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Automation Engineer Jobs in Hickory, NC (NOW HIRING)

Automation Engineer Candidate will be an employee of the Automation group supporting the manufacturing of optical fiber. This individual will provide technical support in the area of PC and PLC based ...

Automation Engineer

Claremont, NC · On-site

$85K - $135K/yr

Automation Engineer Candidate will be an employee of the Automation group supporting the manufacturing of optical fiber. This individual will provide technical support in the area of PC and PLC based ...

The Lead Automation Engineer is responsible for leading efforts to drive manufacturing efficiency through implementation of automation projects. The expected annual salary range for this role is ...

New

Controls & Automation Engineer

Claremont, NC · On-site

$81K - $108K/yr

Controls & Process Automation Engineer You'll work with advanced technologies across VAD, OVD, AVD, PCVD, preform production, and fiber draw operations -- the core processes that define our industry ...

Sr Automation Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$93K - $122K/yr

A leading priority of the Global Automation Projects Management Group in Division Engineering is to establish and ensure accountability for global standards in equipment design and deployment across ...

Sr Automation Engineer

Hickory, NC

$93K - $122K/yr

A leading priority of the Global Automation Projects Management Group in Division Engineering is to establish and ensure accountability for global standards in equipment design and deployment across ...

Sr Automation Engineer

Hickory, NC

$93K - $122K/yr

A leading priority of the Global Automation Projects Management Group in Division Engineering is to establish and ensure accountability for global standards in equipment design and deployment across ...

Candidate will be an employee of the Automation group supporting the manufacturing of optical fiber ... S. in Engineering or Computer Science * Experience with programming Rockwell (Allen-Bradley ...

As an Automation Measurement Engineer, you'll lead the design and integration of advanced measurement, sensing, inspection, and test systems - working across hardware, software, and systems ...

As an Automation Measurement Engineer, you'll lead the design and integration of advanced measurement, sensing, inspection, and test systems - working across hardware, software, and systems ...

As an Automation Measurement Engineer, you'll lead the design and integration of advanced measurement, sensing, inspection, and test systems -- working across hardware, software, and systems ...

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Automation Engineer information

See Hickory, NC salary details

$33.1K

$95.9K

$145.9K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in Hickory, NC is $95,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,400.00 and $110,600.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Hickory, NC?

The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Hickory, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Automation Engineer jobs in Hickory, NC?

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

What job categories do people searching Automation Engineer jobs in Hickory, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Engineer jobs in Hickory, NC are:

What cities near Hickory, NC are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Hickory, NC with the most Automation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in Hickory, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,913 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Prysmian

Claremont, NC

$40.87 - $64.90/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Prysmian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

323rd of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Prysmian is the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry. Each year, the company manufactures thousands of miles of underground and submarine cables and systems for power transmission and distribution, as well as medium low voltage cables for the construction and infrastructure sectors. We also produce a comprehensive range of optical fibers, copper cables and connectivity for voice, video and data transmission for the telecommunication sector.

We are 30,000 employees, across 50+ countries. Everyone at Prysmian has the potential to make their mark; because whatever you do, wherever you are based, you will be part of a company that is helping transform the world around us.

Automation Engineer

Candidate will be an employee of the Automation group supporting the manufacturing of optical fiber. This individual will provide technical support in the area of PC and PLC based controls and automation.

Responsibilites:

  • Develop and maintain PLC programs
  • Provide controls and automation support for the manufacture of optical fiber
  • Help resolve daily production issues related to equipment or control software
  • Support the commissioning of new equipment for production
  • Ensure proper backups of all programs and critical support files are maintained per plant standards
  • Comply with all applicable safety procedures and ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 HSE guidelines

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Engineering or Computer Science
  • Experience with programming Rockwell (Allen-Bradley), Schneider, and/or Siemens PLC’s
  • Prefer any experience with fiber optic or highly automated industry
  • Prefer experience with PLC programming
  • Prefer experience with Profibus, Ethernet and Modbus+ communication protocols
  • Prefer experience with HMI Software with PC to PLC and PC to Database transactions

You should be proficient in:

  • Allen Bradley
  • Allen-Bradley
  • automation engineer
  • HMI
  • PLC
  • Schneider
  • Siemens

Machines & technologies you'll use:

  • Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric)
ID:qnkTyx

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