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If you believe you have an aptitude for developing procedures and standards in a technology environment, you may have what it takes to become a freelance automation engineer.

While most automation engineers have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, some have only a high school degree or GED. Experience as an automation specialist is helpful, including roles as a maintenance technician, a controls engineer, or a field service technician.

What does an automation engineer do?

A freelance automation engineer is an IT professional who is responsible for delivering automated solutions for various software processes. In this role, automation engineers often collaborate with stakeholders to identify and resolve problems by gathering requirements and implementing them through process automation.

While the responsibilities of freelance automation engineers vary based on their assignments, they are normally engaged in certain common practices. These may include executing QA tests that automatically test functionality; running tests for networks, applications, systems, and databases; identifying and fixing bugs; and collaborating with other teams to determine how to best automate workflow.

What skills do I need to become a freelance automation engineer?

Common skills an automation engineer should possess include:

Advanced coding skills using programming languages such as Java, Python, C++, CSS, and JavaScript.
Industrial and systems engineering (ISE) experience in version control systems as well as Eclipse IDE
Functional automated testing experience with the ability to create, maintain, and execute manual and automated tests
DevOps capabilities
Open source manual testing
Experience in modeling and application design and architecture
Advanced programming and troubleshooting knowledge
IT, API, and software QA technical skills
Knowledge of unit automation testing and agile software development ( Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, Selenium)
Linear communication and excellent team-working skills with other testers, development teams, and automation engineers

Should I get automation engineer certification?

In addition to developing your skills, obtaining a professional certification can help your Upwork profile stand out. Some examples of popular automation certifications include:

Certified Associate in Software Testing (CAST)
Certified Software Tester (CSTE)
Certified Manager of Software Testing (CMST)
Certified Associate Java Programmer

Having a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or another related field can also help you stand out. Depending on the role, having a master’s degree may also be recommended. There are various types of automation engineers, including test automation engineers, automation design engineers, and automation systems engineers. Different types of automation engineering may require different degrees or certifications.

What are the job responsibilities of a freelance automation engineer?

A freelance automation engineer is tasked with delivering automation solutions for software, hardware, and business-related processes. This often includes programming, QA testing, scriptwriting, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities of an automation engineer include:

Deliver consistency in process and documentation of test automation approach across teams
Support the usage and analysis of all new automation tools
Develop, implement, and maintain client’s automated test scripts
Comprehensive understanding of various test automation approaches, including keyword-driven, data-driven, POM, BDD, and hybrid

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyse and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

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How to Become an Automation Engineer

What does an automation engineer do?

What skills do I need to become a freelance automation engineer?

Should I get automation engineer certification?

What are the job responsibilities of a freelance automation engineer?

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