Which Automation Roles Can Be Done Remotely? A Practical Guide
Joseph Brijin Chacko, CEng
Founder & Director, OSCABE
The question of whether automation engineers can work remotely is nuanced. The answer is not a simple yes or no — it depends entirely on the specific role, the phase of the project, and the tools available. This guide provides a practical, experience-based assessment of which automation and AI roles are genuinely suited to remote work.
Roles That Work Well Remotely
PLC Programming (High Suitability)
Modern PLC programming is increasingly remote-capable thanks to simulation tools. Siemens PLCSIM Advanced allows engineers to develop and test programmes without physical hardware. Rockwell's emulation tools serve a similar purpose. Engineers can write, debug, and validate control logic from anywhere in the world.
What works remotely: Programme development, logic design, structured text coding, simulation testing, code reviews, documentation.
What still needs on-site: Final commissioning, I/O testing with physical devices, safety system validation.
Remote suitability: 70-80% of the work
SCADA and HMI Development (Very High Suitability)
SCADA development is almost entirely a software discipline. Engineers develop screens, configure alarms, set up historian tags, and build reports — all on a computer. Platforms like Ignition, WinCC, AVEVA, and FactoryTalk View are standard desktop applications that work perfectly over remote access.
What works remotely: Screen design, alarm configuration, historian setup, report building, database integration, scripting, testing.
What still needs on-site: Final network commissioning, integration testing with live PLCs (though even this can often be done via VPN).
Remote suitability: 85-95% of the work
Control System Design (High Suitability)
Design work — functional design specifications, control narratives, P&ID reviews, and control philosophy documents — is inherently desk-based. An experienced controls design engineer can produce complete design packages remotely, provided they have access to project documentation and can participate in design review meetings.
What works remotely: Functional specifications, control narratives, electrical schematics (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical), panel layout design, safety documentation.
Remote suitability: 80-90% of the work
DCS Programming (Moderate-High Suitability)
DCS platforms from ABB, Honeywell, Emerson, and Yokogawa all have virtual simulation environments. Engineers can develop control strategies, configure operator displays, and test logic without physical hardware. However, DCS projects often involve closer integration with process engineering, which may require more on-site collaboration.
Remote suitability: 65-80% of the work
EPLAN and Electrical Design (Very High Suitability)
Electrical design using EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or SOLIDWORKS Electrical is fully computer-based. Engineers produce schematics, panel layouts, cable schedules, and bill of materials entirely from their workstation.
Remote suitability: 90-95% of the work
Digital Twin Development (Very High Suitability)
Digital twin work is inherently remote-first. Engineers use simulation platforms, cloud services, and software development tools that are location-independent by design.
Remote suitability: 95-100% of the work
AI and ML Roles: Almost Entirely Remote
AI and machine learning engineering is overwhelmingly remote-compatible. The tools, platforms, and workflows are designed for distributed work:
Roles That Do Not Work Remotely
Some automation roles fundamentally require physical presence:
Commissioning Engineering
Commissioning involves physically testing, tuning, and validating systems on site. You cannot commission a conveyor system or a safety interlocked robot cell from a desk. This role is inherently on-site.
Field Service Engineering
Break-fix maintenance, routine servicing, and emergency call-outs require the engineer to be at the equipment. No amount of remote access can replace turning a spanner or swapping a sensor.
Panel Wiring and Assembly
Physical assembly of control panels — wiring, termination, testing — must be done in a workshop or on site.
On-Site Installation
Running cables, installing sensors, mounting equipment, and connecting field devices are hands-on tasks.
The Hybrid Model
The most effective approach for most automation projects is a hybrid model:
1. Remote engineers handle design, programming, SCADA development, and documentation (60-70% of project effort) 2. Local engineers handle commissioning, field service, and physical installation (30-40% of project effort)
This model delivers significant cost savings on the majority of project work while maintaining quality and safety for on-site activities.
Making Remote Work Effective
For remote automation engineering to succeed, employers need:
Companies that invest in these foundations find that remote engineers integrate quickly and deliver high-quality work.
Explore OSCABE Remote Engineers
OSCABE offers UK employers access to pre-screened, Chartered Engineer-verified remote automation and AI engineers from India at 50-65% lower cost than UK market rates. Learn more about our Remote Engineers service or submit an enquiry for a free consultation.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you are hiring or looking for your next role, OSCABE connects the best automation and AI talent with leading UK employers.
