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Automation Engineer Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Asda

Automation Engineer - UiPath

House, NM

Job Title Automation Engineer - UiPath Location Asda House Employment Type Full time Contract Type Permanent Hours Per Week 37.5 Salary Competitive salary plus benefits. Category Software Development ...

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All JobsAutomation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs in New Mexico

Automation Engineer information

See New Mexico salary details

$35.9K

$103.8K

$158K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in New Mexico is $103,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,800.00 and $119,700.00 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 are Automation Engineers?

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 is the work of an automation engineer?

An automation engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that automate manufacturing processes, software testing, or other repetitive tasks. They use tools like PLCs, scripting languages, and control systems to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of automation tools are essential for this role.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level positions.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior automation engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in programming, control systems, and robotics, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with leadership roles, working in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, or technology, and may include bonuses or stock options.

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.

Will AI replace automation engineer?

AI is a tool that can automate certain tasks within an automation engineer's role, but it is unlikely to fully replace the profession. Automation engineers design, develop, and maintain complex systems that require human oversight, problem-solving, and adaptation. Skills in programming, systems integration, and understanding of industrial processes remain essential in the field.
More about Automation Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in New Mexico? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in New Mexico are:
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What job categories do people searching Automation Engineer jobs in New Mexico look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Engineer jobs in New Mexico are:
What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs? Cities in New Mexico with the most Automation Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Automation Engineer jobs in NM? For Automation Engineer jobs in NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in New Mexico as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,813 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Principal Process Automation Engineer

Airswift

Artesia, NM • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Principal Process Automation Engineer
Duration:
Long-term assignment
Location:
Artesia, New Mexico
Start date:
August 2026
End date:
N/A
Position Overview
The Principal Process Automation Engineer is a senior technical opportunity focused on delivering automation engineering projects within a refinery environment. This position offers the chance to lead complex project execution across the full automation lifecycle, supporting operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The Principal Process Automation Engineer will work onsite in Artesia, New Mexico, contributing to multidisciplinary project delivery and providing technical leadership across process automation scope. This Principal Process Automation Engineer opportunity is well suited to candidates with strong hands-on delivery experience and the ability to lead teams on technically demanding capital projects.
Role Context
This role sits within the process automation and engineering space, supporting projects across sectors such as petrochemical, oil and gas, LNG, mining, and nuclear. The working environment is a full-time onsite refinery setting in Artesia, New Mexico. The role covers project phases from concept and design through construction support, commissioning, validation, and handover, while working alongside engineering partners, contractors, manufacturers, system integrators, project management, and technical disciplines.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the execution of process automation engineering projects across concept, design, engineering, construction support, commissioning, validation, and handover.
  • Provide technical leadership for automation project implementation, including programming and configuration of control systems and leading delivery teams.
  • Coordinate interfaces with engineering partners, construction contractors, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, project management teams, and technical disciplines.
  • Prepare and support proposals, execution plans, and project budgets.
  • Produce process automation deliverables including control narratives, cause and effect drawings, Boolean logic diagrams, and functional specifications for DCS, SIS, and PLC systems.
  • Develop system cabinet layout drawings, wiring diagrams, system card layouts, and loading documentation.
  • Deliver basic instrumentation and control documentation such as instrument datasheets, instrument indexes, wiring diagrams, and system architecture documents.
  • Support project success through quality delivery, cost awareness, customer satisfaction, work process improvement, and collaborative teamwork.
Qualifications & Experience
  • Essential:
    10+ years of experience leading control systems projects and managing teams within relevant industrial environments.
  • Essential:
    Front-end engineering experience including project scope development, control system philosophy, systems architecture, process safety studies, SIL determination, P&ID development, and TIC estimating.
  • Essential:
    Experience programming and configuring Honeywell Experion DCS.
  • Essential:
    Experience programming and configuring PLC platforms, preferably Rockwell.
  • Essential:
    Strong capability in developing Total Installed Cost estimates for capital projects, including material take-offs and use of estimating tools.
  • Essential:
    Ability to produce process automation and basic I&C deliverables, including specifications, indexes, datasheets, cause and effect diagrams, architecture documents, and wiring drawings.
  • Essential:
    Detailed design experience covering selection, specification, and procurement of field instrumentation and BPCS/SIS systems.
  • Essential:
    Field experience supporting construction management, FAT, SAT, commissioning, and handover.
  • Essential:
    Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline such as Electrical, Instrumentation Computer Systems, or Chemical Engineering.
  • Desirable:
    Experience in mining, LNG, petrochemical, oil and gas, or nuclear sectors.
  • Desirable:
    Knowledge of Honeywell TDC and Triconex.
  • Desirable:
    Experience with Cleopatra estimating software.
  • Desirable:
    P.E. licence.
About the Company
This company is an established provider of engineering, procurement, and construction management services, with operations supporting major domestic and international projects. The company has developed recognised capability across refining, sulphur technology, arctic development, subsea systems, deepwater facilities, nuclear power, and renewable energy. This breadth of project exposure offers a technically challenging environment for a Principal Process Automation Engineer seeking complex, high-impact work.
About Airswift
Airswift is an international workforce solutions provider within the energy, process and infrastructure industries. Airswift serves as a strategic partner to our clients, offering a turnkey workforce solution to capture and deliver the top talent needed to complete successful projects by aligning with the unique needs of our clients. With over 1000 employees and 9,000 contractors operating in over 60 countries, our geographical reach and pool of talent available is unmatched in the industry and the level of experience, exposure, and expertise that the organization has is unparalleled. If you would like to be considered for this role and would like further details, please apply now!
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