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Automation Engineer Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Automation Engineer Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$32.2K

$93.4K

$142.1K

How much do automation engineer manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer manager in Michigan is $93,371.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,400.00 and $107,600.00 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 Michigan? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Automation Engineer Manager jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Automation Engineer Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer Manager job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,371 per year, or $44.9 per hour.
Service Engineer - AI Automation, Cloud & Security

Service Engineer - AI Automation, Cloud & Security

Smart IT Services, Inc

Utica, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

IT Support & Automation Engineer (Managed Services)
Utica, MI (office-first with flexibility / hybrid options) | Microsoft 365 • Azure • Networking • Security • Automation • MSP Tooling
Speak Geek. Be Human. Make IT better for People.
At SMART I.T. Services, we help real businesses run smoothly with proactive managed IT-cloud, cybersecurity, networking, and support that people actually enjoy working with. A big part of how we do that is automation: smarter workflows, fewer repetitive tasks, better service, and modern tools that help teams move fast without cutting corners.
If you love technology, like talking to people, and get real satisfaction from turning messy problems into clean systems, you'll fit in here.
What you'll do
  • Support end users and business owners with clear communication and calm troubleshooting.
  • Own tickets end-to-end: diagnose, resolve, document, and follow through.
  • Work proactively (not just break/fix): monitoring, patching, security improvements, and prevention.
  • Build and improve workflows using modern tooling-process automation, integrations, and orchestrated runbooks (think n8n / Zapier-style approaches, plus service workflow improvements).
  • Help clients adopt modern productivity tooling (including Microsoft Copilot and AI-assisted use cases) in practical, secure ways.
Technologies you'll touch (varies by client)
  • Microsoft 365 / Azure, Windows Server, Active Directory / Entra ID (identity)
  • Networking: firewalls, switching, wireless, VPNs (Cisco / Cisco Meraki exposure is a plus)
  • VoIP phone systems
  • Cybersecurity best practices and tools (MFA, endpoint hardening, least privilege, backup awareness)
  • MSP operations: ticketing + RMM (ConnectWise / Kaseya-style)
  • Virtual desktop environments (VDI / VMware-style platforms)
  • Cloud + "data-center style" environments (hybrid happens)
You might be our person if...
  • You're the one friends/family/neighbors call when "the Wi-Fi is weird" or a laptop is doing something unholy.
  • You tinker because you want to-home setup, cloud sandbox, scripts, automations, integrations, security settings... anything that helps you learn.
  • You enjoy making systems simpler: fewer clicks, fewer steps, fewer repeat issues.
  • You can "speak geek," but you genuinely like people-and you explain things without making anyone feel dumb.
Nice-to-have (not required)
We'll love it if you have any of these-but they're not required:
  • OpenClaw (AI framework) experience for building/operating agentic workflows
  • Docker familiarity
  • Kubernetes fundamentals (or curiosity to learn)
  • Linux, especially Ubuntu (basic admin + troubleshooting)
  • Local/private LLMs (local model setups), RAG, self-hosted agent tools, or building a small "AI server"/lab
  • Experience supporting insurance agencies / regulated SMBs
  • Scripting/automation mindset (PowerShell, Python, low-code, APIs)
  • Cloud/security exposure (certs welcome, not required)
Experience level
We're open to multiple experience levels. If you bring strong fundamentals, curiosity, and a service mindset, we'll match responsibilities to your skills and help you level up quickly.
Hybrid/Flex Role - Local Residency Required
This position offers some flexible and hybrid scheduling; however, candidates must reside within 150 miles of Detroit, MI to support on-site client needs, occasional in-person meetings, and time-sensitive dispatches.
Benefits
  • 401(k) retirement program
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Your birthday off
Ready to apply?
If you want a role where you combine people-first support with cloud, security, networking, and automation-apply today.
3 quick questions (so I can finalize the best version for posting)
  1. What exact job title do you want on the ad: Service Desk Engineer, IT Support Engineer, Managed Services Engineer, or something else?
  2. For this role, should networking (firewalls/switching/wireless) be framed as a core expectation, or "exposure is a plus"?
  3. Do you want the posting to mention client site visits as "occasional," "regular," or keep it implied via the 150-mile requirement?