Become an automation maintenance technician: try the job first

A typical day

• 5.45 am: handover with the night shift, reading the alarms and faults logged in the CMMS.
• 6.30 am: repair on the bagging line, a dirty limit switch cleaned and adjusted.
• 8.00 am: preventive work on a robot cell, checking cables and backing up programmes.
• 10.30 am: reading a PLC programme online to understand a step that keeps blocking.
• 12.00 pm: break, then a catch-up with production about the planned afternoon stop.
• 1.30 pm: isolated work on a drive by an authorised person, then restart.
• 3.30 pm: job report in the CMMS and an improvement proposal for a repeat fault.

How to become an automation maintenance technician

In France, several qualifications lead to this job. The Ministry of Labour's professional title of automated systems installation and maintenance electrician is prepared through adult training or work-study, and can also be gained through VAE, the accreditation of prior experience. The higher technician title in automation and industrial computing, the BTS diplomas (automated systems design, systems maintenance) and the BUT GEII go further. Career changers often train with AFPA, a GRETA or an apprenticeship centre, with placements in companies. Electrical authorisation under standard NF C 18-510 is issued by the employer after training, and robots often require manufacturer training. Outside France, look for the equivalent national qualifications. The G-Learn trial helps you check the job suits you; its certificate is not a diploma and authorises no work on equipment.

Pay

Salaries vary widely by region and employment status. As a guide, Onisep gives about €2,113 gross per month for a junior automation technician in France (profile consulted in November 2026); shift and on-call allowances may be added. Pay also depends on the sector, the size of the plant and your level of qualification.

The hard parts

• Pressure runs high when a line stops: the whole plant is waiting, yet you must keep to a method, respect isolation and never bypass a safety device to save time.
• Hours follow production: shift work, nights, weekends and on-call duty are common in maintenance.
• The job never stands still: new PLCs, networks, robots, predictive maintenance software and cybersecurity rules mean learning throughout your career, often on manufacturer courses.

Sources: France Compétences — Automated systems installation and maintenance electrician title · Intercariforef — Higher technician in automation and industrial computing title · Onisep — Automation technician profile · IFR — World Robotics 2024, Europe