You can write flawless ladder logic and commission systems in your sleep, but without strong soft skills, your career will eventually plateau. The most successful automation engineers combine technical expertise with the ability to communicate, collaborate, and lead. Here are the soft skills that matter most.
Communication
Automation engineers work at the intersection of multiple disciplines. You need to explain technical concepts to:
- Plant operators who need to understand how to use the systems you build
- Project managers who need status updates and risk assessments
- Clients who may have limited technical knowledge but need to make informed decisions
- Maintenance technicians who need clear documentation to fault-find your systems
How to improve: Practise explaining complex concepts simply. Write documentation as if the reader has no automation background. Use diagrams and visual aids whenever possible.
Problem-Solving
Every commissioning day brings unexpected challenges. A sensor that behaves differently in reality than on paper, a machine that vibrates in ways the designer did not anticipate, or a client requirement that changes mid-project.
The best engineers approach problems systematically:
- Define the problem clearly
- Gather relevant data and observations
- Generate multiple hypotheses
- Test hypotheses methodically
- Implement the most robust solution
- Document the findings for future reference
How to improve: Resist the urge to jump to conclusions. Practise root cause analysis techniques. Keep a log of problems and solutions to build your troubleshooting repertoire.
Teamwork
Automation projects involve electricians, mechanical engineers, process engineers, project managers, and clients all working toward a common goal. Your ability to collaborate effectively directly impacts project success.
Key teamwork behaviours:
- Actively listen to colleagues from other disciplines
- Share knowledge willingly
- Accept constructive feedback without defensiveness
- Support team members under pressure during commissioning
- Recognise and acknowledge others' contributions
Time Management
Automation engineers juggle multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities. Effective time management includes:
- Breaking large tasks into manageable subtasks
- Estimating task duration accurately (a skill that improves with experience)
- Prioritising based on project impact rather than personal preference
- Communicating early when deadlines are at risk
- Protecting focused programming time from interruptions
Adaptability
No two automation projects are identical. You might work in a pharmaceutical clean room one month and a steel mill the next. Each environment has different standards, cultures, and challenges.
Adaptable engineers:
- Learn new PLC platforms when projects require it
- Adjust communication styles for different audiences
- Embrace changing requirements rather than resisting them
- Stay calm when plans go wrong (which they often do during commissioning)
Client Management
Whether you work for a system integrator or as an in-house engineer serving internal customers, managing expectations and building relationships is crucial.
Key principles:
- Under-promise and over-deliver
- Communicate proactively, especially about delays or issues
- Document agreements and changes in writing
- Be honest about what is and is not possible within constraints
Leadership
Even without a formal management title, automation engineers regularly lead:
- Commissioning teams on-site
- Technical discussions and design reviews
- Mentoring of junior engineers
- Client presentations and workshops
How to develop leadership skills: Volunteer to lead small initiatives. Mentor a colleague. Present at team meetings. Take ownership of problems rather than waiting to be told what to do.
Continuous Learning
The technology landscape in automation shifts continuously. Engineers who stop learning stagnate. Develop the habit of:
- Attending industry events and conferences
- Completing CPD-accredited training regularly
- Reading technical publications and vendor documentation
- Experimenting with new tools and technologies
Soft skills are not innate talents — they are developed through practice, feedback, and deliberate effort. The investment pays dividends across every aspect of your engineering career.