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Automation Engineer I Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lonza

Senior Automation Engineer I

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

... QA-to engineer and implement "right-the-first-time" automation solutions. * Collaborate with ... Maintain and troubleshoot plant control systems-including PLCs, DCS, and field I/O devices-to ...

Lonza

Senior Automation Engineer I

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

... QA-to engineer and implement "right-the-first-time" automation solutions. * Collaborate with ... Maintain and troubleshoot plant control systems-including PLCs, DCS, and field I/O devices-to ...

iXsystems

Performance & Automation Engineer I

Campbell, CA · On-site +1

$70K - $75K/yr

The Performance & Automation Engineer has a part to play in two interconnected disciplines: test automation for the TrueNAS product and performance engineering for solution integrations. The primary ...

Exactsciences

Automation Engineer I, R&D

San Diego, CA · On-site

$69K - $100K/yr

Position Overview The Automation Engineer I will join a highly collaborative, cross-functional team including R&D, Operations and Technology to develop and deploy robust laboratory automation ...

Hill International

Automation Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs, distributed I/O systems, and Siemens TIA Portal. * Working ... Proficiency in automation programming languages such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and related ...

Hill International

Automation Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs, distributed I/O systems, and Siemens TIA Portal. * Working ... Proficiency in automation programming languages such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and related ...

DrinkPAK LLC

Automation Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

The Automation Engineer is responsible for the performance, equipment reliability, uptime ... I/O modules, HMIs, analog and digital signals. * Knowledge of liquid process systems, blending ...

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Automation Engineer I information

What are Automation Engineer I roles and responsibilities?

An Automation Engineer I is an entry-level professional responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated systems used in manufacturing or other industries. Their duties typically include programming automation equipment, troubleshooting technical issues, implementing process improvements, and collaborating with other engineering teams to optimize efficiency and safety. They also assist with system documentation, testing, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. As a junior position, an Automation Engineer I often works under the guidance of more experienced engineers while gaining hands-on experience with automation technologies.

What is the difference between Automation Engineer I vs Automation Engineer II?

AspectAutomation Engineer IAutomation Engineer II
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field; certifications like ISTQB or Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are commonSame as Automation Engineer I, often with additional certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level position, often in manufacturing, software, or industrial settingsMid-level role with increased responsibilities, more complex projects
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, software development, and industrial automation companiesTypically found in the same industries, with more autonomy and project scope

Automation Engineer I and Automation Engineer II roles share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. The main difference lies in experience and responsibility level, with Automation Engineer II handling more complex tasks and projects. Both roles are common in manufacturing, software, and industrial sectors, with the II position requiring more expertise and independence.

How does an Automation Engineer I typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As an Automation Engineer I, you'll regularly work alongside software developers, quality assurance specialists, and operations staff to design, implement, and test automated systems. Collaboration often involves participating in project meetings to understand requirements, sharing progress updates, and troubleshooting automation issues as a team. Effective communication and a willingness to learn from more experienced colleagues are key, as you'll often need to translate technical details for non-technical team members and adapt to evolving project needs.

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

To thrive as an Automation Engineer I, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, programming fundamentals, and knowledge of automation systems, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial robotics, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities make you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for designing efficient automation solutions, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring smooth integration within manufacturing or industrial environments.
What are popular job titles related to Automation Engineer I jobs in California? For Automation Engineer I jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Engineer I jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Engineer I jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automation Engineer I jobs? Cities in California with the most Automation Engineer I job openings:
Automation Engineer I jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer I job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Senior Automation Engineer I

Senior Automation Engineer I

Lonza

Vacaville, CA • On-site

$107K - $178K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Lonza rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Location: Vacaville, California
This is a fully site based role. Working together in person supports close, real time collaboration and the technical precision needed to manufacture medicines to the highest quality and safety standards.
Execute automation projects and Automation roadmap initiatives for systems supporting Cell Culture Plant 1 (CCP1) and Cell Culture Plant 2 (CCP2). Support MAR activities and Vacaville Manufacturing Operations by assisting with tech transfers and capital projects while maintaining the qualified state of PLC and VSC systems.
What you will get
The full-time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $107,250 to $178,750. In addition, below you will find a comprehensive summary of the benefits package we offer:
  • Performance-related bonus
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching plan
  • Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Paid Time Off

What you will do
  • Deliver robust automation support for site-wide projects in alignment with CCP1 and CCP2 roadmaps to ensure a reliable quality supply and operational excellence.
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize critical CCP1/CCP2 automation systems, including MCS, DCS, PLC, and Vendor Supplied Controller (VSC) platforms, to guarantee they remain in a qualified state.
  • Support Make Assess Release (MAR) activities, capital project execution, and technology transfers from initial design through commissioning and validation.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams-including manufacturing, engineering, process science, validation, and QA-to engineer and implement "right-the-first-time" automation solutions.
  • Collaborate with project leads to develop, review, and approve scope definitions, system requirements, control designs, technical drawings, and Change Control assessments.
  • Perform off-line and on-line coding, debugging, comprehensive startup testing, peer reviews, and software change approvals for seamless system performance.
  • Provide dedicated troubleshooting and to resolve manufacturing discrepancies, mitigate software issues, and implement corrective action plans

What we are looking for
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field preferred.
  • Effective communication to engage and collaborate at all operational levels.
  • High adaptability to changing operational conditions and requirements, with a proven ability to prioritize and manage key deliverables effectively.
  • Provide robust automation support for the testing, startup, commissioning, and validation of system changes and projects, including Change Control assessments and record ownership.
  • Support ongoing manufacturing by evaluating discrepancies, taking authorized additional actions, providing technical input for investigations, and implementing corrective action plans.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot plant control systems-including PLCs, DCS, and field I/O devices-to ensure reliable process automation and minimize equipment downtime.

About Lonza
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone's ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that's the kind of work we want you to be part of.
Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Ready to shape the future of life sciences? Apply now.

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