1

Associate Automation Engineer Jobs in Shelton, WA

Designs and implements automation scripts and tools to enhance platform observability, resilience ... Associate degree: first attainable degree at the post-high school level. Typically 2 year ...

Associate Automation Engineer information

See Shelton, WA salary details

$20

$29

$35

How much do associate automation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate automation engineer in Shelton, WA is $29.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.59 and $33.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate automation engineer?

An Associate Automation Engineer is an entry-level professional who helps design, develop, test, and maintain automated systems or processes within an organization. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers to implement automation solutions that improve efficiency and reduce manual work. Their responsibilities may include writing scripts, maintaining automation tools, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize workflows. This role is common in industries such as manufacturing, software development, and IT.

What types of projects can an associate automation engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Associate Automation Engineer, you can expect to contribute to a variety of projects focused on improving and automating business processes or manufacturing systems. Typical responsibilities include assisting in the design, development, and testing of automated systems, collaborating with senior engineers, and troubleshooting automation equipment. You'll often work closely with cross-functional teams such as production, quality assurance, and IT to support the deployment and maintenance of automation solutions. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation for understanding automation workflows and prepares you for more complex projects as you gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate automation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Automation Engineer, a strong understanding of programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C#), automation frameworks, and a relevant engineering degree are essential. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, and version control systems, as well as knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing reliable automated solutions, ensuring software quality, and collaborating efficiently within engineering teams.

What cities near Shelton, WA are hiring for Associate Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Shelton, WA with the most Associate Automation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Automation Engineer job openings in Shelton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Nights. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,318 per year, or $30 per hour.

Automation Controls Specialist

Koch Industries

Olympia, WA • On-site

$48.53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Georgia-Pacific has an immediate need for an Automation Controls Specialist at our Olympia, WA facility. We are looking for a highly skilled individual with automation engineering and design experience. This position creates value for the facility by ensuring proper operation of all automation and control systems, understanding process control loops and systems including computer-based systems, instrumentation, and electrical infrastructure that supports the production of corrugated products.
Position Specific Details and Highlights:
  • Starting wage is $48.53 per hour
  • Shift: Monday- Friday dayshift; must be flexible to work all times and days as needed for projects and training needs.
  • We offer a competitive benefits package which includes 401k match, Health insurance, Vision insurance, Life insurance, and Tuition reimbursement

Physical Location:
1203 Fones Road SE, Olympia, WA 98501
What You Will Do In Your Role
  • Ensure proper operation of all automation and control systems, understand process control loops and process control systems, including computer-based systems, instrumentation, and electrical infrastructure that supports the production of corrugated products
  • Assume overall ownership of assigned projects for control engineering related jobs
  • Perform PLC programming and set up other components such as HMI's, VFD's, controllers, etc.
  • Automation engineering and design
  • Test and commission control systems
  • Train internal GP customers to use and maintain systems
  • Reduce downtime by identifying and correcting ongoing issues
  • Share knowledge with and lead other technicians in maintaining and troubleshooting various process and analytical instrumentation, PLC's, VFD's, HMI's, Rexroth, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Eaton, ABB, MHI, three phase motors with controls and electrical power distribution.
  • Serve as the vital resource for manufacturing machinery preventative and predictive maintenance programs, be the plant PLC programmer Subject Matter Expert (SME)
  • Apply all applicable codes, regulations, reliability strategies, corporate and Original Equipment Manufacturer standards
  • Improve operations productivity and quality by anticipating and eliminating potential delays through planning and coordination of labor, parts, material, tools and equipment access
  • Assist in the development and implementation of reliability centered maintenance strategies
  • Understand and apply electrical safe work practices every day as established in various regulatory standards such as NFPA70e and IEEE along with company established guidelines
  • Perform controls upgrades, drives, PLCs, motors, Interlocks etc.
  • Emergency troubleshooting and on-call 24-7 in case of emergency electrical breakdowns
  • Willing and able to work any shift, holidays, weekends and overtime as needed
  • Willing and able to work rotating shifts
  • Willing and able to perform physically demanding tasks repetitively for extended periods of time, e.g.; lifting, walking, climbing, stooping, standing, pushing, and/or pulling
  • Willing and able to maintain strict adherence to safety rules and regulations, to include wearing safety equipment

The Experience You Will Bring ( Basic Qualifications):
  • Associate degree or higher in Process Control or Automation Technology AND three (3) years or more experience with industrial instrumentation, PLC programming and/or automation & controls in a manufacturing environment.
  • Must have experience with troubleshooting various process and analytical instrumentation, PLC's, VFD's, HMI's, Rexroth, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Eaton, ABB, Siemens, Lenze, three phase motors with controls and electrical power distribution or other similar programming software

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.
Who We Are
As a Koch company and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, building products and much more, Georgia-Pacific works to meet evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products. In addition to the products we make, we operate one of the largest recycling businesses. Our more than 30,000 employees in over 150 locations are empowered to innovate every day - to make everyday products even better. At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please visit the following website for additional information: http://www.kochcareers.com/doc/Everify.pdf

What Koch Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom