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Automation Engineer Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr Automation Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$120K - $157K/yr

JSat Automation is hiring a Senior/ Lead Automation Engineer with Emerson DeltaV and Syncade ... Manage, document, and implement these upgrades through changes control procedures. * Execute ...

Automation Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$77K - $93K/yr

The Automation Engineer will lead automation projects supporting rubber extrusion, molding ... Develop visual management systems and operational reporting tools to support performance tracking ...

New

Automation Engineer (Mechanical) Location: San Jose, CA Employment Type: Full-Time / Permanent ... Prior project management or leadership experience is a plus * Mandarin language skills preferred ...

Automation Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Hill International is seeking an Automation Engineer in Berkeley, California Hill is seeking an ... Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. * Strong written and verbal ...

Automation Engineer

Berkeley, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Hill is exclusively a program, project, and construction management provider, meaning we have one focus as a company: protecting client interests. Free of any potential conflicts, our entire business ...

We are seeking an experienced automation engineer for the management of system infrastructure and applications. As an automation engineer at Booz Allen, you can use your te chn ical skills to affect ...

Automation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

We are seeking an experienced automation engineer for the management of system infrastructure and applications. As an automation engineer at Booz Allen, you can use your technical skills to affect ...

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Automation Engineer Manager information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$105.7K

$160.9K

How much do automation engineer manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer manager in California is $105,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $121,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Automation Engineer Managers face when leading automation projects?

Automation Engineer Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning project goals with business objectives, managing cross-functional teams with varying technical backgrounds, and ensuring clear communication between stakeholders. Balancing the need for innovative automation solutions with budget constraints and tight deadlines is also a frequent hurdle. Successful managers proactively address these challenges by fostering collaboration, setting clear expectations, and continuously monitoring project progress to adapt as needed.

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

To thrive as an Automation Engineer Manager, you need a solid background in automation engineering principles, project management, and leadership, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, industrial control software, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma is highly valuable. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and team-building abilities help drive project success and foster effective collaboration across departments. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering efficient automation solutions, ensuring project quality, and leading high-performing engineering teams.

What is the difference between Automation Engineer Manager vs Automation Engineer?

AspectAutomation Engineer ManagerAutomation Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees automation projects, manages teams, and aligns automation strategies with business goals.Designs, develops, and implements automation solutions; focuses on technical tasks.
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, automation tools, programming, and system integration.Technical skills in automation tools, scripting, and software development.
CertificationsOften includes certifications like PMP, automation-specific certifications, or management credentials.Certifications in automation tools, programming, or industry standards.
Work EnvironmentTypically in managerial settings, coordinating teams and projects.Hands-on technical work in labs, manufacturing, or software environments.

The Automation Engineer Manager focuses on leading automation teams and strategic planning, while the Automation Engineer concentrates on technical development and implementation. Both roles require technical skills, but the manager also needs leadership and project management expertise.

What does an Automation Engineer Manager do?

An Automation Engineer Manager oversees teams responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems within an organization. They coordinate projects, manage resources, and ensure that automation initiatives align with business goals. Their role involves both technical leadership—such as guiding the selection of automation tools and methodologies—and managerial duties, including training, performance evaluations, and cross-department collaboration. Ultimately, they work to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve process reliability through effective automation strategies.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automation Engineer Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Automation Engineer Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Automation Engineer Manager

Automation Engineer Manager

Cushman & Wakefield

Salinas, CA • On-site

$170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 154 rated real estate companies


Job description

Job Title
Automation Engineer Manager
Job Description Summary
Job Description
About the Role:
As the Automation Engineer Manager, you will lead a team in driving equipment reliability and operational excellence across our fulfillment centers. You'll monitor and support their work in controls automation and technical support while ensuring they effectively troubleshoot complex control systems and analyze performance metrics. You'll guide their leadership of continuous improvement projects and ensure they provide mentorship to junior engineers. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and SCADA devices and programs. Through your technical leadership and design optimization efforts, you'll directly contribute to ensuring our customers receive their orders with Amazon's signature speed and accuracy while building team capabilities and driving operational excellence.
Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Apply Subject Matter Expertise (SME) on troubleshooting and dive deeps for engineering issues, supporting automation engineers to investigate the root cause and planning actions to eliminate/mitigate the downtime of critical assets
- Program and source coding for in-house built solutions based in PLC or PC controllers and SCADA/OEE platforms - Understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems - Monitor MHE metrics and partner with maintenance/operations to address system performance issues and provide analysis across all operations - Provide escalation support to automation engineers, during and after business hours, troubleshooting locally and remotely, to ensure that all hardware or controls software within the building is repaired on time
- Establish training plans and mentor a team of automation engineers - Appropriately escalate downtime situations to vendors or senior leadership for support to restore equipment operation
- Provide 24/7 on-call rotational support for hardware and software systems for the site
- Travel up to 10-20%
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 7+ years of PLC programming or automation engineering experience - Work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays
- 7+ years of experience working in industrial controls and automation - 7+ years of process or production environment related PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis experience - 7+ years of robotics work cells and control systems experience - 7+ years of Siemens, Allen-Bradley or Codesys Ladder Logic and structure programming experience - 7+ years of electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree in computer science, electrical engineering, automation engineering - Experience with HMI and control network components, including maintenance, troubleshooting, programming and design - Experience with programming software such as RSLogix5000, Studio 5000, FT View, and other controls software platforms
- MBA or other Master's degree and/or Six Sigma Black Belt Certification a plus - Manufacturing or complex industry experience leading Control
Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $ 144,500.00 - $170,000.00
Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or email HRServices@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.
INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

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