Absolutely. If there's one thing this industry needs more of, it's people who can effectively bridge that gap between technical and business! I worked as an engineer for the first 5 years of my career before being promoted to PM, but just because I wore the title of "engineer" doesn't mean I didn't also dip my toes into inside sales and technical training while in that role. It will depend largely on the organization that you work for - whether you belong to a smaller company where everybody wears a bunch of different hats, or if you're part of a larger org where roles are more solidly defined and there are more formal processes for changing departments or getting cross-training. I've always worked for small-medium sized automation companies because I feel that's the kind of environment where I fit in best; as you advance in your career, you'll get a feel for what works best for you. The big advantage to me with working for a smaller org is that you have more flexibility in your role. Yes, I was an engineer, but I was also the person who started my last employer's inside sales department. Yes, I was an engineer, but I also managed my own projects and went on sales calls and started partnerships with new suppliers. There's a lot of value in having a technical background and also being able to articulate complex concepts to a wider audience. You'll find your niche within automation and I have no doubt that you'll do amazing things in this industry, it just takes time and a willingness to try or start new things.