1

Automation Engineer Jobs in Alabaster, AL (NOW HIRING)

The automation engineer is responsible for maintaining all aspects of the site automation network, troubleshooting the site control system and equipment PLCs, and assisting with the design and ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Bessemer, AL · On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

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 ...

QA Automation Engineer (Tosca) Contract-to-Hire | Hybrid | Birmingham AL We are seeking a skilled QA Automation Engineer with strong Tosca automation experience to join a growing enterprise ...

Senior Network Automation Engineer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

Senior Network Automation Engineer Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire Location: Fully Remote About the Role We are seeking an experienced Senior Network Automation Engineer to join a platform ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Automation Engineer information

See Alabaster, AL salary details

$31.5K

$91.2K

$138.7K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in Alabaster, AL is $91,152.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $105,100.00 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.

What cities near Alabaster, AL are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Alabaster, AL with the most Automation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in Alabaster, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 41% In-person, and 59% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,152 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Automation Engineer II

Evonik Industries

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

What we offer
Explore a world of opportunities with us. Look ahead with us and help shape innovative solutions to make our world more sustainable and life healthier, more vibrant and more comfortable. At Evonik, you have the chance to explore, thrive, and grow alongside 33,000 colleagues. Among attractive career paths and high-quality development programs, we not only offer performance-based remuneration and occupational health benefits but also hybrid and flexible working environments with #SmartWork. Bring your fresh perspective, develop your strengths, break out your mold, and find a career that fits your dreams with us.
Click on the link below to learn what our employees have to say about Evonik:
https://careers.evonik.com/en/about/meet-the-team/
The automation engineer is responsible for maintaining all aspects of the site automation network, troubleshooting the site control system and equipment PLCs, and assisting with the design and qualification of new automation systems.
This automation engineer works as part of a larger site engineering team. This position receives technical guidance and assistance from more senior automation engineering positions.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Troubleshoot and resolve automation, software, and industrial network issues to minimize production downtime and improve system reliability.
  • Modify, optimize, and maintain automation control logic in collaboration with process engineers and manufacturing subject matter experts.
  • Design and execute automation improvement projects, including upgrades of legacy control systems and integration of production and utility systems into the site-wide control architecture.
  • Manage and coordinate electrical contractors and third-party automation vendors to ensure successful and safe project execution.
  • Develop and maintain automation documentation, including network architecture drawings, technical records, and system documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, electrical safety standards, and site EHS requirements for both employees and contractors.
  • Support GMP, ISO, change control, and validation requirements by partnering with Quality Assurance and Validation teams during automation-related changes.
  • Develop project budgets, cost estimates, scopes of work, and vendor bid packages for automation and electrical projects.
  • Assist senior engineers with capital project planning, including project scope development, scheduling, resource planning, and cost management.
  • Drive long-term automation reliability and modernization initiatives by improving system robustness, reducing downtime, and advancing plant-wide control system integration.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Industrial Automation, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred.
  • Minimum 3+ years of industrial automation experience supporting manufacturing processes, control systems, and automation equipment.
  • Strong experience with PLC, DCS, HMI, and SCADA systems, including Siemens PCS 7/S7 platforms, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix family, FactoryTalk View SE/ME, Wonderware, and GE iFIX.
  • Proficiency in automation programming and troubleshooting, including ladder logic, structured text, sequential function charts, function blocks, and IEC 61131 programming standards.
  • Experience integrating new equipment into existing control systems and migrating legacy automation platforms to modern, compliant solutions.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex software, control system, and industrial networking issues using advanced diagnostic and root-cause analysis techniques.
  • Strong understanding of industrial networking and cybersecurity, including TCP/IP, Modbus, Ethernet/LAN/WAN infrastructure, Cisco networking hardware, Windows Domains, and Active Directory.
  • Experience supporting automation IT infrastructure, including Microsoft Windows Server environments, SQL Server, OSI PI, virtualization technologies (VMware/Hyper-V), virtual machines, and command-line interfaces.
  • Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to develop scopes of work, manage vendors, estimate costs, and execute automation/electrical projects up to approximately $100K.
  • Knowledge of automation documentation and system management tools, including Visio, asset management strategies, and maintaining technical records and network architecture documentation.

The Evonik Group adopts an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) approach. Candidates are assessed based on their educational qualifications, experience, job competencies and potential and shall not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, nationality, disability or sexual orientation or other classifications protected by local, state, or provincial regulations.
Your Application
To ensure that your application is proceeded as quickly as possible and to protect the environment, please apply online via our careers portal. Further information about Evonik as Employer can be found at www.evonik.com/en/careers.html.
Please address your application to the Talent Acquisition Manager, stating your earliest possible starting date and your salary expectations.
Your Talent Acquisition Manager:
Kelvin Seals [C]
Company is
Evonik Corporation