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Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Automation Engineer

Livermore, CA

$146K - $185K/yr

  • Retirement

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to assist in the development and delivery of complex automation and robotics projects supporting LLNL's programmatic and scientific missions. You will assist ...

Amazon

Regional Automation Engineer

Patterson, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the Regional Automation Engineer, you will engage on all aspects of high-level support for the control systems within a region of Amazon sites. This work takes the form of direct field engagement ...

LLNL

Automation Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$146K - $185K/yr

  • Retirement

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to assist in the development and delivery of complex automation and robotics projects supporting LLNL's programmatic and scientific missions. You will assist ...

LLNL

Automation Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

  • Retirement

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to assist in the development and delivery of complex automation and robotics projects supporting LLNL's programmatic and scientific missions. You will assist ...

Merge Labs

Automation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$165K - $260K/yr

About the role As an Automation Engineer, you will build automation pipelines to enable key research programs to move as quickly as possible. The role will leverage your existing technical and ...

BioPhase Solutions

Automation Engineer

Anaheim, CA

$159K/yr

We are currently looking for an Automation Engineer to work for a leading Greater Orange County area biotechnology company. Salary: $106-159k/year depending on experience Responsibilities: * Design ...

Amazon.com Services LLC - A57

Senior Automation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

Amazon

Senior Automation Engineer

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

AccuScan Sciences

Automation Engineer III

Milpitas, CA · On-site

As an Automation Engineer III at AccuScan Sciences you will assume a strategic role, responsible for the advanced operation, optimization, and innovation of automated workflows for nucleic acid ...

Amazon

Senior Automation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

ResMed, Inc.

Automation Engineer

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$79K - $119K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Please note the hours for this role are Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM The Automation Engineer is responsible for supporting, sustaining, and improving automation systems used in manufacturing.

Cushman & Wakefield

Senior Automation Engineer

Salinas, CA · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Title Senior Automation Engineer Summary Our Purpose: At C&W Services, we live by the belief that "Better Never Settles." We're dedicated to creating a positive impact globally, and we're looking ...

Neros Technologies

Automation Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$112K - $157K/yr

What you will be doing We are hiring a Automation Engineer to scale our manufacturing capabilities by automating assembly and test processes, enabling higher throughput, improved quality, and reduced ...

Amazon

Senior Automation Engineer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$112K - $146K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

AccuScan Sciences

Automation Engineer III

Milpitas, CA · On-site

As an Automation Engineer III at AccuScan Sciences you will assume a strategic role, responsible for the advanced operation, optimization, and innovation of automated workflows for nucleic acid ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Senior Automation Engineer

Rialto, CA · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Title Senior Automation Engineer Summary Our Purpose: At C&W Services, we live by the belief that "Better Never Settles." We're dedicated to creating a positive impact globally, and we're looking ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsAutomation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs in California

Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$105.7K

$160.9K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer 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 is the difference between Automation Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectAutomation EngineerControl Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like PLC or SCADABachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, industrial plants, automation companiesIndustrial facilities, manufacturing, process control environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, manufacturing, automation service providersIndustrial sectors, process industries, automation firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between Automation Engineers and Control Systems Engineers lies in their focus areas. Automation Engineers typically design and implement automated systems across various industries, emphasizing software and hardware integration. Control Systems Engineers concentrate on designing and maintaining control systems for industrial processes, often with a stronger emphasis on control theory and hardware. Both roles require similar qualifications and are often found working in manufacturing and industrial environments, but their specific responsibilities and focus areas differ.

What is an automation engineer?

Automation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement automated systems and processes to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity in various industries. They work with technologies such as robotics, control systems, and software to automate repetitive or complex tasks. Their responsibilities often include programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining automation equipment, as well as collaborating with other engineers to optimize workflows. Automation Engineers are employed in sectors like manufacturing, IT, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.

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

To thrive as an Automation Engineer, you need a strong grasp of control systems, programming (such as PLC, Python, or C++), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with automation platforms like Rockwell, Siemens, or SCADA systems, as well as certifications like ISA or relevant vendor-specific credentials, is highly valued. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These skills and qualifications are critical for designing efficient automated solutions, minimizing downtime, and ensuring seamless integration of systems.

What are some common challenges automation engineers face when integrating new systems into existing workflows?

Automation Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new automation solutions with legacy systems, including compatibility issues and data migration complexities. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as IT, operations, and production—can require extensive communication to ensure seamless implementation. Additionally, balancing the need for system reliability with innovation and minimizing downtime during transitions are key concerns. Proactively addressing these challenges through thorough planning and testing helps ensure successful integration.

What does an automation engineer do?

As an automation engineer, your job is to design and develop automated machines for your company. Your responsibilities may include determining the best way to implement automation, creating devices that meet the company's needs and specifications, testing robots to ensure they perform as designed, and monitoring existing automation to check if repair or replacement is needed. Many duties of this job vary by industry. For example, automation engineers work in areas like the automotive industry, food preparation and packaging, electronics production, and appliance production, and each of these fields has different materials and objectives. However, regardless of industry, most automation engineers work with both hardware and software.

More about Automation Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Automation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Automation Engineer job openings:
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Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Automation Technician / Automation Engineer

The Morning Star Company

Los Banos, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Automation Technician / Automation Engineer
Location
Liberty Packing Company, LLC
About the Company
The Morning Star Company and its affiliates operate three tomato processing facilities in Central California, processing about 40% of the California processing tomato crop, in addition to tomato growing, transplanting, farming, harvesting and trucking operations. The company employs approximately 500 year-round and over 3,000 seasonal colleagues, with annual sales of about $1 billion.
The Morning Star Company is the largest producer of bulk tomato ingredient products (tomato paste and diced tomatoes) in the world. We also produce canned tomatoes, tomato products and specialty sauces in pouches for customers in the retail and food service markets. The company is known worldwide for its innovation and integrity.
We are organizationally structured through a system we term Mission Focused Self-Management™. Our company is operated by Colleagues without titles or an appointed hierarchy of authority. Authority relative to other Colleagues' activities is lateral, with our Mission as our guiding principle of action, and respect, influence and success built based on each Colleague's integrity, competency, effort, persistence and straightforward persuasiveness. Although we have grown significantly, we intend to maintain a culture of individual responsibility and Mission Focused Self-Management.
Role Summary
The Automation Technician / Automation Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and optimization of industrial automation systems across processing and packaging operations. This role supports reliable plant operation by maintaining PLC, HMI, instrumentation, and electrical control systems while driving continuous improvement, troubleshooting, and automation upgrades in a food and beverage manufacturing environment.
The position works closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and external vendors to ensure safe, robust, and efficient automation systems that meet production, quality, and food safety requirements.
Key Responsibilities
  • Automation & Controls
    • Design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-based control systems, including logic, I/O, and communications
    • Develop and support HMI/SCADA systems for process monitoring and operator interaction
    • Diagnose and resolve automation-related downtime in processing and packaging equipment
    • Support startup, commissioning, and validation of new automation systems and equipment
    • Program and troubleshoot servo motors and drives
  • Electrical & Instrumentation
    • Troubleshoot electrical control panels, motor controls, VFDs, sensors, and field devices
    • Maintain and calibrate instrumentation (flow, pressure, temperature, level, pH, etc.)
    • Interpret and update electrical schematics, loop diagrams, and P&IDs
    • Ensure compliance with electrical codes, safety standards, and plant LOTO procedures
  • Continuous Improvement & Projects
    • Identify opportunities to improve OEE, reliability, and process consistency through automation
    • Support capital projects involving new equipment, line upgrades, or controls modernization
    • Standardize controls architectures, programming practices, and documentation
    • Collaborate with vendors, integrators, and internal engineering teams
  • Food & Beverage Manufacturing Support
    • Ensure automation systems support
  • Food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
    • Participate in CIP/SIP automation, batching, and recipe management systems
    • Support traceability, alarms, data logging, and process controls critical to food production

Required Qualifications
  • Technical Skills
    • Strong working knowledge of PLC platforms (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
    • Experience with HMI/SCADA development and troubleshooting
    • Solid understanding of industrial electrical systems (480V/240V/120V controls, MCCs, VFDs)
    • Experience with process instrumentation and field device integration
    • Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, P&IDs, and control narratives
Experience
  • Automation Technician:
    • 3-5 years of hands-on industrial automation and controls experience
    • Automation Engineer:
    • 5+ years of automation/controls experience, including system design and project support
    • Preferred experience in food & beverage, CPG, or regulated manufacturing environments

Education (preferred, not mandatory depending on level)
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
  • Equivalent hands-on experience will be considered in lieu of formal education

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with batching systems, recipe control, or continuous process automation
  • Familiarity with industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)
  • Experience supporting capital projects and equipment commissioning
  • Understanding of GMP, HACCP, and food safety requirements
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced production environment

Soft Skills & Attributes
  • Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
  • Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering
  • Clear communicator with operators, technicians, and management
  • Detail-oriented with strong documentation habits
  • Comfortable supporting off-hours troubleshooting during critical production periods

Compensation
The salary for this role is $180,000-$200,000, depending heavily upon qualifications.
Benefits
Morning Star offers a top-tier, comprehensive health plan, including medical, dental, and vision, and we pay the full monthly premiums for the Colleague and all eligible family members. The company also contributes to Colleagues' Health Savings Accounts. Year-round Colleagues are eligible to enroll in our 401K plan, with 4% match.

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