Robotics, c(PLC), and the Internet of Things (IoT) are among the high-growth technical paths in manufacturing. The diversity of job and career opportunities fills a range of professional goals and interests.
Understanding the in-demand skills, relevant certifications, and job opportunities in robotics, PLC, and IoT helps determine which path might be right for you. The following information can be used as a guide.
Robotics Career Paths
A robotics professional designs, develops, constructs, tests, and maintains robots and robotic systems that use AI to perform specific tasks. Automated tasks enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity in manufacturing firms.
In-demand robotics skills
Top robotics skills include:
- Mathematics
- Science
- Programming
- Ongoing learning
- Creative thinking
- Collaboration
- Complex problem-solving
Robotics certifications
Top robotics certificates include:
- Certified Robot Operator
- Certified Applied Robot Operator
- Certified Robot Technician
- Certified Applied Robot Technician
- Collaborative Robot Operator
Robotics jobs
Types of robotics jobs include:
- Design engineer
- Mechanical engineer
- Sales engineer
- Computer scientist
- Robotics engineer
- Hardware engineer
- Algorithm engineer
- User interface designer
- Aeronautical engineer
- Software engineer
- Machine learning engineer
- Data scientist
Programmable Logic Controller Career Paths
A PLC automates the production flow for microchips, automobiles, food products, and other items:
- The PLC designs and programs control systems for automation in manufacturing facilities.
- Small computers with microprocessors communicate between the user and machine parts.
- The components let engineers and manufacturing technicians automate manufacturing processes.
In-demand PLC skills
Top PLC skills include:
- Mechanical knowledge
- Schematic drawing
- Coding
- Safety regulation knowledge
- Initiative
- Flexibility
- Organization
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Complex problem-solving
- Ongoing learning
PLC certifications
Top PLC certificates include:
- PLC Technician Certificate: A basic introduction to PLC and practical application in a plant or manufacturing system.
- PLC Technician II Certificate: A more advanced study of PLC in manufacturing, including distributed control systems (DCS), supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA), and advanced programming languages.
PLC jobs
Types of PLC jobs include:
- PLC technician
- PLC programmer
- Controls technician
- Maintenance technician
- Automation technician
- Instrumentation and control technician
- Field service technician
- Process automation technician
- Electrical controls technician
- Aviation instrument technician
Internet of Things Career Paths
An IoT professional has diverse responsibilities:
- Designing, developing, implementing, and managing IoT solutions.
- Connecting physical devices and sensors to the internet for data exchange and automation.
- Ensuring security and scalability within IoT ecosystems.
In-demand IoT skills
Top IoT skills include:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Machine learning (ML)
- Programming languages
- Node.js development
- Cloud computing
- Information security
- User interface (UI)
- User experience (UX)
IoT certifications
Top IoT certificates include:
- Internet of Things Foundation Certification
- Certified Internet of Things Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Certified IoT Developer
- Certified IoT Architect
- Certified IoT Expert
- Internet of Things Graduate Certificate
- End-to-End IoT Certification
IoT jobs
Types of IoT jobs include:
- Industrial data scientist
- Industrial computer engineer
- Robot coordinator
- Industrial user interface designer
- IoT solution architect
- Industrial computer programmer
- Industrial user experience designer
Find a Robotics, PLC, or IoT Role in St Croix, Wisconsin
Work with Connectology for help landing a robotics, PLC, or IoT role matching your goals, skills, and interests.
