- Information Technology Roles
- Automated Systems Technician and Technologist
- NOCs #2232, #2282
Automated Systems Technician and Technologist
If you see drilling automation, driverless trucks or remote sensors in the oil and natural gas industry, you can thank an automated systems technician or technologist. These types of automated technologies are being used increasingly more often in the oil and natural gas industry to monitor, measure and control oil and natural gas wells, facilities and pipeline operations.
As the energy industry seeks to increase efficiency, safety and environmental performance, automation is becoming increasingly important to monitor, measure and control equipment and operations.
Automation systems technicians and technologists integrate electrical, mechanical and instrumentation computer systems to control industrial processes. These systems often include mechanical components, sensors, actuators and control systems, and may also include robots. Automation systems technologists work with automation engineers and other engineering and technical professionals to plan, install and maintain these automated systems. Technicians in this group provide front-line installation and first-line technical support for these same systems.
Common automation used across the industry includes programmable logic controllers (PLC) which control manufacturing processes, remote terminal units (RTU) which are microprocessor controlled electronic devices, supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA), and distributed control systems (DCS) which are computerized control systems for a process or plant. Automation in drilling, driverless truck autonomous haulage systems (AHS) and remote sensing are becoming increasingly common.
I'm interested in a career in
- Sub-sector Exploration and production, Oil and gas services, Pipelines, Offshore, Oil sands
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary $55,000 to $90,000
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
In addition to the activities listed below, activities in oil and natural gas may include:
- Performing preventive or corrective maintenance on automated systems.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Assisting engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic or autonomous systems.
- Designing and installing automated cells or systems.
- Evaluating the efficiency and reliability of robotic systems and reprogramming or calibrating them to achieve maximum efficiency.
- Keeping abreast of automated systems and robotics developments, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
Education
- For Automation systems technologists, a two- or three-year post-secondary diploma in computer engineering technology, robotics, mechanical engineering technology, instrumentation engineering technology, electronics engineering technology or an equivalent discipline is typically required. For Automation Systems Technicians, the completion of a college program in computer science, computer programming or network administration is usually required.
Certifications
- Certification in computer, electrical or mechanical engineering technology or a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Additional Requirements
The following are examples of Health and Safety courses that may be required for this occupation:
- Standard and emergency first aid
- WHMIS
- Construction safety training system
- H2S Alive®
- Fall protection
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Safety-sensitive environment
You’re detail-oriented people who are very technically savvy. You have strong computer software and component-based knowledge. You also have strong interpersonal skills and are able to work closely with other automation technologists and engineers to properly plan integrated systems.
As the industry becomes more and more driven by computers, automated systems technicians and technologists are leading the way. Companies are able to perform more tasks and collect important data due to these professionals.
- Computers and Electronics
- Design Creation
- Application of Engineering Design and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production and Processing
- Preventative Maintenance
- Operation and Control
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation and Analysis
- Technology Design
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Sub-sector Carbon capture, utilization and storage, Emissions reduction
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
An automated systems technician and technologist considering a career change from oil and natural gas to the CCUS and emissions reduction sub-sectors of cleantech will find their skills directly transferable.
In addition to the activities listed below, activities in cleantech may include:
- Performing preventive or corrective maintenance on automated systems.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Assisting engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic or autonomous systems.
- Designing and installing automated cells or systems.
- Evaluating the efficiency and reliability of robotic systems and reprogramming or calibrating them to achieve maximum efficiency.
- Keeping abreast of automated systems and robotics developments, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in cleantech may include:
- Familiarity with programming languages, relational database management systems and computer-aided drafting and design software may be required. (CCUS | emissions reduction)
Education
- For Automation systems technologists, a two- or three-year post-secondary diploma in computer engineering technology, robotics, mechanical engineering technology, instrumentation engineering technology, electronics engineering technology or an equivalent discipline is typically required. For Automation Systems Technicians, the completion of a college program in computer science, computer programming or network administration is usually required.
Certifications
- Certification in computer, electrical or mechanical engineering technology or a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Additional Requirements
The following are examples of Health and Safety courses that may be required for this occupation:
- Standard and emergency first aid
- WHMIS
- Construction safety training system
- H2S Alive®
- Fall protection
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to cleantech include:
- Primarily indoor/office work (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Agile/flexible approach to work (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Higher-risk tolerant culture (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Safety-sensitive environment (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Transition to a similar level (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Career development fostered/supported (CCUS | emissions reduction)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Safety-sensitive environment
You’re detail-oriented people who are very technically savvy. You have strong computer software and component-based knowledge. You also have strong interpersonal skills and are able to work closely with other automation technologists and engineers to properly plan integrated systems.
As the industry becomes more and more driven by computers, automated systems technicians and technologists are leading the way. Companies are able to perform more tasks and collect important data due to these professionals.
- Computers and Electronics
- Design Creation
- Application of Engineering Design and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production and Processing
- Preventative Maintenance
- Operation and Control
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation and Analysis
- Technology Design
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
The cleantech sector is further divided into sub-sectors:
CCUS
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: None
Emissions reduction
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: Minor
What does this mean for workers?
Workers will find that the ease of a career change from oil and natural gas into cleantech may vary by sub-sector. There could be differences in the need to upskill, gain knowledge and experience and varying work environments. Further research on the sector or consultation with a career advisor may be required.
- Sub-sector Engineering, design and procurement
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as an automated systems technician and technologist in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the engineering, design and procurement project life cycle phase of industrial construction and maintenance in energy. Workers may find that the average salary range in the sector is lower than the average salary range in oil and natural gas.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Assisting engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic or autonomous systems.
- Designing and installing automated cells or systems.
- Evaluating the efficiency and reliability of robotic systems and reprogramming or calibrating them to achieve maximum efficiency.
- Keeping abreast of automated systems and robotics developments, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in industrial construction and maintenance may include:
- Familiarity with programming languages, relational database management systems and computer-aided drafting and design software may be required. (engineering, design and procurement)
Education
- For Automation systems technologists, a two- or three-year post-secondary diploma in computer engineering technology, robotics, mechanical engineering technology, instrumentation engineering technology, electronics engineering technology or an equivalent discipline is typically required. For Automation Systems Technicians, the completion of a college program in computer science, computer programming or network administration is usually required.
Certifications
- Certification in computer, electrical or mechanical engineering technology or a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Additional Requirements
The following are examples of Health and Safety courses that may be required for this occupation:
- Standard and emergency first aid
- WHMIS
- Construction safety training system
- H2S Alive®
- Fall protection
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to industrial construction and maintenance include:
- Primarily indoor/office work (engineering, design and procurement)
- Agile/flexible approach to work (engineering, design and procurement)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (engineering, design and procurement)
- Transition to a similar level (engineering, design and procurement)
- Career development fostered/supported (engineering, design and procurement)
- Urban location (engineering, design and procurement)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Safety-sensitive environment
You’re detail-oriented people who are very technically savvy. You have strong computer software and component-based knowledge. You also have strong interpersonal skills and are able to work closely with other automation technologists and engineers to properly plan integrated systems.
As the industry becomes more and more driven by computers, automated systems technicians and technologists are leading the way. Companies are able to perform more tasks and collect important data due to these professionals.
- Computers and Electronics
- Design Creation
- Application of Engineering Design and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production and Processing
- Preventative Maintenance
- Operation and Control
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation and Analysis
- Technology Design
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The skills gained as an automated systems technician and technologist in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to digitization and automation in energy.
In addition to the activities listed below, activities in digitization and automation in energy may include:
- Performing preventive or corrective maintenance on automated systems.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Assisting engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic or autonomous systems.
- Designing and installing automated cells or systems.
- Evaluating the efficiency and reliability of robotic systems and reprogramming or calibrating them to achieve maximum efficiency.
- Keeping abreast of automated systems and robotics developments, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in digitization and automation may include:
- Familiarity with programming languages, relational database management systems and computer-aided drafting and design software may be required.
Education
- For Automation systems technologists, a two- or three-year post-secondary diploma in computer engineering technology, robotics, mechanical engineering technology, instrumentation engineering technology, electronics engineering technology or an equivalent discipline is typically required. For Automation Systems Technicians, the completion of a college program in computer science, computer programming or network administration is usually required.
Certifications
- Certification in computer, electrical or mechanical engineering technology or a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Additional Requirements
The following are examples of Health and Safety courses that may be required for this occupation:
- Standard and emergency first aid
- WHMIS
- Construction safety training system
- H2S Alive®
- Fall protection
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to automation and digitization include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Agile/flexible approach to work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Career development fostered/supported
- Urban location
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Safety-sensitive environment
You’re detail-oriented people who are very technically savvy. You have strong computer software and component-based knowledge. You also have strong interpersonal skills and are able to work closely with other automation technologists and engineers to properly plan integrated systems.
As the industry becomes more and more driven by computers, automated systems technicians and technologists are leading the way. Companies are able to perform more tasks and collect important data due to these professionals.
- Computers and Electronics
- Design Creation
- Application of Engineering Design and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production and Processing
- Preventative Maintenance
- Operation and Control
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation and Analysis
- Technology Design
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as an automated systems technician and technologist in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to LNG facility operation.
In addition to the activities listed below, activities in LNG facility operation may include:
- Performing preventive or corrective maintenance on automated systems.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Assisting engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic or autonomous systems.
- Designing and installing automated cells or systems.
- Evaluating the efficiency and reliability of robotic systems and reprogramming or calibrating them to achieve maximum efficiency.
- Keeping abreast of automated systems and robotics developments, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in LNG facility operation may include:
- Familiarity with programming languages, relational database management systems and computer-aided drafting and design software may be required.
Education
- For Automation systems technologists, a two- or three-year post-secondary diploma in computer engineering technology, robotics, mechanical engineering technology, instrumentation engineering technology, electronics engineering technology or an equivalent discipline is typically required. For Automation Systems Technicians, the completion of a college program in computer science, computer programming or network administration is usually required.
Certifications
- Certification in computer, electrical or mechanical engineering technology or a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Additional Requirements
The following are examples of Health and Safety courses that may be required for this occupation:
- Standard and emergency first aid
- WHMIS
- Construction safety training system
- H2S Alive®
- Fall protection
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to LNG include:
- Potential for relocation
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Agile/flexible approach to work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Career development fostered/supported
- Rural location
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Safety-sensitive environment
You’re detail-oriented people who are very technically savvy. You have strong computer software and component-based knowledge. You also have strong interpersonal skills and are able to work closely with other automation technologists and engineers to properly plan integrated systems.
As the industry becomes more and more driven by computers, automated systems technicians and technologists are leading the way. Companies are able to perform more tasks and collect important data due to these professionals.
- Computers and Electronics
- Design Creation
- Application of Engineering Design and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production and Processing
- Preventative Maintenance
- Operation and Control
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation and Analysis
- Technology Design
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as an automated systems technician and technologist in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to petrochemicals and refining.
In addition to the activities listed below, activities in petrochemicals and refining may include:
- Performing preventive or corrective maintenance on automated systems.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Assisting engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic or autonomous systems.
- Designing and installing automated cells or systems.
- Evaluating the efficiency and reliability of robotic systems and reprogramming or calibrating them to achieve maximum efficiency.
- Keeping abreast of automated systems and robotics developments, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in petrochemicals and refining may include:
- Familiarity with programming languages, relational database management systems and computer-aided drafting and design software may be required.
Education
- For Automation systems technologists, a two- or three-year post-secondary diploma in computer engineering technology, robotics, mechanical engineering technology, instrumentation engineering technology, electronics engineering technology or an equivalent discipline is typically required. For Automation Systems Technicians, the completion of a college program in computer science, computer programming or network administration is usually required.
Certifications
- Certification in computer, electrical or mechanical engineering technology or a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Additional Requirements
The following are examples of Health and Safety courses that may be required for this occupation:
- Standard and emergency first aid
- WHMIS
- Construction safety training system
- H2S Alive®
- Fall protection
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to petrochemicals and refining include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Agile/flexible approach to work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Potentially unionized
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Safety-sensitive environment
You’re detail-oriented people who are very technically savvy. You have strong computer software and component-based knowledge. You also have strong interpersonal skills and are able to work closely with other automation technologists and engineers to properly plan integrated systems.
As the industry becomes more and more driven by computers, automated systems technicians and technologists are leading the way. Companies are able to perform more tasks and collect important data due to these professionals.
- Computers and Electronics
- Design Creation
- Application of Engineering Design and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production and Processing
- Preventative Maintenance
- Operation and Control
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation and Analysis
- Technology Design
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Sub-sector Solar, Wind, Geothermal
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Less than oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The skills gained as an automated systems technician and technologist in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the solar, wind and geothermal sub-sectors of renewables. Workers may find the average salary range in solar and wind to be less than the average salary range in oil and natural gas.
In addition to the activities listed below, activities in renewables may include:
- Performing preventive or corrective maintenance on automated systems.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Assisting engineers in the design, configuration, or application of robotic or autonomous systems.
- Designing and installing automated cells or systems.
- Evaluating the efficiency and reliability of robotic systems and reprogramming or calibrating them to achieve maximum efficiency.
- Keeping abreast of automated systems and robotics developments, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in renewables may include:
- Familiarity with programming languages, relational database management systems and computer-aided drafting and design software may be required. (solar | wind)
Education
- For Automation systems technologists, a two- or three-year post-secondary diploma in computer engineering technology, robotics, mechanical engineering technology, instrumentation engineering technology, electronics engineering technology or an equivalent discipline is typically required. For Automation Systems Technicians, the completion of a college program in computer science, computer programming or network administration is usually required.
Certifications
- Certification in computer, electrical or mechanical engineering technology or a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
- Certification or training provided by software vendors may be required by some employers.
Additional Requirements
The following are examples of Health and Safety courses that may be required for this occupation:
- Standard and emergency first aid
- WHMIS
- Construction safety training system
- H2S Alive®
- Fall protection
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to renewables include:
- Primarily indoor/office work (solar | wind | geothermal)
- Agile/flexible approach to work (solar | wind | geothermal)
- Less formal organizational structure (solar | wind | geothermal)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (solar | wind)
- Safety-sensitive environment (solar | wind | geothermal)
- Transition to a similar level (solar | wind | geothermal)
- Urban location (solar | wind | geothermal)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Safety-sensitive environment
You’re detail-oriented people who are very technically savvy. You have strong computer software and component-based knowledge. You also have strong interpersonal skills and are able to work closely with other automation technologists and engineers to properly plan integrated systems.
As the industry becomes more and more driven by computers, automated systems technicians and technologists are leading the way. Companies are able to perform more tasks and collect important data due to these professionals.
- Computers and Electronics
- Design Creation
- Application of Engineering Design and Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Production and Processing
- Preventative Maintenance
- Operation and Control
- Programming
- Systems Evaluation and Analysis
- Technology Design
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
