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Automation Developer Jobs in Maryland (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: API Automation Engineer using Ready API Job Location: Bethesda, MD Job Type: Contract * 10+ years of experience in Quality Assurance (QA) and automation testing. * Strong hands-on ...

Automated Test Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$47 - $62/hr

... Automation Developer, Test Analyst, Automation QA Analyst, Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), Test Automation Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Test ...

Automation Engineer Location: Baltimore Metro Area,MD Duration: Long Term Contract Interview Details: Phone and In person REQUIRED SKILLS : Selenium, Java, and Cucumber : Client, the nation's 2nd ...

What You'll Be Doing (We don't love the bullet points, but we love the work!) As the Software Automation Engineer, you'll be part of a team responsible for executing and maintaining automated ...

Java Automation Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

... Automation Developer to join a large scale national security program responsible for protecting US transportation infrastructure. The program is focused on making risk assessments of individuals ...

Catalyx is seeking an Automation & IT Integration Engineer with a strong background in process control systems and industrial automation. This role serves as a key interface between Automation/OT and ...

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Automation Developer information

See Maryland salary details

$10

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$79

How much do automation developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for automation developer in Maryland is $50.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $58.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an Automation Developer typically collaborate with other teams, such as QA and operations, during a project?

Automation Developers frequently work closely with QA teams to understand testing requirements, design automation scripts, and ensure seamless integration with existing test frameworks. They also interact with operations and DevOps teams to deploy, monitor, and maintain automation solutions within the production environment. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as these teams rely on the Automation Developer to ensure that automated processes align with business needs and technical constraints.

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

To thrive as an Automation Developer, you need strong programming skills (such as Python, Java, or C#), a solid understanding of automation frameworks, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Docker, and relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB Test Automation Engineer) are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating efficient, reliable automation solutions that enhance productivity and software quality.

What are Automation Developers?

Automation Developers are professionals who design, develop, and implement software solutions to automate repetitive or complex tasks within a business process. They use programming languages, automation tools, and frameworks to streamline operations, reduce manual intervention, and increase efficiency. Automation Developers often collaborate with other IT and business teams to identify automation opportunities, create workflows, and maintain automated systems. Their work spans various industries, including manufacturing, finance, and information technology.

What is the difference between Automation Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectAutomation DeveloperSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, certifications in automation toolsBachelor's in CS or related field, programming certifications
Work EnvironmentFocus on automation tools, scripting, testing environmentsDeveloping software applications, coding, system design
Employer & Industry UsageIT, manufacturing, software testing companiesTech companies, software firms, startups
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for automation roles, testing, and scripting tasksBroader software development roles, coding focus

The Automation Developer primarily focuses on creating and maintaining automation scripts and tools to streamline processes, often working closely with testing and QA teams. In contrast, a Software Engineer develops full software applications, involving system design, coding, and deployment. While both roles require programming skills and a background in computer science, Automation Developers specialize in automation frameworks, whereas Software Engineers have a broader scope in software development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Developer jobs in Maryland? The most popular types of Automation Developer jobs in Maryland are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Developer jobs in Maryland look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Developer jobs in Maryland are:
What cities in Maryland are hiring for Automation Developer jobs? Cities in Maryland with the most Automation Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Automation Developer jobs in MD? For Automation Developer jobs in MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Automation Engineer

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 59 rated research


Job description

Description
Do you love building software that makes real systems move, measure, react, and perform with purpose?
Are you searching for important work in software engineering, automation, and hardware-integrated systems?
Are you passionate about developing reliable tools, frameworks, interfaces, and workflows that help engineers and scientists move faster?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to help us develop automation, control, data acquisition, analysis, and user-facing software for advanced electromechanical systems, instrumentation, and test environments. As a member of our team, you'll contribute to software that connects hardware, sensors, actuators, devices, databases, user interfaces, and engineering workflows into reliable mission-focused systems. You will be joining a hardworking team of engineers and scientists who design, prototype, integrate, and test practical solutions for complex technical challenges. We are passionate about building software that is reusable, maintainable, and effective in real laboratory, manufacturing, and field-like environments. Our team values technical curiosity, clear communication, rapid iteration, thoughtful software architecture, and the ability to turn ambiguous needs into working tools.
As an Automation Engineer...
  • Younr primary responsibility will be to design, develop, integrate, and maintain software for automated systems, test stands, instrumentation platforms, engineering tools, and hardware-connected workflows.
  • You will develop software that interfaces with electromechanical systems, sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, instruments, databases, and networked devices.
  • You will design reusable software frameworks, libraries, and tools that support automation, test execution, data collection, reporting, and system integration.
  • You will build user interfaces, dashboards, control panels, and engineering applications that help technical teams operate systems, visualize data, and make decisions.
  • You will write clean, maintainable, well-documented code and contribute to software design practices that improve reliability, reuse, testability, and long-term support.
  • You will integrate hardware and software across communication protocols, including TCP/UDP, serial, USB, Ethernet, and other laboratory, industrial, or embedded interfaces.
  • You will support hands-on integration and troubleshooting in laboratory, shop, and test environments, working directly with mechanical, electrical, embedded, and systems engineers.
  • You will help automate repetitive workflows, improve engineering productivity, and explore the use of AI-enabled development tools to accelerate coding, testing, documentation, and analysis.
  • You will collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, vendors, sponsors, and project leads to understand requirements, identify risks, communicate blockers, and deliver practical software solutions.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Possess a BS in ComputerSscience, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Have 3+ years of experience developing software for automation, robotics, instrumentation, test systems, data acquisition, engineering tools, web applications, user interfaces, or hardware-integrated systems.
  • Are skilled in software development using languages such as Python, C++, C#, JavaScript, TypeScript, or similar programming languages.
  • Have experience designing, implementing, testing, and maintaining software applications, libraries, scripts, services, or automation tools.
  • Have experience working with Linux, Windows, Git, software configuration management, debugging tools, and modern development workflows.
  • Have experience integrating software with hardware, instruments, sensors, embedded devices, databases, APIs, or network-connected systems.
  • Are familiar with communication protocols such as TCP/UDP, serial, USB, Ethernet, REST APIs, or similar device and system interfaces.
  • Are able to work with multidisciplinary teams and translate engineering needs into practical software requirements and working implementations.
  • Are willing and able to work in laboratory, shop, and test environments, including standing or walking for extended periods and moving between buildings or work areas across campus as needed.
  • Are a U.S. citizen.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Possess an MS in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field.
  • Have experience developing automation frameworks, reusable test assets, continuous execution tools, reporting pipelines, or software platforms that help non-software specialists run complex workflows.
  • Have experience with front-end, back-end, or full-stack development, including modern user interface frameworks, data visualization tools, APIs, databases, or web-based engineering applications.
  • Have experience with software architecture, design patterns, code reviews, automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, containerization, or deployment of maintainable software systems.
  • Have experience developing software for robotic systems, motion-control systems, automated test stands, advanced manufacturing equipment, laboratory instrumentation, or hardware-in-the-loop environments.
  • Have experience with data acquisition, signal processing, data analysis, automated reporting, or visualization of engineering test data.
  • Have experience with embedded systems, microcontrollers, firmware-adjacent development, real-time systems, or edge computing.
  • Have experience using AI-enabled development tools such as Codex, Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, or similar tools to improve software development, documentation, testing, or workflow automation.
  • Are comfortable breaking down complex projects into organized deliverables, identifying technical risks early, and communicating blockers clearly to project leadership.
  • Have experience mentoring other developers, establishing best practices, improving software quality, or helping multidisciplinary teams adopt better software workflows.
  • Bring creativity, initiative, and sound engineering judgment to ambiguous technical problems.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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