Think of driverless cars or automatic doors. To you, that’s all in a day’s work in the world of automation engineering – processes and instruments behaving exactly as they should be based on electrical signals and mechanical responses. In the energy industry, technology continually evolves and increasingly, equipment contains more automated components. That puts your skills to the test.
The energy industry uses sophisticated systems to monitor, measure and control oil and natural gas wells, facilities and pipeline operations. The control and measurement of all ‘mission-critical’ processes is fundamental to business and environmental performance, economics and safety.
Automation engineers analyze the automated control requirements of process, electrical, instrument and mechanical equipment to design these systems. Engineers in this specialty design the automated system, choose the appropriate technology and suppliers for the engineering, and manage the system’s installation through to completion.
Automation engineers ensure that systems run smoothly and safely, production is maximized, regulatory requirements and internal standards of measurement are compliant, and costs are kept in check.
I'm interested in a career in
- Sub-sector Pipelines, Exploration and production, Oil and gas services, Oil sands
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary $73,000 to $122,000
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
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.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- 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
- Sub-sector Carbon capture, utilization and storage, Emissions reduction
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Similar to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
The skills gained as an automation engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the CCUS sub-sector of cleantech. An automation engineer considering a career change to the emissions reduction sub-sector of cleantech may need to complete some minor upskilling for a successful transition. Additional training on automation of equipment for emissions detection, measurement and reduction may be needed.
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
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in cleantech may include:
- Familiarity with analytical, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and human machine interface (HMI) systems and integration, and computer-aided design and drafting (AutoCAD) software may be required. (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Knowledge of industry regulations, standards and practices. (CCUS | emissions reduction)
- Understanding of instrumentation and control technology with common engineering tools and work processes. (CCUS | emissions reduction)
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.
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)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (emissions reduction)
- Transition to a similar level (emissions reduction)
- Urban location (CCUS | emissions reduction)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- 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
The cleantech sector is further divided into sub-sectors:
CCUS
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: None
- Average salary range: Equal to oil and gas
Emissions reduction
- Transferability: Direct
- Skills upgrade: Minor
- Average salary range: Equal to oil and gas
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, expected salary range 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 degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The skills gained as an automation engineer are directly transferable to the engineering, design and procurement project life cycle phase of industrial construction and maintenance in energy.
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
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in industrial construction and maintenance may include:
- Familiarity with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and human machine interface (HMI) systems, and computer-aided design and drafting (AutoCAD) software may be required. (engineering, design and procurement)
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.
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)
- Urban location (engineering, design and procurement)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- 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
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as an automation engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to digitization and automation in energy.
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
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in digitization and automation may include:
- Familiarity with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and human machine interface (HMI) systems, and computer-aided design and drafting (AutoCAD) software may be required.
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.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to digitization and automation include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Agile/flexible approach to work
- Temporary/project-to-project work
- Higher-risk tolerant culture
- Transition to a similar level
- Urban location
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- 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
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The skills gained as an automation engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to LNG facility operation.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in LNG facility operation may include:
- Writing simulation applications to verify control program functionality and for training plant operators.
- Participating in project commissioning and start-up activities, including tuning of control loops.
- Troubleshooting and programming for LNG plant components.
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
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in LNG facility operation may include:
- Experience on industrial state based control and advanced control.
- Knowledge of safety instrumented systems (SIS).
- Familiarity with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and human machine interface (HMI) systems, and computer-aided design and drafting (AutoCAD) software may be required.
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.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to LNG include:
- Potential for relocation
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- 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
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Congratulations! The skills gained as an automation engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to petrochemicals and refining.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in petrochemicals and refining may include:
- Writing simulation applications to verify control program functionality and training plant operators.
- Participating in project commissioning and start-up activities, including tuning of control loops.
- Designing, developing or implementing control circuits or algorithms for electromechanical or pneumatic devices or systems.
- Upgrading the design of existing devices by adding mechatronic elements and systems.
- Ensuring the performance and continuous improvement of automation systems for alarm management and data acquisition and analysis applications.
- Participating in new automation initiatives, bringing added value in terms of reliability, energy efficiency and optimization.
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
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in petrochemicals and refining may include:
- Experienced with industrial-state based control and advanced control.
- Knowledge of safety instrumented systems (SIS).
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.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to petrochemicals and refining include:
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Lower-risk tolerant culture
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Transition to a similar level
- Potentially unionized
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- 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
- Sub-sector Geothermal, Wind
- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Average Salary Equal to oil and gas
- Education Post-secondary degree
- Career Demand Stable
- Skills Upgrading None
-
Direct
Good news! The skills gained as an automation engineer in oil and natural gas are directly transferable to the geothermal and wind sub-sectors of renewables. Workers are likely to use the same type of automated process control systems and technologies as oil and natural gas. Workers transitioning to geothermal may expect to earn an average salary range similar to the average oil and natural gas salary range, however, the average salary range for the wind sub-sector is likely to be lower than oil and natural gas.
In addition to the activities below, other activities in renewables may include:
- Programming instrumentation and electrical controls. (geothermal | wind)
- Configuring software on various control system platforms. (geothermal | wind)
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
In addition to the requirements below, specific requirements in renewables may include:
- Familiarity with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), distributed control systems (DCS), programmable logic controller (PLC), human machine interface (HMI), remote terminal unit (RTU) systems may be needed. (geothermal | wind)
- Ability to use computer-aided design and drafting (AutoCAD) software may be required. (geothermal | wind)
- Knowledge of Rockwell Automation and low voltage electrical design may be needed. (geothermal | wind)
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.
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to renewables include:
- Primarily indoor/office work (geothermal | wind)
- Agile/flexible approach to work (geothermal | wind)
- Temporary/project-to-project work (wind)
- Higher-risk tolerant culture (wind)
- Transition to a similar level (geothermal | wind)
- Career development fostered/supported (wind)
- Urban location (geothermal | wind)
Nature of work and environment conditions specific to oil and natural gas include:
- 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
The renewables sector is further divided into sub-sectors:
Geothermal
- Average salary range: Equal to oil and gas
Wind
- Average salary range: Less than oil and gas
What does this mean for workers?
There could be differences in the expected salary range and varying work environments. Further research on the sector or consultation with a career advisor may be required.
