automation engineering technician
Key facts
Are you fascinated by how technology streamlines production and improves efficiency? As an automation engineering technician, you'll be at the forefront of building and maintaining the automated systems that power modern industries.
Automation engineering technicians play a vital role in the design, implementation, and upkeep of automated production processes. Working closely with automation engineers, you'll be involved in every stage, from initial system development to ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting. This occupation combines technical skills with problem-solving abilities to ensure automated systems operate reliably and effectively.
- • Constructing, testing, and calibrating computer-controlled systems and automation equipment.
- • Monitoring system performance and identifying areas for improvement or optimization.
- • Troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to automated production systems.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering associate professionals — 267 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Bulgaria, Denmark, Ireland, Norway.
Longest-running shortage: Norway, 4 years.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Find your career path and explore the science behind our recommendations.
Could automation engineering technician fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Persistence?
Future Outlook for automation engineering technician
The outlook for automation engineering technician reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could automation engineering technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could automation engineering technician change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- assist scientific research
- liaise with engineers
- perform test run
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- read engineering drawings
- inspect quality of products
- prepare production prototypes
Tasks most exposed to automation
- record test data
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Advanced Manufacturing
A typical day as a automation engineering technician
09 09:00 · Morning interpret circuit diagrams
10 10:30 · Mid-morning assemble mechatronic units
12 12:00 · Midday assemble sensors
14 14:00 · Afternoon install automation components
15 15:30 · Late afternoon install mechatronic equipment
17 17:00 · Wrap-up maintain robotic equipment
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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mechanical engineering
Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
- automatic control system
- automation technology
- computer engineering
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perform test run
Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
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test mechatronic units
Test mechatronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
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test sensors
Test sensors using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
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read engineering drawings
Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.
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interpret circuit diagrams
Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.
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assemble mechatronic units
Assemble mechatronic units using mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, and information technology systems and components. Manipulate and attach metals through using welding and soldering techniques, glue, screws, and rivets. Install wiring. Install drive systems, sensors, actuators, and transducers. Mount switches, control devices, coverings, and protection.
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assemble sensors
Mount chips on a sensor substrate and attach them using soldering or wafer bumping techniques.
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set up machine controls
Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
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liaise with engineers
Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
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fasten components
Fasten components together according to blueprints and technical plans in order to create subassemblies or finished products.
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assist scientific research
Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.
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inspect quality of products
Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how automation engineering technician aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does automation engineering technician fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
mechatronics engineering technician
62% similarityrobotics engineering technician
50% similaritysensor engineering technician
37% similarityelectronics engineering technician
34% similarityelectromechanical engineering technician
31% similaritymicroelectronics engineering technician
28% similarityFrequently asked questions
- What kind of industries employ automation engineering technicians?
- You'll find automation engineering technicians in a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, automotive, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Any industry utilizing automated production lines or robotic systems will likely have a need for these skilled professionals.
- What skills are most important for success in this role?
- Strong technical aptitude, particularly in electronics, mechanics, and computer programming, is essential. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team are also highly valued. Familiarity with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) is often a significant advantage.
- Is this a good career path for someone with a background in electronics or mechanics?
- Absolutely! Your existing knowledge of electronics and mechanics provides a solid foundation. Further training in automation systems, PLCs, and computer programming can bridge the gap and make you a highly competitive candidate for automation engineering technician positions.
- Automation Engineering Technician — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Both, depending where. Of the 8 European countries that assessed this occupation group in 2025, 4 reported a shortage and 4 a surplus. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Automation Engineering Technician — what does it pay in the United States?
- $70,760 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $47,440 to $119,320. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.