Automation Engineers
A growing field of expertise for an Engineer is in automated systems.Most Engineers leaving college don’t have a big understanding of automation other than a couple classes where PLCs and robots are discussed briefly.It is difficult for Universities to stay on course with the rapidly changing industry of automation.Most companies will create their own custom automation using the technology available as computers grow so does the automation.Very rarely will a University be able to invest in new robots, conveyors, drivers, and controllers to give a student a solid understanding of where factory automation is going.Automation has to come natural to the Engineer and he or she will embrace it on their own.Once the seed is planted, in today’s world, the sky is the limit.Much like a Medical student searching for new drugs to cure the ailing population, Automation Engineers will use the principles of usable technology and create their own flexible automation systems.Companies today are searching for talented and creative automation engineers who are self motivated and ready to push their company to a new level.
If someone is planning on going into the field of automation systems, he or she ought to consider several categories such as:
·Pneumatics
·Electronics
·PLCs
·Hydraulics
·Ladder Logic
·CNC programming
In school the basics are taught regarding these categories and applied experience is recommended.An internship with a company who has automation engineering services can provide enough experience to know whether the automation field is right for them.
A flexible automation engineer has many opportunities to run key projects.These projects may include the designing and building of an automated system to meet the demand of a new product line.They work with other engineers to order parts, design the equipment, build the equipment, install the equipment, and make adjustments as needed to meet the objectives.The project’s success rides heavily on whether the objectives were met, how flexible the automated system is, and how long the setup will last under the intense pressure from production.
Other projects may include the changing of a setup to meet the demand of a different product.The change over to the new product can be crucial if the setup was flexible enough.Automation engineers work with maintenance and operators to better understand where the problems are and how to reduce some of the preventive maintenance needs.Engineers typically find themselves doing more than running projects.They may find themselves as flexible as the systems they build.They may be training others how to use the manufacturing cells or pods.They may run more independently trying to address issues or concerns in production that may hold up the line.Deadlines must be met both to produce for the customer and to create an operable factory.Automation Engineers find themselves in a unique and challenging position that provides both growth and satisfaction.
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