"From Classroom to Factory Floor: Exploring Careers in Industrial Automation and Smart Technology"

Last Updated: 2026-05-27T18:19:57.798-04:00

Field Trip: Chariho Electrical Technology students explore careers in industrial automation

WESTERLY — Chariho Career and Technical Center's Electrical Technology class visited an automation company in Westerly, ProSystems Integration, on Wednesday to give students a look at career opportunities in the industrial side of the field.

The students stepped onto the production floor, which housed multiple pieces of equipment and machines, both large and small. A former student of the class, Chariho alumnus and engineer at ProSystems Jesse Brunelle, alongside his father, John, president and owner of ProSystems Integration, gave the students safety glasses and walked them through the Tom Harvey Road facility, explaining what multiple machines do and their purposes.

They explained that the industry is heavily driven by customer demand, with a wide variety of systems designed for different applications. These projects range from equipment used to make medical tubing for hospitals, to automated systems for companies such as Hershey Chocolate and Krispy Kreme. For a more local example, Brunelle said the company has also developed control systems for the Mystic River Bascule Bridge in the past.

Students also got the opportunity to speak to other engineers working on the floor, who explained to them how they design systems, machines, and talked generally about the day-to-day work that is done at the company. One such machine demonstrated an extrusion line being run, specifically for medical tubing.

Jesse Brunelle invited the students down to the facility to have a comprehensive tour of the equipment they manufacture and the role the company plays in the industry. He said that when he was a student in the class, a lot of focus was centered around residential and commercial aspects of engineering and electrical work and he wanted to show students the careers that can be found in the automation field.

“I graduated two years ago, and in that program we spent a lot of time on the residential side of things. We went to residential sites and worked with a lot of residential wiring, however we spent almost no time at all in the industrial side of things,” Jesse Brunelle said. “What I’m trying to do is expose this whole world of the electrical industry to students who don’t get to see this side of things. There’s plenty of career opportunities in this industry as well that aren’t seen too often.”

“We want to show them that the technology is continuously changing, back from the introduction to computers in the ‘90s, the internet, tablets and phones: the technology is changing rapidly but the machinery itself really hasn’t changed, it’s the controls that change every three to five years,” John Brunelle said. “Technology-wise, the opportunities in the industry are huge. Everybody wants to hire young talent because they know how to use computers and tablets.”

Jesse said he wanted to get the students out of the mindset of thinking they can only do ‘electrical work’ if they want to be electricians - it’s a much more varied career than students may initially believe. He said if he didn’t have prior knowledge of the industrial side of the industry from his father, that he probably wouldn’t have known about it based on what is shown to students in the class.

Brunelle also frequently goes to Chariho to hold a seminar where he talks about the kind of work that he and his dad do at the company to spread the message further. He said that he can hopefully continue to bring students onto the production floor at the company to expand their knowledge of career opportunities in the industry.

Chariho Career and Technical Center’s Electrical Technology class instructor Ryan Northup, who has more than 20 years of experience in the electrical industry, explained why it is important for students to gain real-world experience in events like this.

“It gives them some foreground of what we’re doing in class and a perfect real-world application: we do have a module about industrial motor controls, and now they can actually envision some of what they were working on,” Northup said. “The other aspect is the inspiration, because something like this may inspire a particular student that will say, ‘Hey, that was really cool, I want to start getting into that.’”

AUTOMATIONSNYTT • Easy migration – ready for NIS2

When Level Automation was about to upgrade the control in its automation cabinets from the Simatic S7-1200 to the next generation control system, the Simatic S7-1200 G2, the migration went faster than anyone had expected.

– It took two minutes. It was almost ridiculously easy, says the company's owner Martin Ozols.

At one of Siemens' workshops in Mölndal, Sweden, where new standards and cybersecurity requirements were on the agenda, Martin Ozols started talking to Ralf Folke from Siemens about the new control system generation Simatic S7-1200 G2.

– Then I realized that it was time to take the plunge. We had already upgraded ourselves before, from the S7-200 to the S7-1200. It was a big jump that took a lot of time so I was a little bit of a dig now. But this time it was something completely different, it can't be compared, says Martin Ozols.

When Level Automation migrated from the Simatic S7-200 to the S7-1200, extensive manual work was required. With the Simatic S7-1200 G2, the process is basically automated, thanks to the new migration tool, an add-in to the automation platform TIA Portal.

– You do a readiness check and get two Excel reports, one that shows the hardware's closest counterpart and one that shows what in the program can be migrated. In the past, you had to look up all that yourself, but now everything is automatically suggested. It saves a huge amount of time.

And the result?

– We pressed the button and two minutes later the migration was complete, says Martin Ozols and laughs.

The new Simatic S7-1200 G2 family is certified according to the cybersecurity standard IEC 62443, an important piece of the puzzle due to the increased requirements of the NIS2 Directive for socially important activities.

– Many municipalities have barely begun to set requirements based on NIS2 yet. They often think that it is enough to buy a "NIS2-rated machine". But NIS2 is about risk analysis and processes. However, it feels reassuring that our automation cabinets are now at the forefront, says Martin Ozols.

Level Automation designs, builds and programs electrical and automation cabinets, primarily for the water and wastewater industry, machine builders and various industrial processes. But they do not commission the systems themselves.

– Should something need to be adjusted, our customers' technicians have memory cards. We then only send new files, which makes the update quick and easy. Alternatively, we send you memory cards and instructions if the end customer makes the update themselves. We don't have to travel and the customer saves time.

The company started in 2010 in Askim, Sweden, and has since built up a stable network of returning customers.

– Many people don't know exactly what they need, so we help them shape the solution from scratch. We can get everything from a napkin sketch to full requirement specification.

The company is small, but that is seen as a strength.

– We have extremely short cycles. If the customer discovers in the middle of a project that something has been forgotten, we can quickly change and adapt. This is a major competitive advantage.

The cooperation with Siemens is long-term, appreciated and based on a good dialogue.

– We feel at home in TIA Portal. Everything is integrated and we get the support we need. In the past, you mostly called, but today we key in a case directly from the computer and always get feedback shortly. It works just fine.

Siemens as a brand provides a secure advantage.

– With Siemens, we reach a broad market, it is accepted everywhere. And all the schoolchildren who are going out to work know Siemens.

With the Simatic S7-1200 G2, some solutions can be cheaper, such as new I/O cards with more channels. The new generation also takes up less space on the DIN rail and is more powerful.

After PLC migration, the panels are next. Level Automation will move to Simatic WinCC Unified.

– I didn't know there was a migration tool for panels as well, says Martin Ozols.

– It's called Data2Unified and it's also really smooth, says Ralf Folke.

– It will be fun to try, Martin concludes.

10 Companies Hiring Electrical Engineers

A lot of the technology getting the most investment right now depends on electrical engineering. The data centers powering artificial intelligence need more efficient chips and power systems that won’t bankrupt the surrounding area, electric vehicles depend on battery and motor-control hardware to stay running, and never-before-seen levels of automation are rolling about factory floors. At the same time, billions of dollars are being poured into semiconductor manufacturing and infrastructure to keep up with both the compute power and electricity required to meet rising demand.

Today, electrical engineers earn a median annual salary of about $118,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Below are some of the most active employers hiring electrical engineers right now.

Top Companies Hiring Electrical Engineers

Post Electric Expands Home Automation and Smart Technology Integration Services

Monett, MO – January 06, 2026 – Post Electric, a licensed electrical contractor serving Southwest Missouri, announces the expansion of its residential electrical services to include comprehensive home automation and smart technology integration capabilities. The expansion addresses growing demand from homeowners seeking to modernize their electrical systems and incorporate connected home technologies.

The enhanced service offerings come after an 18-month period during which the company experienced increased requests for electrical upgrades and smart home installations. Post Electric has invested in advanced diagnostic equipment and expanded its technical expertise to serve homeowners throughout the region, particularly those with properties built before 1990 that require significant electrical infrastructure updates.

As a Post Electric Residential Electrician team member explained, the expansion encompasses several key service areas, including whole-home electrical assessments, panel upgrades to accommodate increased electrical loads, dedicated circuit installations for high-demand appliances, and integration of smart home devices and systems. The company has also enhanced its capabilities for circuit capacity assessments and comprehensive safety evaluations.

“The residential electrical landscape has evolved dramatically over the past few years, with homeowners increasingly interested in smart home technologies and energy-efficient solutions,” said Ryan, Master Electrician at Post Electric. “Our expanded services allow us to provide comprehensive electrical system evaluations and implement customized upgrade solutions that meet the modern electrical demands of today’s households.”

The timing of this expansion aligns with regional housing trends, which show increased home improvement investments across Southwest Missouri. Many homeowners are discovering that older electrical systems cannot adequately support modern appliances, electric vehicle charging stations, and smart home technologies without significant upgrades.

Post Electric Electrical Wiring services now include specialized installations for home automation systems, smart lighting controls, programmable thermostats, security systems, and whole-home surge protection. The company maintains its commitment to using high-quality materials and the latest installation techniques to ensure safe and efficient electrical systems.

“We recognized that homeowners need a trusted partner who understands both traditional electrical systems and emerging smart home technologies,” added Ryan. “Our team has undergone extensive training to ensure we can handle everything from basic electrical repairs to complex home automation installations.”

The expanded services are available immediately throughout Post Electric’s service area, which includes Pierce City, Verona, Aurora, Cassville, Springfield, Mount Vernon, Ozark, and Monett. The company continues to provide emergency electrical services around the clock for urgent issues and maintains its standard one-year workmanship warranty on all installations.

Post Electric is a family-owned and operated electrical contracting business with over 15 years of experience serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Southwest Missouri. The company holds all required licenses and insurance, employing a team of experienced electricians committed to delivering safe, reliable electrical solutions. Beyond residential services, Post Electric provides comprehensive commercial and industrial electrical services, including large-scale installations, machinery wiring, and routine maintenance for businesses and industrial operations throughout the region.

Wago and Matter: “We Want to Really Get Into This Market”

An interview with Manfred Lehmann, Strategic Product Manager at WAGO. The long-established German electrical engineering manufacturer is currently introducing its first Matter-enabled products. Lehmann explains what this means for electricians and what strategy the company is pursuing in a conversation with matter-smarthome.

Mr. Lehmann, why is Wago adopting the Matter standard – and why now?

Manfred Lehmann: It’s in line with Wago’s strategy. We want to empower electricians to be successful in the long term. We have always done this with our products, such as our terminals. What was missing until now was access to automation for electricians in residential construction. Wago automation technology is mainly used in functional buildings. With the new WAGO Home Automation product line, smart houses and apartments can be easily realized. The Matter standard is the key to this. It has set a trend that will change the electrical industry. We are convinced that electricians will also have to deal with it intensively.

Why is Matter so relevant for specialist companies?

Lehmann: Many devices in the Matter ecosystem come from consumer electronics: smart lamps, sockets, or robot vacuum cleaners. The end customer brings their own platform for control. The challenge is to connect this consumer world with a professional building installation, such as blinds or, in the future, heat pumps and wall boxes.

We see a clear trend away from rigid smart home systems that are programmed once and remain unchanged for decades. Instead, the electrician installs the basis and the customer then develops the system further themselves.

That sounds like a paradigm shift. Until now, building technicians have done everything – from installation to complete automation.

Lehmann: Yes, the industry often struggled to sell investment-intensive complete solutions. IoT devices for well under €100 greatly lower this barrier to entry. This allows a smart home to be built up slowly over the years. Today, end customers frequently start on their own, for example with smart lighting, and later turn to a specialist company to automate other areas such as blinds. This is exactly where we come in with WAGO Home Automation.

Why do you offer your product range in two wireless versions? Other manufacturers opt for Matter over Wi-Fi or Matter over Thread.

Lehmann: We basically rely on Thread. We are convinced that this is the right communication standard for the smart home of the future. The mesh network, the range, and the low energy consumption clearly speak in its favor. We see Wi-Fi as more suitable for households with an older Matter controller without a Thread Border Router.

So it has nothing to do with the fact that some manufacturers had connection problems with Thread? And that Wi-Fi is more widespread overall?

Lehmann: No, it was never about having a second option up our sleeve in case Thread didn’t catch on in the market. We firmly believe in Thread. It’s the right communication standard for this application.

These topics are new to many electricians. What do installers need to be prepared for?

Lehmann: Matter brings new requirements for specialists, particularly when it comes to dealing with IP and home networks. At the same time, commissioning is much easier than with traditional solutions. No training or special proprietary system components are required.

Essentially, it involves scanning QR codes and integrating devices into a Matter ecosystem. We offer smartphone apps for both tasks: there is an electrician app and an app for end consumers. Nevertheless, a certain basic understanding of networks is, of course, required, which is why we support specialist companies with online tutorials and training courses.

How do the two commissioning apps work at Wago?

Lehmann: Using the Home Setup feature in his WAGO app, the technician scans the individual QR codes of the devices before installation. He creates rooms and configures functions such as switch configuration, dimming curves, and blind running times. In the process, project documentation is created with all information and device codes in digital form.

Once installation is complete, the end customer receives the project file. He imports it into his WAGO Home Setup app. Here, all prepared devices can be transferred directly to the desired Matter ecosystem – without having to perform any additional scans. However, it is still possible to modify the settings or perform individual scans.

What about liability and support issues after this handover?

Lehmann: Currently, there is no formal acceptance function in the process. Looking ahead, we are considering further developing the app to offer more support after installation. However, it is clear that the system will continue to change after handover to the end customer.

How do your modules differ from other products on the market? Why should electricians choose Wago?

Lehmann: Our modules feature Wago quality, which is confirmed by VDE certification. I don’t know of any other manufacturer that offers flush-mounted actuators with this seal of approval. Specialist companies can rely on this quality. Added to this is the simple installation with our lever terminals.

In addition, each module also functions as a generic switch: the input can be used independently of the output. While the actuator switches a connected 230-volt light, for example, the switch in front of it triggers Matter scenes – with a short, long, or double press of the button. This is also a distinctive feature.

And then, of course, we are familiar with the everyday work of electricians. This is evident in the fact that the inputs and outputs of the modules are linked together ex works. So the circuit works immediately after installation and does not first have to be configured via an app, as is the case with other manufacturers.

How will development continue? Where does Wago want to go with Matter?

Lehmann: Wago has always been known for open, manufacturer-independent systems. With Matter, we’re continuing down this path. We’re putting together a dedicated team, starting with eight products, and want to work with electricians to build a sustainable smart home market. So, we want to really get into this market and cover areas where Wago is already present today.

The new relays are essentially a smart version of the terminal blocks we have offered so far. If you look at where else our products are used, the electrical cabinet would be a logical next step. But we don’t want to say any more about that at this stage.

Mr. Lehmann, thank you very much for this interview.

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