- Energy careers
- Information technology roles
- Automated Systems Technician and Technologist
Automated Systems Technician and Technologist
NOC #22301, #22221
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Education Post-secondary diploma
- Average salary $59,000 to $96,000
Career profile
Automated 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. Automated 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.
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.
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 as is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
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
- 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
