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Automation Engineer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

The Senior Systems Engineer balances complex operational requirements with long-term strategic ... Automation & IaC: Drive efficiency by automating routine administrative tasks and maintaining ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

The Senior Systems Engineer balances complex operational requirements with long-term strategic ... Automation & IaC: Drive efficiency by automating routine administrative tasks and maintaining ...

Responsible for developing test automation along with executing firmware test cases for System on a Chip (SoC) in wireless application, you will work closely with the Software Engineering team ...

You will work side by side with engineering, machine learning, data, design, and operations to turn ... Identify automation opportunities rooted in real user pain and measurable business outcomes * Turn ...

Showing results 21-40

Automation Engineer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$40.5K

$117.1K

$178.2K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in Santa Rosa, CA is $117,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,600.00 and $135,000.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Automation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,125 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Control & Instrument Engineer II

Blentech Corporation

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$109K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Job description

About Blentech
Blentech Corporation is a North Bay Area-based food technology pioneer focused on developing advanced equipment, systems, and automation software for the safe, nutritious, and consistent preparation of foods. Creatively blending the latest digital and physical technologies, our custom-engineered machinery delivers unparalleled sanitary design, safety, and operational performance. If you are a creative thinker and problem solver looking to innovate at the intersection of automation, hardware, and food science, Blentech is the place to grow your career.
Position Summary
As a Control & Instrument Engineer II, you will play a critical role in designing, configuring, programming, and maintaining the advanced instrumentation and automation systems that power our industrial food processing equipment. This mid-level engineering role bridges the gap between complex software/control logic and physical heavy machinery. You will work closely with multi-faceted teams—including mechanical designers, project managers, and the manufacturing floor—to ensure our automated systems are safe, accurate, efficient, and tailored to specific customer process goals.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • System Design & Programming: Conceptualize, design, and develop advanced control systems and instrumentation layouts for custom industrial machinery. Program Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and supervisory control software.
  • Instrumentation Management: Select, specify, calibrate, and integrate instruments to accurately monitor and control critical process variables such as temperature, pressure, fluid dynamics, speed, and weight.
  • Testing & Optimization: Analyze data, performance metrics, and system behaviors to verify that control systems meet precise process definitions. Modify and optimize existing system configurations to maximize efficiency and safe operations.
  • Collaboration & Customization: Interpret engineering blueprints, mechanical drawings, and electrical schematics. Partner with mechanical and process engineers to deliver cohesive, turnkey industrial solutions.
  • Troubleshooting & Quality Assurance: Lead the diagnosis and resolution of complex technical issues during building, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and internal commissioning phases.
  • Compliance & Safety: Ensure all industrial automation designs strictly adhere to relevant safety standards, sanitary regulations, and National Electrical Code (NEC) / UL guidelines.
Required Competencies & Skills
  • Technical Aptitude: Proven proficiency in PLC/HMI programming environments (e.g., Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar industrial platforms).
  • Instrumentation Expertise: Solid understanding of loop tuning, industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, etc.), and standard industrial sensory instruments.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong critical thinking, troubleshooting, and analytical skills to address complex electrical, software, and mechanical interactions.
  • Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills to write technical specifications, project documentation, and collaborate smoothly across internal manufacturing and engineering teams.
  • Adaptability: Ability to manage shifting project priorities efficiently while maintaining an exceptional attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline.
  • Experience: 3–5 years of proven engineering experience directly handling industrial control systems, instrumentation calibration, and automation environments (experience in food processing, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing equipment is a major plus).
  • Physical/Work Environment: Must be comfortable spending significant time on a busy manufacturing floor, working around active machinery, and occasionally lifting/moving tools or test components. Must be able to read complex technical layouts and schematics.
  • Must be within driving distance of the Santa Rosa office, as this is an onsite position.
What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% company match.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and generous parental leave policies.
  • A collaborative culture with customized career development tracks designed to help you grow with us.
  • Wage: $109,300 - $120,800
Not open to recruiters or international candidates.

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