How to become a PLC / Automation Engineer
Program the PLCs and SCADA systems that run factories. Learn ladder logic, HMI and industrial automation skills.
01The role
What does a PLC / Automation Engineer do?
A PLC / automation engineer designs, programs and maintains the control systems that run machines and production lines. Programmable logic controllers read sensors, make decisions and switch motors, valves and drives, while SCADA and HMI screens let operators monitor and control the process. Automation engineers write ladder logic, configure drives and screens, test systems before start-up and troubleshoot breakdowns so that plants stay productive and safe.
Automation is used in automotive plants, food and beverage, pharma, water treatment, cement, textiles and packaging. Ranipet's SIPCOT estate and the wider Chennai–Hosur belt host many factories that rely on PLCs, and system integrators take engineers to commissioning sites across India and abroad. Electrical, electronics and instrumentation graduates, diploma holders and ITI electricians who learn PLC and SCADA with hands-on practice find steady demand.
A typical day
- Read electrical drawings and understand machine sequences
- Write and test PLC programs in ladder logic
- Design HMI and SCADA screens with alarms and trends
- Configure VFDs, sensors and field instruments
- Commission systems on site and train operators
- Troubleshoot faults and improve machine uptime
Skills you need
- Electrical and control fundamentals
- PLC programming (ladder logic, timers, counters)
- SCADA and HMI development
- Sensors, actuators and field instruments
- Variable frequency drives
- Industrial communication (Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet/IP basics)
- Reading control-panel drawings
- Systematic troubleshooting
Who can become one
02Learning path
The courses to take, in order
Start with the first course; add the next when you are ready. Each links to its full syllabus.
Basic Electrical (Executive Diploma) Course
A short, practical start in electrical fundamentals – circuits, wiring, earthing, safety and reading electrical drawings. 1 level · 20 h
PLC & SCADA Course
Learn to program PLCs in ladder logic and FBD, wire control panels and build SCADA screens that monitor and control real industrial processes. 5 levels · 44–64 h
Electrical CAD (AutoCAD Electrical) Course
Learn AutoCAD Electrical to draw control schematics, number wires, lay out PLC and panel drawings and generate BOMs and wiring reports. 2 levels · 64–80 h
Robotics Course
Build working robots with Arduino, sensors and motors – and, at the advanced level, learn robot design, programming and industrial automation. 3 levels · 40–360 h
Internet of Things (IoT) Course
Build connected devices with Arduino, NodeMCU, ESP8266 and Raspberry Pi, send sensor data to the cloud and control things from your phone. 2 levels · 48 h
Basic Electrical (Executive Diploma) Course
A short, practical start in electrical fundamentals – circuits, wiring, earthing, safety and reading electrical drawings.
PLC & SCADA Course
Learn to program PLCs in ladder logic and FBD, wire control panels and build SCADA screens that monitor and control real industrial processes.
Electrical CAD (AutoCAD Electrical) Course
Learn AutoCAD Electrical to draw control schematics, number wires, lay out PLC and panel drawings and generate BOMs and wiring reports.
03Pay
Salary for a PLC / Automation Engineer
Indicative ranges for 2025–26 only. Actual pay varies by company, city, skills and experience; Tier-2 cities like Vellore usually start at the lower end, metros such as Chennai and Bengaluru at the higher end. Figures in lakh per annum (LPA).
Industries
Companies that employ this role
Examples of well-known companies and sectors in India that use these skills. They are not CareerKraft partners or recruiters.
04Growth
Your career ladder
Trainee / Service Engineer
Supports panel testing, wiring checks and site service.
PLC Programmer / Automation Engineer
Programs and commissions PLC and HMI systems.
Senior Automation Engineer
Handles SCADA, drives and full-line projects.
Project Lead
Leads automation projects, clients and teams.
Automation Manager
Manages the automation department or integrator business.
Start your path to PLC / Automation Engineer
The counsellor maps the course order, batch timings and fee for you on WhatsApp.
05FAQ
PLC / Automation Engineer – FAQ
Still have a question? The counsellor at the centre you prefer replies on WhatsApp.
Ask on WhatsAppIs PLC programming hard to learn?
Ladder logic is visual and close to relay wiring, so electrical and ITI learners usually pick it up quickly with practice.
Which PLC brand should I learn?
Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi and Delta are common in India. Once you know one well, others are easier to learn.
Do automation jobs involve travel?
System integrators often send engineers to commissioning sites. Plant maintenance roles are based at one factory.
Can mechanical engineers learn PLC?
Yes. Many mechanical engineers maintaining automated machines learn PLC to troubleshoot and improve them.
Are there automation jobs near Ranipet?
Ranipet's SIPCOT industrial estate and nearby Chennai and Hosur belts have many factories that use PLCs and automated machines.
Where can I train to become a PLC / Automation Engineer near Vellore?
CareerKraft teaches Basic Electrical (Executive Diploma), PLC & SCADA, Electrical CAD (AutoCAD Electrical) and related courses at its Katpadi, Vellore and Ranipet centres, in classroom, online or hybrid mode. Message your chosen centre on WhatsApp and the counsellor will share the current fee, offers and EMI options.
Start today
Get the Basic Electrical (Executive Diploma) syllabus, fees & batch dates
Fill this in and WhatsApp opens with your details, addressed to the centre you choose. The counsellor replies with the full syllabus, current fee, offers and the next batch.
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- Real projects and placement support
- Classroom, online or hybrid batches
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