
The world of automation is rapidly evolving, with industries across the globe seeking innovative solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. The journey might initially seem daunting if you’re looking to break into the automation, robotics, or engineering field. However, success is within reach with the right strategies and a determination to learn and grow. One individual’s journey—from humble beginnings to a high-level leadership role in automation—offers invaluable insights into how anyone can build a thriving career in this exciting sector.
This article will explore a career trajectory that spans several key roles, from hands-on labor to executive leadership, offering practical advice and actionable steps for aspiring engineers, roboticists, and automation enthusiasts. Whether you’re considering entering the automation industry or looking to take your career to the next level, these lessons from the field will help you navigate the industry’s complexities, identify opportunities, and position yourself for success.
The Foundation: Starting with Hands-On Experience
Success often begins with hands-on experience in any field. The automation industry, which combines engineering, robotics, and cutting-edge technology, is no different. For many professionals, the first step into the sector involves performing manual labor or entry-level tasks. While seemingly basic, these positions serve as the foundation for building a deep understanding of the systems, processes, and technologies at play.
For example, early in the journey of our featured engineer, the first job involved robot refurbishment. This may seem like a mundane task, but it provided a deep dive into robotics’s mechanical and software aspects. By rewiring robots, replacing components like motors and pulse coders, and testing the systems to ensure they were in good working condition, this hands-on work helped build a technical foundation that would be crucial later on. While many may view these tasks as tedious, they provide an intimate understanding of the inner workings of robots, laying the groundwork for future advancements in programming and engineering.
Moreover, jogging or exercising robot joints by running them through multiple cycles not only improved the technical skill set but also allowed for an early introduction to programming robots. This initial programming exposure, though simple, was instrumental in developing a comfort level with the technology, which would prove essential in future roles.
Expanding Skillsets: Wiring and Electrical Engineering
As the engineer gained more experience, the scope of responsibilities expanded. The next step involved wiring robotic cells and panels, which required knowledge of servos, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), and I/O systems. While the work remained technical, it shifted toward more intricate electrical engineering tasks.
Wiring panels for automated systems can appear complex, but it builds confidence and mastery of the underlying electrical systems that make automation possible. Over time, the engineer became so proficient that they could wire panels without needing detailed schematics, relying instead on their understanding of system functions and logic. This expertise led to the ability to engineer entire electrical systems, including safety systems and risk assessments.
The beauty of this process lies in its organic nature—by stepping up to take on more responsibility when needed, the engineer gained exposure to diverse aspects of automation. This shift from hands-on labor to engineering tasks didn’t happen overnight, but the proactive pursuit of learning and skill development drove it. Such exposure is more common in a smaller automation company, where resources are often limited. In contrast, larger organizations may have more rigid structures and restrict opportunities for cross-functional growth.
The Path to Programming: Robotics and PLCs
A crucial turning point in the career journey was when the engineer began working on robot programming in a more formal capacity. Initially, the engineer assisted other robotics engineers, filling in for tasks where they could contribute. As time went on, however, the engineer pushed for more responsibility, seeking opportunities to take the lead on robot programming projects. After a few requests, they were allowed to become the primary robot programmer for specific projects.
At this stage, the engineer was gaining exposure to the programming side of robotics and the interconnected world of PLC programming. Since robots often communicate with PLCs to carry out tasks, it was essential to understand how to manage the signals between the two. This led to the engineer requesting further training and exposure to PLC programming. Eventually, they became proficient in robot and PLC programming, performing both tasks for larger projects.
The key takeaway is that the engineers didn’t wait for opportunities to be handed to them. Instead, they proactively sought out new challenges and asked for more responsibility. The engineer progressed from simple tasks to complex, multifaceted roles by demonstrating a willingness to learn and taking initiative.
Stepping into Leadership: Project Management and Executive Roles
As skills and experience grew, so did leadership opportunities. After years of honing technical expertise in robotics and PLC programming, the engineer transitioned into a project management role. Project management involved overseeing entire teams, guiding installations, ensuring timely delivery, and balancing technical and business requirements. It was an essential next step in the journey toward a higher level of responsibility.
This progression wasn’t just about technical skills but also developing soft skills such as leadership, communication, and time management. Managing a project meant ensuring deadlines were met, supporting team members, and exceeding client expectations. With time, the engineer moved into a role overseeing entire teams and became the CEO of a company, leading multimillion-dollar projects and driving business success.
The ability to manage both the technical and business aspects of automation projects became a crucial differentiator. By combining engineering expertise with leadership skills, the engineers positioned themselves as a highly valuable asset within the company.
The Importance of Smaller Companies and Hands-On Roles
The engineer’s story highlights an important point for anyone looking to break into automation or robotics: smaller companies often offer more growth opportunities. Roles can be more siloed in larger organizations, with fewer opportunities to take on cross-functional tasks. In smaller companies, however, there is often greater flexibility, and employees may be allowed to wear multiple hats. This environment accelerates learning and will enable individuals to gain exposure to various technologies and functions quickly.
In this engineer’s case, working for a smaller automation company was key to their rapid growth. By taking on a wide range of tasks—from wiring panels to programming robots to engineering electrical systems—the engineer quickly developed a broad skill set that helped them stand out in the field.
Smaller companies also tend to offer more immediate leadership opportunities. When team members step up to take on critical tasks, they can gain trust and credibility, making it easier to rise.
The Power of Persistence: Going the Extra Mile
While technical expertise and initiative were vital to the engineer’s success, their career was also shaped by an unwavering commitment to putting in the time and effort. This engineer worked tirelessly, often working long hours to complete projects and ensure they were done to the highest standard. At times, this meant staying late at the office while other team members left for the day, seizing every opportunity to learn and contribute.
This type of dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. In many industries, including automation, being a person who is always there, always willing to help, and always seeking improvement can make a huge difference. In this engineer’s case, staying late to assist a senior engineer led to receiving valuable training and one-on-one mentorship. These extra hours were an investment in their personal development and career.
The Importance of Early Exposure and Proactive Learning
One of the most significant aspects of the engineer’s journey was gaining early exposure to the field. Landing a job in the automation industry during the first semester of college allowed the engineer to build real-world experience alongside their academic studies. By the time they graduated, they had more practical knowledge than many of their professors, positioning them as an expert in automation. This exposure was critical in setting the foundation for their rapid advancement.
For anyone looking to break into automation or robotics, seeking early internships, co-op programs, or even part-time work is essential. Early exposure accelerates learning and helps you build a network of industry contacts to provide mentorship and guidance throughout your career.
Conclusion: Building a Successful Career in Automation
The journey from a hands-on worker to a CEO in the automation industry is not straight, but it is a testament to the power of initiative, persistence, and continuous learning. By gaining early exposure, seeking out new challenges, and stepping up when opportunities arise, this engineer built a highly successful career in a rapidly evolving industry.
If you’re looking to follow a similar path, the key takeaways are clear:
- Start with hands-on experience to build a strong technical foundation.
- Seek opportunities to expand your skills—don’t wait for them to come to you.
- Work in smaller companies where you can gain exposure to various technologies and responsibilities.
- Put in the extra hours to gain more profound knowledge and build relationships with mentors.
- Never stop learning—continuously seek new challenges and expand your expertise.
By following these principles, anyone can forge a successful career in automation, robotics, or engineering, just as this engineer did. The possibilities are vast, and you can shape your path to success with determination and a proactive mindset.