronics, or control engineering, diploma or associate degree in industrial automation or instrumentation, technical training in PLCs, robotics, and industrial safety with hands-on labs, or apprenticeship style programs combining plant work with classroom learning.

What is free?

Chapter 1, See what automation engineer work involves, is free for good. Premium unlocks the rest of the path.

Start the Automation Engineer path.

Chapter 1 free. About 15 to 30 minutes a day.

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