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Automation Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fellow makes beautifully functional tools for any kitchen, designed in San Francisco and used ... New Product Automation Suite Development * Build firmware and hardware automation suites from the ...

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to assist in the development and delivery of complex ... Experience designing and implementing electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems. * Experience ...

Automation Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$146K - $185K/yr

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to assist in the development and delivery of complex ... Experience designing and implementing electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems. * Experience ...

Fellow makes beautifully functional tools for any kitchen, designed in San Francisco and used ... New Product Automation Suite Development * Build firmware and hardware automation suites from the ...

Automation Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Strong experience designing, developing, and implementing PLC-based applications. * Hands-on ... Proficiency in automation programming languages such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and related ...

Automation Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$106 - $121/hr

Lead automation projects for enclosure and module manufacturing, including machine design, vision ... Experience designing, deploying, qualifying, supporting, and project managing automated ...

Automation Technician

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$28.90 - $41.91/hr

Automation Technician As an Automation Technician III at Niagara Bottling, you will be working on ... Please note this is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or ...

Automation Engineer Consultant

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$110.21 - $165.31/hr

## Automation Engineer ConsultantApplylocations: Garden Grovetime type: Part timeposted on: Posted ... This engagement is designed to deliver immediate operational impact while leaving behind stronger ...

AI Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$101K - $124K/yr

... be designing the systems that add/calibrate interview questions and evaluate candidate answers ... automation - working alongside the team to grow this role into a broader automation function ...

Automation testing

San Mateo, CA

$52.50 - $69.25/hr

San Mateo, CA Must Have Skills (Top 3 technical skills only) * 1. At least 4+ Years of Experience in Automation Scripting using Selenium & Designing Automation frameworks 2. Experience is Automating ...

Automation Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

As our Automation Engineer, you'll turn scientific workflows into working software and integrations by designing clear data models, connecting instruments and automation to our lab information ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Designer information

See California salary details

$64.1K

$95.8K

$153K

How much do automation designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation designer in California is $95,818.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automation designer do?

An Automation Designer creates, develops, and implements automated systems to improve efficiency in various industries. They design workflows, select appropriate tools, and collaborate with engineers and developers to streamline processes. Their role often includes programming, testing, and troubleshooting automation solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation designer?

To thrive as an Automation Designer, you need expertise in automation systems, control theory, and process design, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with automation software (such as AutoCAD, PLC programming environments, and SCADA systems) and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help automation designers collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for designing efficient, reliable systems that meet client needs while ensuring smooth project execution.

What are the main responsibilities of an automation designer on a typical project?

As an Automation Designer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing automated systems based on project requirements, collaborating closely with engineers, programmers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration. Your tasks may include creating system layouts, programming PLCs or HMIs, preparing documentation, and troubleshooting automation issues both during development and after deployment. You’ll also participate in project meetings, gather user requirements, and provide technical support throughout the lifecycle of the automation solution. The role is dynamic and often involves both independent work and cross-functional teamwork to deliver successful automation projects.

What is the role of an automation designer?

An automation designer develops and implements automated systems and processes to improve efficiency and accuracy in various operations. They analyze workflows, create automation solutions using tools like scripting or specialized software, and collaborate with engineering or IT teams to ensure seamless integration.

What job categories do people searching Automation Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Designer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Automation Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $95,818 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Fellow

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About Fellow
We believe that the act of making should be meaningful and fulfilling, done with intention and precision. Fellow makes beautifully functional tools for any kitchen, designed in San Francisco and used around the world.
When the simple motions of life become small moments of joy, that's Everyday Magic.™
This role is based in our San Francisco, CA office and requires regular in-office presence in accordance with company policy.
Who You Are
You are an executor, builder and systems-minded automation engineer who creates the firmware and hardware automation infrastructure that enables Fellow to scale product quality across a growing device portfolio. You develop robust automated test suites, CI/CD workflows, and validation tooling that support new product bring-up, regression testing, and release readiness from prototype through production.
Partnering closely with firmware, electrical, and product engineering teams, you help establish reliable, maintainable automation systems that improve development velocity, reduce manual testing effort, and ensure high-quality customer experiences across Fellow's connected products.
What You'll Do:
New Product Automation Suite Development
  • Build firmware and hardware automation suites from the ground up for Fellow's new products
  • Design test cases and firmware validation plans for each product, following the framework and standards
  • Develop scripts and tools (Python or similar) to automate firmware validation, data collection, regression testing, and product qualification for new products
  • Build test infrastructure to support new product firmware builds and production readiness, translating prototype-stage automation into production-ready suites

CI/CD Pipeline Implementation & Maintenance
  • Implement CI/CD pipelines for firmware and hardware systems
  • Build and maintain GitHub Actions or equivalent pipelines that enforce automated firmware test gates on every pull request and release build
  • Automate provisioning and deployment of test devices and environments to support reliable, repeatable pipeline execution
  • Monitor and maintain pipeline health: resolve test flakiness, improve reliability, and reduce manual intervention in firmware validation workflows

Shared Framework Contribution
  • Contribute reusable test utilities, helpers, and libraries to the shared automation framework under Senior AE direction
  • Follow and uphold team coding standards and documentation practices, ensuring all automation is maintainable by the full team
  • Participate in code review, both receiving feedback and reviewing peer contributions
  • Document test coverage, known gaps, and implementation decisions to maintain institutional knowledge and support integration touchpoints

Hardware & Firmware Integration Support
  • Collaborate with firmware and electrical engineers to validate embedded systems and connected hardware features for new products
  • Build automation tooling to support firmware bring-up, calibration, and regression testing for new devices entering the pipeline
  • Design experiments and data collection workflows to capture performance and reliability data from new hardware
  • Support hardware technicians with test unit modifications and automation infrastructure for production testing environments
  • Coordinate on integration layer contracts: defining the firmware events and data structures that flow into the mobile app and cloud backend

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner closely on architectural decisions, code review, and framework alignment
  • Coordinate end-to-end integration test coverage: ensure new product firmware events and behaviors are testable from the app and backend layers
  • Work with Product, Firmware, and Electrical teams to validate new product features and ensure automation is aligned to product requirements
  • Participate in tradeoff discussions between feature complexity, reliability, cost, and testability, with a focus on new product firmware quality
  • Produce clear test reports and defect documentation, contributing to the team's stakeholder visibility and release readiness process
Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in automation engineering, test engineering, or systems validation (consumer electronics or IoT preferred)
  • Strong proficiency in Python or other scripting languages for firmware test automation and tooling
  • Hands-on experience designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, Jenkins, GitLab CI, or equivalent)
  • Experience building end-to-end automated firmware test suites for new products
  • Experience with connected hardware products: Bluetooth, WiFi, or other IoT technologies
  • Experience validating embedded systems and firmware
  • Strong understanding of debugging hardware + firmware interactions
  • Ability to operate independently, manage multiple product streams simultaneously, and deliver to roadmap milestones

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • Experience with HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) and SIL (software-in-the-loop) test frameworks
  • Familiarity with RobotFramework, pytest, or similar test frameworks
  • Experience with Docker, Ansible, or environment automation for firmware test infrastructure
  • Experience with AWS IoT, REST APIs, or firmware-to-cloud integration patterns (coordination with System Test Engineer)
  • Experience transitioning products from EVT/DVT/PVT to mass production
  • Background in mentored or high-code-review environments with strong documentation practices
Why You'll Love This Role
  • A creative, fast-moving environment where ideas turn into action.
  • Competitive compensation including employee equity plan
  • Generous paid time off plan
  • 401k with company contribution after 6 months of employment
  • Medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Better Yourself Wellness credit & Better Your Community donation matching
  • Monthly Fitness Stipend
  • Summer Fridays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Generous discount on Fellow products
  • Best coffee anywhere

The salary range for this position is $165,000 - $185,000 plus bonus & equity. We intentionally publish salary ranges to promote transparency and set clear expectations. Final compensation is determined based on a number of factors, including relevant experience, skills, expertise, scope of previous work, demonstrated impact, and internal equity. As a result, not every candidate will be hired at the top of the range.
Our highest goal at Fellow is creating a safe, inclusive, and rewarding environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and thrive. We are committed to building diverse teams and strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
Fellow is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.