Industrial automation is not just a trend; it’s a revolution. It’s set to reach a market value of hundreds of billions by 2030, heralding a new era of efficiency and innovation across industries. For engineers like you, specializing in the design of Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA technologies, this revolution brings unparalleled job security.
According to the recent findings of Persistence Market Research (PMR), a New York-based research firm, the demand for industrial automation is projected to grow at a rate of 9.3 percent annually, reaching a substantial market value of USD $307.7 billion (just over 477 billion AUD) by 2030, a significant surge from the 2023 figure of USD $165.1 billion (almost 257 billion AUD).
PMR noted that North America is emerging as a focal point for technological advancements in this field, accounting for 35 percent of the global market share. The world’s largest industrial automation and control systems hub lies within this region.
This growth has also seen engineers specializing in industrial automation increasingly tasked with the design and refinement of various systems, including robots, DCSs, PLCs, and SCADA technologies. Moreover, collaboration with IT professionals to develop cybersecurity measures is becoming essential to safeguard these systems.
The research engine highlighted that the demand for industrial automation stems from diverse sectors, with manufacturing leading the way, representing over 30 percent of the market. Other key industries, such as oil and gas (over 20 percent) and power generation (over 15 percent), are also significant employers of automation engineers.
Positions in power generation often involve preparing for and managing emergencies, necessitating candidates with proven composure under pressure. Industrial automation is also increasingly viewed as a solution to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict in Ukraine, which has driven up steel and energy prices.
Manufacturers also view automation as a way to strengthen financial reserves, especially in anticipation of natural disasters and public health crises. This is particularly evident given the difficulties experienced during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, which were especially pronounced in the Asia Pacific region.
How to Get a Piece of the Industrial Automation Pie
For individuals hoping to enjoy the projected job security mentioned by PMR, there’s never been a more opportune time to embark on a career path in industrial automation.
Whether your passion lies in designing DCS, programming PLC, or implementing SCADA technologies, individuals can position themselves at the forefront of this technological revolution with the right blend of education, training, and hands-on experience.
Here are some points to consider should you be interested in moving in the direction of industrial automation engineering:
Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
Specialization: To specialize in DCS design, engineers typically pursue relevant education in control systems engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Additional training or certifications specific to DCS technologies may also be beneficial.
Duration: The time required to specialize in DCS design varies depending on the individual’s educational background, prior experience, and the depth of specialization sought. Typically, it may take several years of education and practical experience to become proficient in DCS design.
Job Description: DCS engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining distributed control systems used in industrial processes. They work on creating control strategies, configuring hardware and software components, and troubleshooting system issues to ensure smooth and efficient operation. They may also collaborate with other engineering disciplines and stakeholders to integrate DCS solutions into larger automation projects.
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
Specialization: Engineers interested in specializing in PLC technologies often pursue formal education in electrical engineering, automation engineering, or a related field. Hands-on experience with PLC programming languages and specific PLC hardware platforms is essential for this specialization.
Duration: Becoming proficient in PLC design typically requires several years of education, training, and practical experience. This may involve completing coursework, obtaining certifications, and gaining hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
Job Description: PLC engineers are tasked with designing, programming, and maintaining programmable logic controllers used in various industrial automation applications. They develop PLC programs to control machinery, monitor processes, and collect data for analysis. PLC engineers also collaborate with other team members to integrate PLC systems with other automation technologies and ensure seamless operation across the manufacturing environment.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Specialization: Specializing in SCADA technology typically involves acquiring knowledge and skills in areas such as control systems engineering, computer science, and networking. Engineers may also benefit from specialized training or certifications in SCADA systems.
Duration: The time required to specialize in SCADA technology varies depending on factors such as educational background, prior experience, and the complexity of SCADA systems being deployed. It may take several years of education and hands-on experience to become proficient in SCADA design and implementation.
Job Description: SCADA engineers are responsible for designing, configuring, and maintaining supervisory control and data acquisition systems used to monitor and control industrial processes. They develop HMI (Human-Machine Interface) applications, establish communication protocols, and configure data acquisition systems to collect real-time data from remote sensors and devices. SCADA engineers also play a key role in ensuring the cybersecurity and reliability of SCADA systems, as well as integrating SCADA solutions with other automation technologies to optimize plant operations.
References
Global industrial automation market expected to reach $307.7B in 2030
Global demand for industrial automation to grow 10% annually, says data
