Information on the alignment requirements for the Automation Engineer Technology Program
CIP Code: 15.0406
CIP Name: Automation Engineer Technology/Technician
Definition: A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, installing, calibrating, modifying and maintaining automated systems. Includes instruction in computer systems; electronics and instrumentation; programmable logic controllers (PLCs); electric, hydraulic and pneumatic control systems; actuator and sensor systems; process control; robotics; applications to specific industrial tasks; and report preparation.
SOC Code/Name: 17-3023.00 / Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Sample Job Titles: Electrical Engineering Technician, Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering Technician, Electronics Technician, Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech), Engineering Technologist, System Technologist
SOC Code/Name: 17-3024.00 / Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Sample Job Titles: Automation Technician, Electro-Mechanic, Electromechanical (EM) Assembler, Electromechanical (EM) Technician, Electronics Technician, Mechanical Technician, Process Control Tech, Product Test Specialist, Test Engineering Technician, Test Technician
SOC Code/Name: 17-3024.01 / Robotics Technicians
Sample Job Titles: Automation Technician, Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Technician, Instrument and Automation Technician, Instrument Specialist (or Technician), Instrumentation and Controls Technician, Instrumentation and Process Controls Technician, Process Control Technician, Programmable Logic Controllers Technician
Note: See Industrial Machine/Maintenance Technology program for similar technical program and occupations.
Approval Status
The Automation Engineer Technology alignment was originally approved by the Kansas Board of Regents on May 15, 2014. After going through the realignment process, the Technical Education Authority approved the amended Automation Engineer Technology Program Alignment on October 31, 2024. Colleges are granted one year from the approval date to implement the alignment. Automation Engineer Technology implementation due by Fall 2026.
State Business and Industry Committee recommendation
The Business & Industry (B&I) Committee recommended keeping the two existing award levels as well as adding Technical Certificates A and B to provide quicker exit points into the workforce. Recommendations for additional support course offerings included Math, Employability Skills/Interpersonal Communication, and Fundamentals of Motor Control/Electrical Control Systems I. While not a requirement for employment, the state B&I Committee endorsed the International Society of Automation (ISA) credential, Control Systems Technician (CST), upon completion of an AAS degree.
Alignment Map
Fall 2026 Program Alignment Map (pdf)
Fall 2015 Program Alignment Map (pdf)
Common Courses: (13 credit hours)
Common Courses serve as potential articulation and transfer of coursework between secondary and postsecondary partners. These courses shall have the same title, description, credit hour allocation, and competencies. Institutions may add additional competencies based on local demand. The sequencing of common courses is determined by the institution unless otherwise noted on the alignment map.
| AC/DC Circuits | 4 credit hours (pdf) |
| Industrial Fluid Power | 3 credit hours (pdf) |
| Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) | 3 credit hours (pdf) |
| Industrial Robotics | 3 credit hours (pdf) |
Support Courses: (11-15 credit hours)
Institutions may utilize existing like courses which adhere to the agreed upon course lengths and competencies.
| OSHA 10 or 30 | 1 to 3 credit hours |
| Math | 3 credit hours |
| Employability Skills/Interpersonal Communication | 2 to 3 credit hours |
| Fundamentals of Motor Control/Electrical Control Systems I | 2 to 3 credit hours |
| Actuator & Sensor Systems/Industrial Process Control | 3 credit hours |
To learn where this program is available in Kansas, visit the Kansas Career Technical Education Program Search.