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Automation Engineer Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

NOVARES

Automation Engineer

Janesville, WI · On-site

Automation Engineer We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, support, optimize, and improve ... Project management and capital project experience preferred. Preferred Experience * Plastic ...

NOVARES

Automation Engineer

Janesville, WI · On-site

$85 - $125/hr

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, support, optimize, and improve automated ... Project management and capital project experience preferred. Preferred Experience * High-speed and ...

AprilAire

Automation Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

Overview We are currently looking for a new Automation Engineer to join our Ops-Engineering team ... Coordinate and manage external integrators and equipment vendors * Prepare and maintain ...

AprilAire

Automation Engineer

Madison, WI

Overview We are currently looking for a new Automation Engineer to join our Ops-Engineering team ... Coordinate and manage external integrators and equipment vendors * Prepare and maintain ...

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All JobsAutomation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Manager JobsAutomation Engineer Manager Jobs in Madison, WI

Automation Engineer Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$37.3K

$107.9K

$164.2K

How much do automation engineer manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer manager in Madison, WI is $107,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $124,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 do automation engineer managers get paid?

Automation engineer managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $100,000 to $150,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often oversee automation projects, manage teams, and require knowledge of programming, scripting, and automation tools like PLCs or robotics systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Automation Engineer Manager jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Automation Engineer Manager job openings:

Automation Engineer Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer Manager job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,943 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Automation Engineer

NOVARES

Janesville, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Novares rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Automation Engineer
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, support, optimize, and improve automated manufacturing systems in a fast-paced production environment. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining PLC, robotics, vision, and motion control systems while leading automation projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability. The Automation Engineer will collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and manufacturing teams to implement innovative automation solutions and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, program, and support automated manufacturing systems including PLCs, HMIs, robots, servo systems, and vision systems.
  • Lead automation projects from concept through implementation, startup, and validation.
  • Develop and modify PLC, robot, and HMI programs to improve equipment performance and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
  • Support new equipment installations, automation upgrades, and capital improvement projects.
  • Analyze production processes and identify opportunities for automation and process optimization.
  • Develop electrical control system architectures and review electrical schematics and machine designs.
  • Collaborate with maintenance, production, quality, and engineering teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including control narratives, electrical drawings, programming standards, and operating procedures.
  • Monitor equipment performance and utilize data analysis to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, machine guarding requirements, and applicable industry regulations.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to maintenance and technician personnel.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
  • Associate degree with significant automation engineering experience may be considered.5+ years of experience designing, programming, and supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk platforms.
  • Experience with industrial robotics including Fanuc, ABB, Wittmann, or similar systems.
  • Experience with HMI, SCADA, motion control, and vision inspection systems.Strong understanding of industrial networking including Ethernet/IP and related communication protocols.
  • Ability to read and develop electrical schematics, control system layouts, and technical documentation.
  • Project management and capital project experience preferred.
Preferred Experience
  • Plastic injection molding automation.
  • High-speed and high-volume manufacturing environments.
  • Safety PLCs and machine safety systems.
  • Servo motion control systems.
  • Vision-guided robotics.MES, IIoT, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

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