How To Become An Automation Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

You can further your career as a quality assurance automation engineer by earning certification from the International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB), which is available for software testers. Effective test automation requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. As you gain more experience in automation testing, learn how to develop and implement a comprehensive test automation strategy that aligns with your project’s goals and requirements. Build automation and dependency management are essential components of modern software development and testing. These factors determine how your test scripts will function with the application being tested, as well as their interaction with the testing environment and resulting outcomes.

What is an automation engineer and how do you become one?

There is a misconception that you can become a testing engineer in a few weeks. Automated testing is a complex process requiring a specialist to have knowledge of software development, skills to work with test automation tools and experience in writing scripts. Our experts shared their opinions on where to get the appropriate education and JavaScript/Automation Engineer (JS) job first work experience. As an automation engineer, you would be tasked with designing and programming different pieces of tech that will, one day, help businesses to automate their daily processes. Some of my college/hobby experience has been working with Arduino/Raspberry Pi and other programming (Python + Linux platforms) for fun little projects. I’m definitely not software developer level, but I feel I can learn most concepts quickly.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Degree in Automation Engineering?

As of February 2025, the average U.S. salary for an automation engineer among Indeed’s roughly 4,000 respondents was $101,492 per year, including a reported $6,000 bonus. This complimentary tool is designed to provide customized advice and resources to help you effectively traverse your career path. And if you’re seeking personalized guidance on embarking or progressing in your career as an automation engineer, do check out our AI Career Path Advisor.

• The goal of the Scrolltest.com Blog is to provide you with the latest trends in Software developer and Testing community with the one-stop platform.
• Overall, an automation engineer improves the efficiency and reliability of systems in different industries.
• We’ll cover the basics and important topics to have hands-on experience with major platforms such as AWS, Azure, and GCP.
• Additionally, it would be beneficial to familiarize yourself with different automation tools and frameworks such as Selenium, Appium, or Cucumber.

Continuous Learning and Changing Technologies

Enroll now and step into a world of endless possibilities in this dynamic and rewarding field. Keep yourself updated with the latest trends like AI integration, IoT, and Industry 4.0. Enrolling in continuous learning programs and earning certifications will help you stay ahead. Follow industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in workshops to stay informed about technological advancements. Choose a reputed institute like NTTF and enroll in a program such as the Diploma in Mechatronics And Smart Factory (CP 15). This program is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts and practical applications of automation.

… it’s time you developed/brushed up some skills, acquired some relevant hands-on experience and took a shot! The best tools for AI and ML software testing include TensorFlow, Keras, Scikit-learn, and Microsoft Azure ML Studio. These tools can be integrated with CI/CD solutions like Jenkins, Bamboo, and GoCD to automate tasks related to building, testing, and deploying code changes in continuous delivery pipelines. Of course, strong problem-solving abilities, debugging skills, and a willingness to continuously learn new technologies are also crucial Software engineering for this role, like they are for any software development job. On top of all of this, other key full stack developer skills that would enhance your profile are version control systems (such as Git which is the current industry standard) and understanding RESTful APIs. By mastering these skills, you can bridge the gap between testing and manual processes, ensuring higher quality software releases and contributing to the success of your development projects.

• However, it’s important to note that many companies recognize the demanding nature of automation engineering and strive to maintain a reasonable work-life balance.
• Get proficient in programming languages such as Python, C++, or ladder logic for programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Strong foundational knowledge in programming, control systems, and machine dynamics is crucial.
• From optimizing industrial processes to developing cutting-edge robotics, automation engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the future.
• Understanding these tools will be essential to design, implement, and troubleshoot automation systems.
• This is where the automation engineer comes in – ensuring that disparate systems work together seamlessly.
• If you’re just getting started and don’t know what technologies to focus on, trying a few of these industry-standard tech stacks might be a great starting point.

• And if you’re seeking personalized guidance on embarking or progressing in your career as an automation engineer, do check out our AI Career Path Advisor.
• Once you have a solid foundation in the technologies, aim to understand how they can be applied in various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.
• Look for internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions that provide you exposure to automation projects.
• As your career progresses, you could step into a Lead Automation Engineer role or similar.
• Although manual testing will always be essential, automation can help startups and large companies save time and money.
• Furthermore, an Automation Engineer should be well-versed in programming languages like Python, Java, and C#.
• To prepare for a full stack developer interview you should start by refreshing all web development basics.

Automation engineers help streamline processes to make the workplace more efficient. Explore more about an automation engineer career and what you’ll need to start one. It is reasonable to assume that this career path is among the most profitable ones available, especially in light of the industry’s need and the lack of qualified automation engineers in the market. You can pursue a software testing course to build a solid theoretical foundation.