Automation, Troubleshooting & the I&E Career Path with Andrew Paulson — Part 3

In Part 3 of Shane’s conversation with Andrew Paulson, the focus shifts to the skills and mindset behind successful industrial automation and I&E work. Andrew explains why flexibility, curiosity and a willingness to dig into technical information are essential when every facility, control system and troubleshooting call can be different.
They walk through how technicians approach complex problems involving drives, PLCs, interlocks and equipment from multiple manufacturers, including why it is important to understand the entire system rather than simply replacing the component reporting a fault. Andrew also discusses the role of manuals, manufacturer support, online research and AI—and why technicians still need to verify information and think through the problem themselves.
The episode closes with a look at automation and electrical career paths, the value of combining field skills with programming and controls knowledge, and the growing need for versatile technical talent as mines, ports, pipelines, manufacturing facilities and AI data centers become increasingly automated and electricity-intensive.