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Automation & Instrumentation Engineer

Rising

Engineering

Designs and programs the control systems, PLCs, sensors and robots that run factories, semiconductor plants and oil and gas facilities, and keeps them running reliably. The usual route is a degree in electrical, electronic, mechatronics or chemical engineering, often starting as a graduate engineer in Penang, Kulim or Johor.

Electrical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringComputer Science

In Malaysia

How people get into it here
SPM with credits in Mathematics, Additional Mathematics and Physics → Matriculation, Asasi, STPM or an engineering diploma → Bachelor's in Electrical/Electronic, Mechatronics, Instrumentation or Chemical Engineering → graduate engineer in manufacturing or O&G → register with BEM as a Graduate Engineer, later Professional Engineer. PLC/SCADA vendor training (e.g. Siemens, Rockwell) helps.

Sources:randstad.com.myecentral.mymy.jobstreet.com

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

PhysicsCurrent, voltage and circuits start here.
Additional MathematicsSize cables and loads without guessing.
Design & Technology (RBT)Hands-on building and wiring practice.
Computer Science / ICTYour head start on programming.
EnglishMost docs and tech teams work in English.

Skills to build

Systematic troubleshootingSafety awareness around live plantWorking with technicians and production teamsLearning new control platforms

Pay in the private market

Monthly pay from fresh grad to mid-career, from the salary guide cited on this page.

No official pay figure is published for this job, so we show none.

Government pay isn't shown: we haven't yet sourced the SSPA civil-service salary tables, and we won't estimate them.

Job demand outlook

Rising

Hiring is growing: more openings expected over the next few years.

Your readiness

How your current SPM subjects line up with this career.

Add your SPM grades to see how ready you are for this career.

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Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

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How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Matriculation

One or two years, heavily subsidised with allowance. Competitive, quota-based entry.

12–24 months

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

TVET

Hands-on trades with strong employability: ILP, ADTEC, kolej vokasional, GiatMARA.

1–3 years

About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org