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Automation Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

Entarian

Automation Engineer

North Charleston, SC · Remote

This is a mid-level Automation Engineer position and focuses on designing, deploying, and sustaining secure cloud-native infrastructure within a federal/defense environment. The engineer will act as ...

Danaher

Software Automation Internships

Charleston, SC · On-site

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

Broetje Automation

Automation Technician

Charleston, SC · On-site

$30 - $44/hr

High school or equivalent AND Technical Certificate or Associates/BS in Electrical/Mechanical/Controls/Industrial Engineering or Mechatronics * 3+ years of experience within the industrial automation ...

Broetje Automation

Automation Technician

Charleston, SC · On-site

$30 - $44/hr

High school or equivalent AND Technical Certificate or Associates/BS in Electrical/Mechanical/Controls/Industrial Engineering or Mechatronics * 3+ years of experience within the industrial automation ...

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All JobsAutomation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

Automation Engineer information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$34.6K

$100.3K

$152.5K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in Charleston, SC is $100,251.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $115,600.00 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 Charleston, SC? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Automation Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC? For Automation Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC are:
What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs? Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Automation Engineer job openings:
Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in Charleston, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,251 per year, or $48.2 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Entarian

North Charleston, SC • Remote

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview/ Job Responsibilities

Entarian is seeking an Automation Engineer to support the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic (NIWC Atlantic) Expeditionary Enterprise Systems and Services (E2S2) Division. NIWC Atlantic provides design, acquisition, and sustainment services for Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) Information Technology (IT) systems.

This is a mid-level Automation Engineer position and focuses on designing, deploying, and sustaining secure cloud-native infrastructure within a federal/defense environment. The engineer will act as a subject matter expert in AWS cloud services, Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), and CI/CD pipelines to ensure repeatable, compliant, and efficient IT system delivery.

Core responsibilities:

  • Infrastructure Automation: Design and maintain repeatable infrastructure deployments using IaC methodologies (CloudFormation/Terraform).
  • Pipeline Management: Build and manage CI/CD pipelines for automated testing, deployment, and rollback (GitLab CI, AWS CodePipeline).
  • Cloud Operations: Implement and manage monitoring, logging, and diagnostic solutions (CloudWatch, AWS Config, Splunk) to resolve complex infrastructure issues.
  • Integration: Facilitate the integration of AWS cloud services with on-premises systems and hybrid environments.
  • Collaboration & Leadership: Work with cross-functional teams (developers, security analysts) and mentor junior engineers while leading automation initiatives.
  • Technical Documentation: Write detailed documentation for architecture decisions, automation processes, and compliance artifacts.

Technical Skills:

  • Cloud Platforms: Deep expertise in AWS (EC2, S3, Lambda, IAM, VPC, RDS).
  • Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Advanced proficiency in CloudFormation and Terraform.
  • Scripting & Development: Expert-level Python, Bash, or PowerShell; experience with AWS SDKs and CLI.
  • Networking: Strong knowledge of VPC peering, Transit Gateway, Route 53, VPNs, and firewall management.
  • Configuration Management: Experience with Ansible and AWS Systems Manager.
  • Containers (Preferred): Familiarity with Docker, ECS, EKS, and Kubernetes.

Compliance and Security:

  • Federal Standards: Working knowledge of FISMA and NIST 800-53.
  • Security Best Practices: Implementation of IAM policies, encryption, logging, and monitoring.
  • Risk Mitigation: Ability to assess and mitigate risks in cloud environments specifically to meet evolving government requirements.
  • Access Control: Strict adherence to federal security protocols and identity management.

This position is remote but visits to customer site (Charleston, SC) will be required. Currently, customer site visits for Program Increment Planning occur four times per year, one week each.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Active Secret Level Clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer, Electrical or Electronics Engineering or Mathematics with field of concentration in computer science.
  • 3 years in cloud engineering, automation, or DevOps.
  • Certification/training in accordance with DoD 8570.1M / 8140 (e.g., Security+ CE, CISSP, Network+ CE).
  • Tooling: Hands-on experience with GitLab CI, CloudWatch, and either Python or Bash.
Desired Qualifications
  • Professional AWS Certifications: DevOps Engineer Professional or Solutions Architect Professional.
  • Associate AWS Certifications: SysOps Administrator or Solutions Architect Associate.
  • Project/Process Certifications: ITIL or PMP.
About Us

Formed through the strategic union of Sev1Tech and ERT, Entarian is a premier provider of mission-critical engineering and technology solutions. Founded on a legacy of excellence dating back to 1993, Entarian is a product of an evolved and fully diversified engineering and federal technology leader. From deep space to defense and civilian missions, Entarian delivers secure, mission-aligned digital solutions that drive national resilience and operational effectiveness. We don't just support modernization; we define it.

Join the Mission and Start your Career Journey: Apply Directly via our Careers Portal  Connect, Referrals & Inquiries? Email the team: careers@entarian.com

Entarian is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Employment Type: OTHER

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