From Blueprint to Reality: Design Your Industrial Automation Career

Summarized Transcript

• Patrice MacMillan, Sr. Marketing Manager of Talent Recruiting welcomes Mark Saltrelli, VP of Kelly Engineering, to discuss careers in industrial automation.
• Mark highlights the booming job market in automation across various sectors.

• Key regions for industrial automation jobs:

  • San Jose, Sunnyvale, Irvine, Santa Clara, San Francisco (California) – Focus on high tech innovation and development in robotics and automation technologies (medical devices, biotechnology)
  • Dearborn, Detroit, Warren (Michigan) – Automotive sector with substantial demand for automation engineers.
  • Houston, Sugar Land, Austin, Dallas (Texas) – Oil and gas industry with a growing focus on automation for efficiency, safety, and energy production.
  • Chicago, Naperville, Elgin (Illinois), Indiana, Wisconsin (Midwest) – Industrial and manufacturing sectors with opportunities in food processing, manufacturing, and logistics.
  • Boston, Cambridge, Newton (Massachusetts), New Hampshire – Hub for technological research and development, especially in robotics, with a high demand for automation engineering professionals.
  • Other locations: Ohio, Tennessee, Connecticut, Pennsylvania (major hubs)

• Transferable skills for industrial automation:

  • Strong technical knowledge (PLC, data systems, robotics, failure analysis, industrial networking, automation hardware/software)
  • Soft skills (communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork)

• Jobs that transfer well into industrial automation:

  • Mechanical engineers: design and implement mechanical components for automation systems.
  • Electrical engineers: ensure electrical power supply and circuit systems function for automation parts.
  • Control systems engineers: design and optimize control strategies.
  • Robotics and mechatronics engineers: develop and implement robotic automation systems.
  • Industrial and process engineers: find ways to improve processes through automation.
  • Automation technicians: test, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical components, PLCs, etc.

• How to navigate your career path in industrial automation:

  • Education and hands-on training (degrees, certifications, internships, workshops)
  • Entry-level roles (technician, coordinator, junior program)
  • Gaining experience (focusing on a specific industry, taking on new projects)
  • Specialization and advancement (focusing on a particular area like machine learning, taking on leadership roles)
  • Continuous learning and development (staying updated, attending conferences, networking)
  • Senior positions (control system consultant, manager of automation projects)

• In-house vs. integrator roles:

  • In-house:
    • Work directly for a manufacturing facility.
    • Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize proprietary automation systems.
    • Gain deeper knowledge of specific systems.
    • Limited project scope by company size.
  • Integrator:
    • Work for a company that designs, builds, and implements automation solutions for various clients.
    • Offer more variety and potentially involve travel.
    • Work on diverse technologies across projects.
    • Offer project-based contract work with potentially better pay rates.

• Mark advises viewers to stay curious, keep learning, network with experienced professionals, tailor resumes to specific jobs, and seek help from Kelly Engineering recruiters.
• Partnership with Kelly Engineering for job opportunities, resume tailoring, interview prep, and career planning.
• Mark highlights the importance of relocation programs and assistance offered by employers, especially for new facilities transitioning to automation.