- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Average salary $79,000 to $132,000
Career profile
Automation engineers design systems, processes and equipment to automate operation of a wide variety of complex and sophisticated activities in the energy sector.
Automation engineers use their technical expertise to introduce and apply automation to monitor, measure and control:
- oil and gas wells
- turbine speeds
- pipeline and control valves
- pumps and other electrical, instrumental and mechanical equipment
- production output
- environmental performance
They also design and incorporate specialized systems to ensure the safe operation of energy facilities and equipment – to manage issues such as fire detection and suppression, hazardous materials detection and equipment integrity, security monitoring, and wildlife protection.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Researching, selecting or applying sensors, communication technologies or control devices
- Designing systems for automating industrial tasks
- Designing electronic control systems for mechanical systems
As you advance you may take on additional tasks including:
- Overseeing the work of contractors in accordance with project requirements
- Designing advanced electronic control systems for mechanical systems
- Providing training on topics such as mechatronics or automated control
Education
- A post-secondary degree in the areas of computer engineering, computer science, chemical engineering, electromechanical engineering, electrical engineering or a related discipline from an institution accredited by Engineers Canada is typically required.
Certifications
- Specific health and safety certifications will be determined by job requirements
- International Society of Automation (ISA) certification is considered an asset
Licensing
- To obtain a license as a professional engineer (P.Eng) you must obtain a degree from an accredited engineering program, pass a professional practice exam and have three or four years of engineering experience, of which one year must be gained in Canada. You must also have Canadian citizenship or proof of permanent residency in Canada.
- Once licensed, engineers receive a seal to stamp their designs and drawings.
- Unlicensed engineers must work under the supervision of a P. Eng.
- Minimal travel required
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Work not physically demanding
- Safety-sensitive environment
You’re a problem solver that remains calm in high pressure situations. You come up with creative solutions using skills and knowledge.
- Computers and electronics
- Design
- Engineering and technology
- Production and processing
- Critical thinking
- Operations analysis
- Quality control analysis
- Systems analysis
- Systems evaluation
- Judgment and decision making
