engineering processes
The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.
Automation engineers research, design, and develop applications and systems for the automation of the production process. They implement technology and reduce, whenever applicable, human input to reach the full potential of industrial robotics. Automation engineers oversee the process and ensure all systems run safely and smoothly.
Competences and skills
109 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 20 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesmechanical engineering
Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.
Cross-sector
18 competencesautomatic control system
Set of interconnected mechanisms and components, such as controllers or sensing elements, that use programming logic to automate the operation and behaviour of a process or system without a continuous human intervention, to achieve a desired performance such as stability.
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automation technology
Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.
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computer engineering
Engineering discipline that combines computer science with electrical engineering to develop computer hardware and software. Computer engineering occupies itself with electronics, software design, and the integration of hardware and software.
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control engineering
Subdiscipline of engineering that focuses on controlling the behaviour of systems through the use of sensors and actuators.
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design drawings
The drawings detailing the design of products, tools, and engineering systems.
electrical engineering
The field of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism.
electronics
The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.
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engineering principles
The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.
industrial engineering
The field of engineering concerned with the development, improvement, and implementation of complex processes and systems of knowledge, people, equipment, etc.
manufacturing processes
The steps required through which a material is transformed into a product, its development and full-scale manufacturing.
mathematics
Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
mechatronics
Multidisciplinary field of engineering that combines principles of electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, control engineering, computer engineering, and mechanical engineering in the design of products and manufacturing processes. The combination of these areas of engineering allows for the design and development of "smart" devices and the achievement of an optimal balance between mechanical structure and control.
physics
The natural science involving the study of matter, motion, energy, force and related notions.
production processes
Materials and techniques required in the production and distribution processes.
robotic components
The components that can be found in robotic systems, such as microprocessors, electronics, sensors, circuit boards, encoders, servomotors, controllers, pneumatics or hydraulics.
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robotics
The branch of engineering that involves the design, operation, manufacture, and application of robots. Robotics is part of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science and overlaps with mechatronics and automation engineering.
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sensors
Sensors are transducers that can detect or sense characteristics in their environment. They detect changes in the apparatus or environment and provide a corresponding optical or electrical signal. Sensors are commonly divided in six classes: mechanical, electronic, thermal, magnetic, electrochemical, and optical sensors.
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technical drawings
Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
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Essential skills and competences 25 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesdevelop mechatronic test procedures
Develop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of mechatronic systems, products, and components.
operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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simulate mechatronic design concepts
Simulate mechatronic design concepts through creating mechanical models and performing tolerance analysis.
Cross-sector
22 competencesadjust engineering designs
Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.
analyse test data
Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.
approve engineering design
Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.
conduct literature research
Conduct a comprehensive and systematic research of information and publications on a specific literature topic. Present a comparative evaluative literature summary.
conduct quality control analysis
Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.
define technical requirements
Specify technical properties of goods, materials, methods, processes, services, systems, software and functionalities by identifying and responding to the particular needs that are to be satisfied according to customer requirements.
demonstrate disciplinary expertise
Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.
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design automation components
Design engineering parts, assemblies, products, or systems that contribute to the automation of industrial machines.
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design prototypes
Design prototypes of products or components of products by applying design and engineering principles.
develop electronic test procedures
Develop testing protocols to enable a variety of analyses of electronic systems, products, and components.
gather technical information
Apply systematic research methods and communicate with relevant parties in order to find specific information and evaluate research results to assess the information's relevance, relating technical systems and developments.
interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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manage personal professional development
Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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monitor manufacturing quality standards
Monitor quality standards in manufacturing and finishing process.
perform project management
Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.
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prepare production prototypes
Prepare early models or prototypes in order to test concepts and replicability possibilities. Create prototypes to assess for pre-production tests.
record test data
Record data which has been identified specifically during preceding tests in order to verify that outputs of the test produce specific results or to review the reaction of the subject under exceptional or unusual input.
report analysis results
Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well as potential interpretations of the results.
synthesise information
Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.
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think abstractly
Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.
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use technical drawing software
Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.
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Optional knowledge 11 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesguidance, navigation and control
The engineering discipline that deals with the design and development of systems that can control the motion of automobiles, ships, space- and aircraft. It includes control over vehicle's trajectory from its present location to a designated target and vehicle's speed and altitude.
maritime law
The collection of domestic and international laws and treaties that govern behaviour on the sea.
microelectromechanical systems
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are miniaturised electromechanical systems made using processes of microfabrication. MEMS consist of microsensors, microactuators, microstructures, and microelectronics. MEMS can be used in a range of appliances, such as ink jet printer heads, digital light processors, gyroscopes in smart phones, accelerometers for airbags, and miniature microphones.
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Cross-sector
8 competencesCAE software
The software to perform computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis tasks such as Finite Element Analysis and Computional Fluid Dynamics.
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electromechanics
The engineering processes that combine electrical and mechanical engineering in the application of electromechanics in devices that need electricity to create mechanical movement or devices that create electricity by mechanical movement.
firmware
Firmware is a software program with a read-only memory (ROM) and a set of instructions that is permanently inscribed on a hardware device. Firmware is commonly used in electronic systems such as computers, mobile phones, and digital cameras.
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marine technology
Technologies for the safe use, exploitation, protection of, and intervention in the marine environment.
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microelectronics
Microelectronics is a subdiscipline of electronics and relates the study, design, and manufacture of small electronic components, such as microchips.
model based system engineering
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a methodology for systems engineering that uses visual modelling as the primary means of communicating information. It is focused on creating and exploiting domain models as the primary means of information exchange between engineers and engineering technicians, rather than on document-based information exchange. Therefore, it eliminates the communication of unnecessary information by relying on abstract models that retain only the relevant data.
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quality standards
The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.
safety engineering
The study of the risks associated with engineered designs and systems, accident prevention as well as the safety benefits of reducing deaths and injuries. The discipline focuses on analysing and mitigating potential hazards in engineering processes.
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Optional skills and competences 53 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
12 competencesassemble mechatronic units
Assemble mechatronic units using mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, and information technology systems and components. Manipulate and attach metals through using welding and soldering techniques, glue, screws, and rivets. Install wiring. Install drive systems, sensors, actuators, and transducers. Mount switches, control devices, coverings, and protection.
assemble sensors
Mount chips on a sensor substrate and attach them using soldering or wafer bumping techniques.
define manufacturing quality criteria
Define and describe the criteria by which data quality is measured for manufacturing purposes, such as international standards and manufacturing regulations.
develop product design
Convert market requirements into product design and development.
follow standards for machinery safety
Apply basic safety standards and machine-specific technical standards to prevent risks connected with the use of machines in the workplace.
install automation components
Install the automation components according to the specifications of the circuit diagram.
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install mechatronic equipment
Install equipment used for the automation of a specific machine or device.
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maintain control systems for automated equipment
Check, maintain and repair electrical and electronic elements. Check and update software of automated equipment.
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maintain robotic equipment
Diagnose and detect malfunctions in robotic components and systems and remove, replace, or repair these components when necessary. Execute preventative equipment maintenance tasks, such as storing robotic components in clean, dust-free, and non-humid spaces.
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maintain safe engineering watches
Observe principles in keeping an engineering watch. Take over, accept and hand over a watch. Perform routine duties undertaken during a watch. Maintain the machinery space logs and the significance of the readings taken. Observe safety and emergency procedures. Observe safety precautions during a watch and take immediate actions in the event of fire or accident, with particular reference to oil systems.
manage intellectual property rights
Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.
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test mechatronic units
Test mechatronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
Cross-sector
41 competencesapply blended learning
Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.
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apply for research funding
Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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assemble hardware components
Assemble the necessary hardware components, such as the motherboard, Central Processing Unit (CPU), hard drive, disk drive, power supply unit, RAM, PCI card, mouse, keyboard, cameras and other necessary components to build the computer device. Attach the components manually using screwdrivers or use assembly machines and install the wiring.
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build business relationships
Establish a positive, long-term relationship between organisations and interested third parties such as suppliers, distributors, shareholders and other stakeholders in order to inform them of the organisation and its objectives.
communicate with a non-scientific audience
Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.
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communicate with customers
Respond to and communicate with customers in the most efficient and appropriate manner to enable them to access the desired products or services, or any other help they may require.
conduct research across disciplines
Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.
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coordinate engineering teams
Plan, coordinate and supervise engineering activities together with engineers and engineering technicians. Ensure clear and effective channels of communication across all departments. Make sure the team is aware of the standards and objectives of the research and development.
create technical plans
Create detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.
design firmware
Design the appropriate firmware to a specific electronic system.
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develop professional network with researchers and scientists
Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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draft bill of materials
Set up a list of materials, components, and assemblies as well as the quantities needed to manufacture a certain product.
draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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evaluate research activities
Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.
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examine engineering principles
Analyse the principles that need to be considered for engineering designs and projects such as functionality, replicability, costs and other principles.
increase the impact of science on policy and society
Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.
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install software
Install machine-readable instructions, such as computer programs, in order to direct the computer's processor to perform a certain set of actions.
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integrate gender dimension in research
Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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manage open publications
Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.
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mentor individuals
Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.
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monitor automated machines
Continuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.
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perform resource planning
Estimate the expected input in terms of time, human and financial resources necessary to achieve the project objectives.
perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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perform test run
Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.
program firmware
Program permanent software with a read-only memory (ROM) on a hardware device, such as an integrated circuit.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities
Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.
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promote the transfer of knowledge
Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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replace machines
Evaluate when to invest in replacing machines or machine tools and take the necessary actions.
set up automotive robot
Set up and programme an automotive robot working on machine processes and substituting or collaboratively supporting human labour, such as the six-axis automotive robot.
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speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
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teach in academic or vocational contexts
Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.
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test sensors
Test sensors using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
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use CAD software
Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.
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use CAM software
Use computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programmes to control machinery and machine tools in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation as part of the manufacturing processes of workpieces.
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write routine reports
Compose regular reports by writing clear observations on the monitored processes in a respective field.
write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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