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Automation Engineer Jobs in Elizabeth, NJ (NOW HIRING)

William Vaughn TA

Automation Engineer

Westwood, NJ · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Automation Engineer Overview: We are seeking an Automation Controls Engineer with strong motion control experience to support and enhance high-speed packaging operations. This role is heavily focused ...

Smiths Group

Automation Engineer

Elmwood Park, NJ · On-site

The Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting automation initiatives within a high-mix, precision machining environment. This role will lead automation projects ...

Smiths Group

Automation Engineer

Elmwood Park, NJ · On-site

The Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting automation initiatives within a high-mix, precision machining environment. This role will lead automation projects ...

Flex Tek

Automation Engineer

Elmwood Park, NJ

The Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting automation initiatives within a high-mix, precision machining environment. This role will lead automation projects ...

Ross Recruiting

Automation Engineer

Morristown, NJ

Overview We are seeking an Automation Engineer to support automation modernization initiatives across multiple manufacturing facilities. This individual will play a critical role in implementing ...

BALDOR SPECIALTY FOODS, Inc.

Automation Engineer

Bronx, NY · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Description Position Overview The Automation Engineer I is the entry point to Baldor's automation engineering track. This role supports conveyor systems, PLC and SCADA infrastructure, pick-to-light ...

Catalyx

Automation Engineer

Rahway, NJ

Catalyx is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Automation Engineer to support equipment and automation compliance activities within a regulated (GMP) pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This ...

Iff

Automation Engineer

Hazlet, NJ

Automation Manager Department: Engineering / Maintenance Reports To: Plant Manager or Engineering Director Location: Manufacturing Plant Position Summary The Automation Manager is responsible for ...

JLL

Automation Engineer

Somerset, NJ

Automation Engineer - JLL What this job involves: We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement automation control systems for industrial processes and warehouse ...

JLL

Automation Engineer

Edison, NJ · On-site

Automation Engineer - JLL What this job involves: We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement automation control systems for industrial processes and warehouse ...

Serval Inc

Automation Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $280K/yr

That's the Automation Engineer. You'll sit inside our IT and internal ops team, but you'll operate like an internal product team of one. You find the highest-volume, highest-friction service work in ...

New

Actalent

Automation Engineer

Dayton, NJ · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Automation Engineer The Automation Engineer will support, maintain, and troubleshoot plant automation systems in a highly technical manufacturing environment. This role focuses on ensuring reliable ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutomation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs in Elizabeth, NJ

Automation Engineer information

See Elizabeth, NJ salary details

$37.2K

$107.8K

$164K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in Elizabeth, NJ is $107,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $124,300.00 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
What job categories do people searching Automation Engineer jobs in Elizabeth, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Engineer jobs in Elizabeth, NJ are:
What cities near Elizabeth, NJ are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs? Cities near Elizabeth, NJ with the most Automation Engineer job openings:
Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in Elizabeth, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,814 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Automation Engineer

William Vaughn TA

Westwood, NJ • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description


We are a growing food and beverage manufacturer operating in a high-volume production environment, with a strong focus on packaging efficiency, automation, and continuous improvement.

The business is investing heavily in modernizing its production lines and building out internal engineering capabilities to support long-term growth. This is a hands-on environment where automation plays a critical role in throughput, quality, and operational performance.

Automation Engineer Overview:

We are seeking an Automation Controls Engineer with strong motion control experience to support and enhance high-speed packaging operations.

This role is heavily focused on servo-driven systems, coordinated motion, and PLC-based controls. This is not a maintenance-only role. This individual will play a key part in improving system performance, supporting new equipment installations, and optimizing existing production lines.

Automation Engineer Responsibilities:

  • Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems supporting packaging equipment
  • Work extensively with servo motors, drives, and multi-axis motion control systems
  • Develop and optimize motion profiles for high-speed packaging applications
  • Support commissioning, startup, and integration of new production equipment
  • Troubleshoot automation and controls issues impacting uptime and throughput
  • Partner with operations and maintenance teams to improve line performance
  • Modify and enhance HMI interfaces for better operator usability and visibility
  • Travel to support equipment installs, vendors, and other facilities (25–30%)

Automation Engineer Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in automation and controls within manufacturing
  • Strong hands-on experience with motion control and servo systems (required)
  • Experience with one or more of the following platforms:
  • Rockwell (Allen-Bradley)
  • Siemens
  • Mitsubishi
  • Experience working on high-speed packaging equipment
  • Strong PLC programming skills (ladder logic, structured text, etc.)
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues in a production environment
  • Comfortable working on the production floor and working cross-functionally