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Automation Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wood PLC

EOI Sr. Automation Technical Professional

Houston, TX · On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Our automation team works on hands-on projects that span the full spectrum - from small integration projects to Main Automation Contractor programs for large, multi-EPC projects. Applicants must be ...

Wood PLC

Automation Technical Professional DCS

Whiting, IN · Hybrid

$117K - $153K/yr

Our automation team works on hands-on projects that span the full spectrum - from small integration projects to Main Automation Contractor programs for large, multi-EPC projects. Applicants must be ...

ControlsJobs

Controls Technician

Knoxville, TN

$115K/yr

A well-established HVAC and building automation contractor is seeking an experienced Controls Technician to support ongoing BAS projects throughout the Knoxville, TN region. This position offers ...

ControlsJobs

BAS Controls Technician

Manhattan, NY

$90K - $105K/yr

A long-standing mechanical and automation contractor serving the New York metro region is seeking a skilled BAS Controls Technician to support field operations across the five boroughs and Long ...

ControlsJobs

Controls Service Technician

Atlanta, GA

$45/hr

A respected mechanical and building automation contractor is seeking a skilled Controls Service Technician to join their automation service team in Atlanta, GA. This role offers strong compensation ...

Novartis Group Companies

Automation Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$98K - $183K/yr

Prepare scopes of work and manage automation contractors to meet project timelines and quality expectations * Develop project objectives aligned with user requirements, business plans, and ...

Novartis

Automation Engineer

Durham, NC

$98K - $183K/yr

Prepare scopes of work and manage automation contractors to meet project timelines and quality expectations * Develop project objectives aligned with user requirements, business plans, and ...

Prime Controls

Controls Engineer II

Haskell, TX · On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size, expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of over 850 employees, Prime Controls serves ...

ControlsJobs

Controls Technician

Kansas City, MO

$25 - $40/hr

A well-established building automation contractor in the Kansas City metro is seeking a skilled Controls Technician to support its growing BAS service team. This field-based position focuses on ...

Prime Controls

Controls Engineer II

Haskell, TX

$90K - $120K/yr

As a Main Automation Contractor, we offer comprehensive solutions, supported by our size, expertise, and extensive experience. With a professional team of over 850 employees, Prime Controls serves ...

ControlsJobs

BAS Project Manager

Houston, TX

$100K - $125K/yr

A well-established HVAC and building automation contractor is seeking an experienced BAS Project Manager to support and expand their controls operations in the Houston metro region. This role is ...

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Automation Contractor information

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$31K

$116.6K

$169.5K

How much do automation contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation contractor in the United States is $116,607.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and industries do Automation Contractors typically work with, and how does this impact daily responsibilities?

Automation Contractors often work across a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, energy, pharmaceuticals, and logistics. The specific projects can range from designing and implementing control systems to upgrading existing automation processes. This variety means daily responsibilities may include programming PLCs, troubleshooting equipment, collaborating with engineers and technicians, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The work environment is usually a mix of on-site visits and office-based programming tasks, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills to coordinate with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Automation Contractor vs Automation Technician?

AspectAutomation ContractorAutomation Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in automation systems, electrical or control systems, and relevant experienceOften requires technical diplomas or certifications in automation, electrical, or instrumentation fields
Work EnvironmentWorks on multiple projects, often on-site at industrial facilities or manufacturing plantsPrimarily works on-site maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing automation equipment
Employer & Industry UsageHired by companies or contractors for specific automation projects in manufacturing, oil & gas, or utilitiesEmployed by companies or contractors to support ongoing automation system operations and maintenance

Automation Contractors focus on installing and implementing automation systems across various projects, often working on a contractual basis. Automation Technicians primarily handle the maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of automation equipment. While both roles require technical skills and certifications, Automation Contractors tend to work on a broader range of projects, whereas Automation Technicians focus on operational support and system upkeep.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automation Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Contractor, you need in-depth knowledge of control systems, PLC programming, and electrical engineering principles, typically supported by a degree or technical certification in automation or a related field. Proficiency with automation software (such as Siemens, Allen Bradley, or Schneider Electric systems), CAD tools, and relevant safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure the efficient design, implementation, and troubleshooting of automated systems critical to operational success.

What are Automation Contractors?

Automation Contractors are professionals or firms hired to design, implement, and maintain automated systems in various industries, such as manufacturing, energy, or building management. Their work typically involves installing and programming control systems, integrating hardware and software, and ensuring that automated processes operate efficiently and safely. They may work on projects ranging from robotics and industrial machinery to smart building technologies. Automation Contractors often collaborate with engineers, project managers, and IT specialists to deliver customized solutions for clients.
More about Automation Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Automation Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Automation Contractor job openings:
What states have the most Automation Contractor jobs? States with the most job openings for Automation Contractor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Automation Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Contractor jobs are:
Automation Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Contractor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,607 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
EOI Sr. Automation Technical Professional

EOI Sr. Automation Technical Professional

Wood PLC

Houston, TX • On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Remarkable people, trusted by clients to design and advance the world.
Wood is currently seeking expressions of interest for Senior Automation Technical Professionals to be based in our Houston office.
Wood is currently recruiting Senior Automation Technical Professionals to be located at our Wood office in Houston, TX. The successful candidate will participate in designing and implementing automation systems for oil & gas and process industry projects, engaging in all project phases from front-end engineering to commissioning. Support site surveys, FATs, SATs, and commissioning activities, while reviewing project schedules and cost estimates. Assist procurement with vendor lists, requisitions, and technical evaluations, and travel to customer locations for project implementation (25%).
#LI - Hybrid
Our Clients and Projects
Designing the future. Transforming the world.
Wood Systems Integration, the largest vendor-independent system integrator in the world with proven stability for more than 30 years is looking for you! We have an exciting opportunity for a leader, strong problem solver; an individual capable of thinking outside the box and taking initiative to address technical challenges.
Join us and be part of an agile working team that can support office and homed based assignments. This role will work in the office\home and as well as on site at client facilities. The successful candidate will have the ability to work effectively and diligently as an individual engineer and team member in front of both internal and external customers.
We pride ourselves on solving real-world problems for our clients by providing full engineering, consulting, procurement, and construction services to our customers across the globe. Our automation team works on hands-on projects that span the full spectrum - from small integration projects to Main Automation Contractor programs for large, multi-EPC projects.
Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from Wood, now or in the future.
What we can offer
  • Meaningful and interesting projects delivered to leaders of industry across oil & gas and process industry projects
  • Flexible working arrangements that balance client, team and individual needs. Hybrid in Houston, TX.
  • Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion across our business with employee networks committed to giving all employees a voice
  • Competitive salary with regular salary reviews to ensure we are rewarded at the right level in line with the market.
  • Flexible benefits package that can be adapted to suit your lifestyle
  • Commitment to continued professional development through development plans tailored to individual needs and interests
  • Global connections with leading industry experts around the world who are shaping the standards of our profession

Responsibilities
  • Participate in Automation Engineering projects for the design and implementation of automation systems for oil & gas and process industry projects.
  • Engage in all phases of automation projects, front-end engineering through detailed design, procurement, configuration, implementation, startup, and commissioning in areas such as DCS Configuration, SCADA, HMI, SIS/FGS PLC programming and interfacing, architecture and networking, and specification development.
  • Attend and support site surveys, Factory Acceptance Test (FAT's), Site Acceptance Test (SAT's) and commissioning activities for delivered systems.
  • Review, comment, and provide input on the project schedule and project cost estimate.
  • Support procurement with vendors lists development, requisition development, technical bid tabulations and clarifications, purchase recommendations, monitor progress and maintain communications with vendors as required.
  • Travel expected to customer locations for project implementation (25%).

Qualifications
At Wood, we are committed to equal opportunities and welcome all talented individuals to consider joining our team. So even if you don't match every statement below but feel you have some of the experience, knowledge or skills needed for this role, we encourage you to apply. It will take all of us working together to deliver solutions to the world's most critical challenges.
Expected:
  • Bachelor's Degree is required, preferably in one of the following disciplines: Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Computers/Systems, or Mechatronics.
  • Professional Engineering License highly desirable.
  • Minimum of 10 years+ Automation experience.
  • Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience with at least one DCS and SIS platforms (e.g. DCS:, DeltaV, ModV, ABB 800XA, Honeywell TDC-2000, TDC-3000, Experion PKS, Yokogawa Centum and/or DeltaV; SIS: Triconex, FSC, Safety Manager, Yokogawa ProSafe) as well as experience with PLC platforms (Allen Bradley, etc.). Experience with Yokogawa DCS and/or SIS preferred.
  • Demonstrated proficient knowledge of the principles of relational databases, application interfaces, and Human Machine Interface design and implementation.
  • Strong background and direct experience with multiple systems platforms, operating systems and the interactions between systems, system hardware and architecture.
  • Experience in control systems integration with an operating company, systems vendor or engineering services provider for onshore or offshore oil & gas / energy industry projects.
  • Familiarity with Front-End Engineering (FEED) phases, Detail Design phases, implementation, systems testing, start-up and commissioning of automation projects in the aforementioned industries.
  • Proficient knowledge of P&IDs and instrumentation/control equipment.
  • Knowledge of MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Access, MS Teams, etc.).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; must be able to communicate effectively with coworkers, clients, and vendors.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from Wood, now or in the future.

Apply