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How to Become an Automation Engineer: Australian Careers in Engineering

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What is a Automation Engineer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Automation Engineer?

An Automation Engineer designs, programs, and maintains automated systems that improve how industries run. They work across manufacturing, mining, utilities, food processing, and infrastructure to make machines and processes work with less human input.

Core work includes programming PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and setting up SCADA systems. Engineers also connect automated equipment to existing production systems. They must understand both hardware and software to get things working correctly and safely.

Day-to-day tasks include fault-finding on live systems, upgrading control software, and writing technical documents. Most roles need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or systems engineering approved by Engineers Australia. The Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering (52886WA) is a known VET entry path.

Demand for Automation Engineers is strong across Australia. Manufacturing, resources, and energy sectors are investing in automation technology. The average yearly salary is around $92,432 (PayScale, 2026). Experienced engineers in mining and oil and gas typically earn more.

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Career snapshots For Automation Engineers

Automation Engineers work in manufacturing, mining, utilities, and infrastructure across Australia. Most roles are full-time at 38 to 40 hours a week. Some sites need shift work or on-call cover.

The average yearly salary is around $92,432 (PayScale, 2026). Pay ranges from $62,000 to $133,000 based on experience, sector, and location. Roles in mining, oil and gas, and defence tend to pay above average.

Engineering employment is set to grow by around 6.5% over the next five years (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Demand for Automation Engineers is driven by Industry 4.0 investment in manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.

What will I do?

An Automation Engineer designs, tests, and maintains automated systems that keep industries running. Their work covers the full project cycle, from writing specs to commissioning and support.

  • System Design – Writing design specs and plans for automated systems and control networks.
  • PLC and SCADA Programming – Writing, testing, and debugging code for industrial control platforms.
  • System Integration – Connecting new automated systems to existing equipment and infrastructure.
  • Maintenance and Fault-Finding – Diagnosing faults and getting systems back up quickly.
  • Testing and Validation – Running tests to confirm systems meet safety and performance needs.
  • Documentation – Updating technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and maintenance records.
  • Continuous Improvement – Finding and applying upgrades that cut downtime or boost performance.
  • Collaboration – Working with engineers, operators, and project managers to deliver on time.

What skills do I need?

An Automation Engineer needs a mix of technical and practical skills. The core is control systems knowledge, plus PLC programming in Ladder Logic, Structured Text, or Function Block Diagram. Strong fault-finding skills matter. Systems fail, and getting them back up fast is a key part of the job.

Good communication skills also count. You’ll write technical documents, brief operators, and work with project teams. A keen interest in learning new tools helps too, as control system tech keeps changing.

Skills/attributes

  • Knowledge of control systems and automation technology
  • PLC programming skills (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram)
  • Experience with SCADA platforms and HMI design
  • Understanding of industrial networking and field instrumentation
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical and control diagrams
  • Strong fault-finding and diagnostic skills
  • Software skills (Python, C++, or similar programming languages)
  • Attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Teamwork and the ability to work with cross-functional teams
  • Project management skills for automation projects
  • Understanding of Australian safety standards and regulations

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.