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Automation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Montgomery-Hassell-Inc.

Automation Engineer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Automation Engineer Our client is a well-established systems integrator with more than 40 years of experience delivering automation and SCADA solutions for municipal water and wastewater facilities ...

New

Amazon

Automation Engineer

Rockville, VA · On-site

As an 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 ...

Montgomery Hassell Inc.

Automation Engineer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Automation Engineer Our client is a well-established systems integrator with more than 40 years of experience delivering automation and SCADA solutions for municipal water and wastewater facilities ...

New

Socket.dev

Automation Engineer

Rockville, VA · On-site

$90 - $113/hr

As an 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 ...

New

Amazon

Automation Engineer

Prince George, VA · On-site

As an 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 ...

Dorsett Controls

Automation Engineer

Vinton, VA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Automation Engineer - Controls Engineering Expertise Needed (On-site) Location: Vinton, VA Work Location: On-Site Department: Engineering Reports To: Project Manager FLSA Status: Salary Exempt Who We ...

Frey Consulting Group

Automation Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Automation Engineer - Industrial Manufacturing We are seeking an Automation Engineer to join a highly automated manufacturing operation in the Richmond, Virginia area. This role is responsible for ...

New

Amazon

Automation Engineer

Rockville, VA · On-site

As an 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 ...

Moog, Inc.

Automation Engineer

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Automation Engineer Reporting To: Engineering Director, Power and Data Division Work Schedule: Onsite - Blacksburg, VA Moog's Power and Data Division is looking for an Automation Engineer. You will ...

Moog

Automation Engineer

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Automation Engineer Reporting To: Engineering Director, Power and Data Division Work Schedule: Onsite - Blacksburg, VA Moog's Power and Data Division is looking for an Automation Engineer. You will ...

Amazon

Automation Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

As an 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 ...

Raya Workforce

Automation Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

Automation Engineer (Industrial Controls / PLC Systems) Location: Ashburn, VA (On-site) Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Compensation: Based on experience and current compensation About the ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutomation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Automation Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$36.7K

$106.2K

$161.6K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in Virginia is $106,207.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,800.00 and $122,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 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.

More about Automation Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Automation Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Automation Engineer jobs in VA?

For Automation Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,207 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Montgomery-Hassell-Inc.

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Automation Engineer

Our client is a well-established systems integrator with more than 40 years of experience delivering automation and SCADA solutions for municipal water and wastewater facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic. They have built a reputation for technical excellence, long-term customer relationships, and solving complex infrastructure challenges for municipalities and utility providers.

This is a unique opportunity to join a respected engineering organization in a high-impact technical role. You'll work on projects that support critical public infrastructure while partnering with experienced engineers and municipal customers. This position is part of a planned succession effort, offering the opportunity to learn from and eventually step into a highly visible technical leadership role.

What Sets This Opportunity Apart
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid holidays and paid time off
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Opportunities for technical and professional growth
  • Exposure to complex municipal water and wastewater automation projects
  • Stable organization with a long-standing reputation in the industry
  • Collaborative engineering culture with experienced automation professionals
  • Opportunity to become a trusted technical advisor to municipal customers
What You'll Do
  • Design, develop, program, and commission PLC and SCADA systems for municipal water and wastewater facilities.
  • Design and support industrial automation and control system architectures for new installations and system upgrades.
  • Configure and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, industrial networks, and instrumentation.
  • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, technicians, and customers to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget.
  • Perform startup, commissioning, testing, and field troubleshooting at customer sites.
  • Provide technical consultation and support throughout the lifecycle of customer automation projects.
  • Develop and maintain engineering documentation including electrical drawings, P&IDs, control narratives, and system documentation.
  • Travel to customer locations as needed to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and project implementation.

This is a customer-facing Automation Engineer role supporting municipal water and wastewater facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent industry experience).
  • Five or more years of experience designing, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial automation systems.
  • Experience supporting municipal water and wastewater facilities or other process automation environments.
  • Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
  • Experience developing and supporting SCADA systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and engineering documentation.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong customer relationships.
About Our Client

Our client is a leading automation and systems integration company specializing in PLC, SCADA, and industrial control solutions for municipal water, wastewater, utility, and critical infrastructure customers. For more than four decades, they have partnered with municipalities and public utilities to design, implement, and support reliable automation systems that keep essential infrastructure operating safely and efficiently.

They are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working directly with customers, and making a lasting impact on critical infrastructure projects while growing within a highly respected engineering organization.

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