Career

How To Become An Industrial Automation Specialist In New Hampshire 2024

Learn everything you need to know about becoming an Industrial Automation Specialist, including salary, schools, and programs.

Industrial Automation Specialist in New Hampshire Career Overview

As an Industrial Automation Specialist, you play a vital role in the manufacturing and production sectors. Your primary responsibility involves designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems that enhance productivity and efficiency.

  • You assess existing processes to identify opportunities for automation, enabling organizations to reduce costs and improve quality.
  • Your work often involves collaborating with engineers, programmers, and other technical personnel to develop custom automation solutions tailored to specific operational needs.
  • You also focus on integrating various technologies, such as robotics, sensors, and software applications, into manufacturing systems.
  • Troubleshooting and optimizing automated systems are essential aspects of your role, as you ensure minimal downtime and maximum output.
  • You may also be involved in training staff to operate and maintain these systems, ensuring a smooth transition to enhanced automation.
  • The skills and insights you bring to the table contribute significantly to the overall competitiveness of the industry, driving innovation and modernization in various sectors.

Overall, your expertise as an Industrial Automation Specialist is crucial for organizations aiming to thrive in an increasingly automated and technologically advanced landscape.

Best Schools to become a Industrial Automation Specialist near New Hampshire 2024

#10Suffolk County

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$59,100
Out-of-State Tuition:$59,100
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:91%
Total Enrollment:30,013
#9Prince George's County

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD

In-State Tuition:$9,695
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,931
Admission Rate:45%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:40,792
#5Allegheny County

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

In-State Tuition:$59,864
Out-of-State Tuition:$59,864
Admission Rate:11%
Graduation Rate:92%
Total Enrollment:16,002

Industrial Automation Specialist Salary in New Hampshire

Annual Median: $108,550
Hourly Median: $52.19

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become an Industrial Automation Specialist in New Hampshire

To become an Industrial Automation Specialist, you need to complete relevant educational qualifications and training, typically requiring a degree in one of the following programs:

  • Automation Engineering Technology

    • Focuses on the design, development, and application of automation systems.
    • Emphasizes hands-on experience with automation equipment and systems.

  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering

    • Covers the principles of electrical engineering and electronics design.
    • Prepares you for working with automation systems involving circuitry and control systems.

  • Electromechanical Engineering Technology

    • Integrates electrical and mechanical systems, preparing you for automation and robotics applications.
    • Provides knowledge on the operation and maintenance of complex machinery.

  • Mechanical Engineering

    • Offers a strong foundation in mechanical system design and analysis.
    • Equips you with skills applicable to designing automated machinery and systems.

  • Mechatronics

    • Combines mechanical engineering, electronics, computer science, and control engineering.
    • Prepares you to develop smart systems and robotics for industrial automation.

  • Robotics

    • Focuses specifically on the design, construction, and operation of robots.
    • Provides expertise in implementing robotic solutions in industrial settings.

  • Automation Engineering Technology

    • Prepares you to work specifically with automated systems and processes.
    • Covers programming, system design, and troubleshooting of automation technologies.

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields is typically the minimum requirement, although associate degrees or technical certifications may also offer pathways into this career, particularly for entry-level positions.

Best Schools to become a Industrial Automation Specialist near New Hampshire 2024

#10Suffolk County

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

In-State Tuition:$59,100
Out-of-State Tuition:$59,100
Admission Rate:7%
Graduation Rate:91%
Total Enrollment:30,013
#9Prince George's County

University of Maryland-College Park

College Park, MD

In-State Tuition:$9,695
Out-of-State Tuition:$37,931
Admission Rate:45%
Graduation Rate:89%
Total Enrollment:40,792
#5Allegheny County

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA

In-State Tuition:$59,864
Out-of-State Tuition:$59,864
Admission Rate:11%
Graduation Rate:92%
Total Enrollment:16,002
Industrial Automation Specialist Job Description:
  • Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Industrial Automation Specialist Required Skills and Competencies in New Hampshire

  • Technical Proficiency: You must possess a deep understanding of industrial control systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCS). Familiarity with various automation technologies is vital.

  • Electrical Knowledge: A solid foundation in electrical engineering principles, including circuit design, sensor integration, and motor control, enables you to troubleshoot and implement automation solutions effectively.

  • Programming Skills: Proficiency in programming languages such as ladder logic, structured text, or function block diagrams is essential for creating, modifying, and optimizing control programs.

  • Problem-Solving Abilities: You need strong analytical skills to identify issues quickly and devise effective solutions in real-time, minimizing downtime and ensuring system integrity.

  • Attention to Detail: Precision in your work is crucial, as even minor errors can result in significant operational disruptions. Thoroughness in testing and documentation is important.

  • Project Management: Competence in project management helps you oversee automation projects from conception to completion, coordinating tasks, timelines, and resources efficiently.

  • Communication Skills: Effective communication with team members, engineers, and stakeholders is necessary to convey technical information clearly and work collaboratively.

  • Adaptability: You should be flexible and able to adjust to new technologies and changing requirements within the industry, embracing continuous learning to stay updated.

  • Safety Awareness: Understanding and adhering to safety standards and regulations is fundamental, ensuring that automation processes do not compromise workplace safety.

  • Systems Thinking: You need the ability to see how various components interact within a system, enabling you to optimize overall performance rather than focusing on isolated parts.

  • Data Analysis: Skills in data collection and analysis help you monitor system performance and identify areas for improvement, contributing to enhanced efficiency.

  • Team Collaboration: You will often work in multidisciplinary teams, making teamwork and collaborative problem-solving skills essential for successful project outcomes.

  • Customer Focus: An emphasis on understanding client requirements and addressing their needs ensures that the automation solutions you implement are effectively tailored and satisfactory.

Job Duties for Industrial Automation Specialists

  • Create mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products.

  • Design advanced precision equipment for accurate or controlled applications.

  • Design engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.

Technologies and Skills Used by Industrial Automation Specialists

Analytical or scientific software

  • Finite element method FEM software
  • Vector CANalyzer

Development environment software

  • C
  • Microsoft Visual Basic

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

People and Technology Systems

  • Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Industrial Automation Specialist in New Hampshire

The job market for Industrial Automation Specialists in New Hampshire is experiencing a favorable dynamic, driven by various factors including technological advancements and increased investment in manufacturing and automation processes.

  • Demand: There is a growing demand for professionals skilled in industrial automation, particularly as companies seek to enhance efficiency and productivity through automation technologies. Industries such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and utilities are leading this demand.

  • Growth Potential: The outlook for growth within this sector remains positive. As more organizations in New Hampshire adopt automation technologies to stay competitive, the need for specialists who can design, implement, and maintain these systems will continue to rise. This trend is expected to be sustained as industries strive for digital transformation and smart manufacturing.

  • Geographical Hotspots: Specific regions in New Hampshire have become centers for industrial automation activity:

    • Southern New Hampshire: Areas like Manchester and Nashua are notable for their robust manufacturing bases and technology firms, creating numerous job opportunities.
    • Seacoast Region: Cities such as Portsmouth and Dover host a mix of advanced manufacturing, biotech, and maritime industries that increasingly utilize automation systems.
    • Upper Valley: The Lebanon-Hanover area, known for its high concentration of technology and innovation, also offers opportunities for specialists in various sectors including healthcare and advanced manufacturing.

In conclusion, your prospects as an Industrial Automation Specialist in New Hampshire are bolstered by robust demand, potential for growth, and strategic regional hubs driving innovation in automation technologies.

Top Related Careers to Industrial Automation Specialist 2024

Intelligent Systems Designer
Automation Controls Developer
Smart Device Engineer
Robotics Systems Engineer

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Industrial Automation Specialist in New Hampshire

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

    • Offers publications and guidelines on automation standards and technologies.
    • Website: NIST

  • International Society of Automation (ISA)

    • Provides resources for automation professionals, including technical standards and certification programs.
    • Website: ISA

  • Automation.com

    • A dedicated platform for news, trends, and technical articles related to industrial automation.
    • Website: Automation.com

  • ControlGlobal.com

    • An online resource featuring articles, webinars, and news on industrial control and automation.
    • Website: Control Global

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

    • Offers journals and conferences focused on automation and technology innovations.
    • Website: IEEE

  • US Department of Labor - O*NET Online

    • Provides detailed information about job duties, skills, and education requirements for Industrial Automation Specialists.
    • Website: O*NET

  • LinkedIn Learning

    • Features numerous online courses on automation technologies, PLC programming, and industrial systems.
    • Website: LinkedIn Learning

  • Coursera

    • Offers online courses from universities on topics related to industrial automation and control systems.
    • Website: Coursera

  • Books and Publications

    • "Programmable Logic Controllers" by W. Bolton
    • "Industrial Automation" by Frank D. Petruzella
    • Check local libraries or online platforms like Amazon for availability.

  • Local Networking Organizations

    • New Hampshire Society of Professional Engineers

  • Career and Technical Education Centers

    • Explore local programs that offer training in industrial automation, such as:
      • Manchester Community College

Utilize these resources to build your knowledge and stay updated on current trends and technologies in the field of industrial automation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Industrial Automation Specialist in New Hampshire

  • What educational background is typically required to become an Industrial Automation Specialist?
    Most positions require at least an associate degree in industrial automation, electrical engineering, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree for more advanced roles.

  • What skills are essential for success in this field?
    Essential skills include proficiency in programming languages (such as PLC programming), understanding of control systems, problem-solving abilities, and excellent analytical skills. Familiarity with networking and cybersecurity protocols is increasingly important as well.

  • What certifications can enhance my qualifications as an Industrial Automation Specialist?
    Certifications like the Certified Automation Professional (CAP) and the Control Systems Technician (CST) can improve your job prospects and demonstrate your expertise to employers.

  • In what industries do Industrial Automation Specialists typically work?
    You can find opportunities in various sectors, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and renewable energy. Automation roles are critical in any environment that relies on machinery for production.

  • What are the typical job responsibilities of an Industrial Automation Specialist?
    Responsibilities often include designing and programming control systems, maintaining automated systems, troubleshooting any mechanical or software issues, and collaborating with engineers and production teams to optimize processes.

  • Is there room for advancement in this career?
    Yes, there are several advancement opportunities available. With experience and additional training, you can move into management roles, system design, or project management positions.

  • What is the job outlook for Industrial Automation Specialists in New Hampshire?
    The job outlook is positive, with increasing demand for automation professionals as industries strive for efficiency and cost reduction. This trend is expected to continue as technology evolves.

  • Can I work in industrial automation as a freelancer or consultant?
    Yes, many professionals choose to work as independent contractors or consultants, providing specialized services to companies that need automation solutions.

  • What software and tools should I be familiar with?
    Familiarity with software such as PLC programming tools, SCADA systems, HMI design tools, and CAD software for system design is beneficial. Knowledge of programming languages like Python or C++ can also be advantageous.

  • What kind of work environment can I expect as an Industrial Automation Specialist?
    You will typically work in industrial settings such as factories or plants. This environment may involve exposure to machinery and equipment, so safety protocols must be strictly followed. Some positions may involve fieldwork at client sites.