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Artificial Intelligence Automation Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

SPEED brings together expertise in laboratory automation, artificial intelligence, experimental science, data engineering, cybersecurity, and workforce development. The facility will operate a suite ...

... artificial intelligence to deliver for patients. Position Summary You will execute the major ... Provide training and support for onsite Users / Engineers in Automation technologies and ...

... artificial intelligence to deliver for patients. Position Summary You will execute the major ... Provide training and support for onsite Users / Engineers in Automation technologies and ...

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Artificial Intelligence Automation Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$36K

$104.1K

$158.4K

How much do artificial intelligence automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for artificial intelligence automation engineer in Raleigh, NC is $104,136.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,100.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Artificial Intelligence Automation Engineer vs Data Scientist?

AspectArtificial Intelligence Automation EngineerData Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, AI, or related; certifications in AI/MLBachelor's/Master's in CS, Statistics, or Data Science; certifications in data analysis
Work EnvironmentDevelops AI automation solutions, integrates AI into systemsAnalyzes data, builds predictive models, interprets data insights
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, automation firms, AI solution providersFinance, healthcare, marketing, research organizations

While both roles involve working with AI and data, the Artificial Intelligence Automation Engineer focuses on creating automated AI systems and integrating AI into workflows, whereas the Data Scientist primarily analyzes data to extract insights and build models. Their skills overlap but serve different core functions within AI and data-driven projects.

Is an artificial intelligence automation engineer in demand?

Artificial intelligence automation engineers are in high demand due to the increasing adoption of AI and automation technologies across industries. They typically require skills in machine learning, programming, and data analysis, and often find opportunities in tech companies, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.

What does an Artificial Intelligence Automation Engineer do?

An Artificial Intelligence Automation Engineer designs and develops AI-driven systems to automate processes and improve efficiency. They work with machine learning models, programming languages like Python, and tools such as TensorFlow or PyTorch to create intelligent automation solutions. The role often requires knowledge of data analysis, software engineering, and AI algorithms to implement scalable and effective automation systems.

Will AI take artificial intelligence automation engineer jobs?

Artificial Intelligence Automation Engineers design and implement AI-driven automation systems, and their roles are less likely to be replaced by AI itself. Instead, AI tools can augment their work by automating routine tasks, allowing engineers to focus on complex problem-solving and system development. Staying current with AI and automation tools is essential for job security in this field.
Infographic showing various Artificial Intelligence Automation Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,136 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Raleigh, NC • On-site

NCSU
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


North Carolina State University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Posting Information
Posting Number PG194829EP Internal Recruitment No Working Title Automation Engineer Anticipated Hiring Range Commensurate with education and experience ($100,000 - $110,000) Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm (additional work outside of standard hours may be required due to business needs) Job Location Raleigh, North Carolina Department Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs About the Department
The Self-driving Platforms for Expedited Experimental co-Design (SPEED) Programmable Cloud Laboratory is a $20 million National Science Foundation-funded national research infrastructure led by NC State University. Located in Woodson Hall, SPEED will provide academic, government, and industry researchers with remote access to integrated self-driving laboratories for accelerated discovery and development of advanced functional materials and molecules.
SPEED brings together expertise in laboratory automation, artificial intelligence, experimental science, data engineering, cybersecurity, and workforce development. The facility will operate a suite of autonomous experimental platforms through a shared digital infrastructure, enabling users to design, execute, monitor, and analyze experiments remotely. SPEED is supported by collaborators at NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill, MIT, industry partners, and an initial national network of academic users.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Retirement Programs
  • Disability Plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Accident Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
  • 12 Holidays Each Year
  • Tuition and Academic Assistance
  • And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Automation Engineer will help build the systems that make SPEED's laboratories smarter, more data-rich, and capable of running complex experiments remotely. You'll connect robots, scientific instruments, sensors, reactors, and safety systems to SPEED's orchestration software-turning sophisticated laboratory procedures into reliable, reusable automated workflows.
This is a hands-on engineering role with direct impact on the reliability, throughput, safety, and reproducibility of a national user facility.

What You'll Do

Build and Integrate Laboratory Automation
  • Design and implement automated workflows for synthesis, materials processing, sample preparation, testing, and characterization.
  • Integrate robots, liquid handlers, pumps, valves, reactors, instruments, sensors, and other laboratory equipment.
  • Translate scientific protocols into robust, executable workflows with defined operating limits and error handling.
  • Develop reusable device drivers and equipment interfaces for SPEED's automation platform.
  • Commission and validate new robotic systems, workcells, and scientific instruments.
Develop Control Software and Interfaces
  • Develop and maintain Python software for device control, workflow execution, monitoring, and diagnostics.
  • Connect laboratory equipment to SPEED's scheduling, orchestration, data, and user-access systems.
  • Implement reliable communications using APIs, Python libraries, TCP/IP, OPC UA, REST, serial, digital I/O, and other protocols.
  • Establish consistent device states, commands, metadata, and error handling across varied equipment.
  • Use version control, testing, and code review to deliver dependable automation software.
  • Develop simulation or digital-twin capabilities to test workflows before running them on physical equipment.
Improve Reliability and Performance
  • Monitor automated systems and troubleshoot robotics, motion control, fluid handling, sensors, instruments, software, and network issues.
  • Develop preventive maintenance, calibration, readiness checks, and recovery procedures.
  • Analyze failures and implement improvements that increase uptime, repeatability, and ease of recovery.
  • Work with manufacturers and vendors to resolve technical issues and support critical systems.
  • Maintain clear documentation of configurations, dependencies, maintenance, and known failure modes.
Build Safe, Usable Systems
  • Design automation with appropriate interlocks, alarms, safe states, emergency stops, and shutdown logic.
  • Conduct hazard and failure-mode reviews for robotic, fluidic, thermal, pressure, gas-handling, and unattended operations.
  • Create system documentation, operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, and maintenance instructions.
  • Train researchers, operators, students, and technical staff to use automated platforms safely and effectively.
  • Help establish engineering standards and platform designs that enable automation to scale across SPEED and partner facilities.
You'll work at the intersection of automation, robotics, software, and scientific research, solving challenging engineering problems that enable experiments to run faster, more reliably, and at greater scale. Your work will help transform advanced laboratory capabilities into dependable platforms that scientists can use to accelerate discovery.
Other Responsibilities
  • Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities. 

Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, controls engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
  • Three or more years of relevant experience developing, integrating, or maintaining automated equipment, robotics, process-control systems, or scientific instrumentation.
Other Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrated programming experience in Python or a comparable language used for hardware control and automation.
  • Experience interfacing software with physical equipment through APIs, communication protocols, programmable controllers, data-acquisition systems, or instrument drivers.
  • Experience troubleshooting integrated electromechanical, fluidic, robotic, or process-control systems.
  • Ability to read and develop technical documentation such as process diagrams, wiring diagrams, control narratives, interface specifications, and operating procedures.
  • Understanding of safe equipment operation, interlocks, alarms, emergency stops, and failure recovery.
  • Strong analytical, documentation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work primarily on site in laboratory environments and occasionally respond outside normal business hours to critical equipment issues.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in engineering, robotics, automation, controls, or a related discipline.
  • Experience automating chemical synthesis, materials processing, high-throughput experimentation, or analytical characterization.
  • Experience with robotic arms, laboratory liquid handlers, automated reactors, pumps, valves, autosamplers, plate readers, chromatography, spectroscopy, or diffraction instruments.
  • Experience with industrial or laboratory communication standards such as OPC UA, Modbus, REST APIs, serial protocols, message queues, or programmable logic controllers.
  • Experience developing equipment abstraction layers, orchestration software, state machines, or event-driven automation systems.
  • Familiarity with Git, automated testing, containerized applications, Linux systems, databases, and networked laboratory equipment.
  • Experience with machine vision, digital twins, simulation, path planning, or robotic workcell design.
  • Familiarity with chemical compatibility, pressure systems, compressed gases, hazardous materials, and laboratory safety requirements.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
  • N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 08/24/2026 Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references. 
Position Details
Position Number 00112287 Position Type EPS/SAAO Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0 Appointment 12 Month Recurring Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event Department ID 230101 - Interdisciplinary Programs - SVP EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

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About North Carolina State University

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North Carolina State University (NCSU), located in Raleigh, NC, US, is a leading educational institution with a strong emphasis on research, academics, and public service. Established in 1887, NCSU operates in the education industry and endeavors to foster student success, and promote economic development by providing high-quality, affordable education, and conducting groundbreaking research across a variety of disciplines. With more than 100 majors, its academic offerings range from undergraduates to postgraduates along with doctoral studies - in various fields like engineering, natural resources, humanities, and social sciences. NCSU is firmly anchored on the core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and innovation. Its mission is to create economic, societal, and intellectual prosperity for the people of North Carolina and the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1887