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Automation Engineer Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

TRC Talent Solutions

Controls Engineer

Beech Creek, PA

$80K - $103K/yr

Automation * Robotics * Digital manufacturing * Advanced process control * Research, evaluate, and ... Mentor and develop Manufacturing Process Engineers and Process Specialists through technical ...

TRC Talent Solutions

Director of QA

Beech Creek, PA · On-site

Education Requirements: * 2 or 4 year degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or ...

AccuWeather Careers

Sr. Manager, DevOps

State College, PA · On-site

$127K - $163K/yr

AccuWeather is seeking an experienced Senior Manager, DevOps to lead a small team of engineers responsible for the infrastructure, automation, deployment, reliability, and operational capabilities ...

AccuWeather

Sr. Manager, DevOps

State College, PA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

AccuWeather is seeking an experienced Senior Manager, DevOps to lead a small team of engineers responsible for the infrastructure, automation, deployment, reliability, and operational capabilities ...

New

AccuWeather Careers

Sr. Manager, DevOps

State College, PA

$127K - $163K/yr

AccuWeather is seeking an experienced Senior Manager, DevOps to lead a small team of engineers responsible for the infrastructure, automation, deployment, reliability, and operational capabilities ...

AccuWeather Careers

Sr. Manager, DevOps

State College, PA

$127K - $163K/yr

AccuWeather is seeking an experienced Senior Manager, DevOps to lead a small team of engineers responsible for the infrastructure, automation, deployment, reliability, and operational capabilities ...

Minitab

Staff DevOps Engineer

State College, PA

$51.50 - $70.75/hr

... Engineer who will support and evolve Minitab's software delivery infrastructure and operational ... What You'll DoDevelop and Maintain Infrastructure and Automation * Drive the design, implementation ...

Minitab

Staff DevOps Engineer

State College, PA · On-site

$51.50 - $70.75/hr

... Engineer who will support and evolve Minitab's software delivery infrastructure and operational ... What You'll Do Develop and Maintain Infrastructure and Automation * Drive the design ...

Minitab

Staff DevOps Engineer

State College, PA

$51.50 - $70.75/hr

... Engineer who will support and evolve Minitab's software delivery infrastructure and operational ... What You'll DoDevelop and Maintain Infrastructure and Automation * Drive the design, implementation ...

AccuWeather

Data Operations Engineer II

State College, PA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

We are looking for a Data Operations Engineer II who displays a deep interest in and passion for scripting, automation, and operational reliability; an experienced and detail-oriented individual who ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutomation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs in State College, PA

Automation Engineer information

See State College, PA salary details

$36.2K

$104.8K

$159.4K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in State College, PA is $104,769.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,600.00 and $120,800.00 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.

More about Automation Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in State College, PA?

The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Engineer jobs in State College, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Engineer jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Automation Engineer job openings:

Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in State College, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,769 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Physical Automation Leader

Lewistown, PA • On-site

First Quality Retail Services
See more jobs at First Quality Retail Servicesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Founded over 35 years ago, First Quality is a family-owned company that has grown from a small business in McElhattan, Pennsylvania into a group of companies, employing over 5,000 team members,while maintaining ourfamilyvalues and entrepreneurialspirit. With corporate offices in New York and Pennsylvania and 8 manufacturing campuses across the U.S. and Canada, the companies within the First Qualitygroup produce high-quality personal care and household products forlargeretailers and healthcareorganizations. Our personal care and household product portfolio includes baby diapers, wipes, feminine pads, paper towels, bath tissue, adult incontinence products, laundry detergents, fabric finishers, and dishwash solutions.In addition, we manufacture certain raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of these products, including flexible print and packaging solutions.

Guided by our values of humility, unity, and integrity, we leverage advanced technology and innovation to drive growth and create new opportunities. At First Quality, you'll find a collaborative environment focused on continuous learning, professional development, and our mission to Make Things Better.

We are seeking a Physical Automations Leader for our First Quality Products Company located in McElhattan, PA. This position may be based out of our Central PA site (McElhattan, PA & Lewistown, PA) or Macon, GA. The Physical Automation Leader is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing automation solutions that enhance manufacturing efficiency, safety, and quality across the division. This role will lead the strategic roadmap for physical automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational excellence standards.

A primary focus will be to integrate cutting-edge automation systems - including robotics, autonomous material handling, and machine vision - into production environments, harmonizing best practices across sites. The role requires deep expertise in automation engineering, strong project leadership skills, and the ability to partner with cross-functional teams to deliver measurable improvements in productivity, cost-effectiveness, and reliability. This position will require frequent travel to our Absorbent Hygiene companies.

Primary responsibilities include:

  • Establish automation goals, objectives, and overall strategy for the division.
  • Lead the design, selection, and deployment of physical automation systems, including robotics, conveyors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and machine vision solutions.
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments of manufacturing processes to identify automation opportunities and efficiency gains.
  • Collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, and safety teams to ensure automation solutions meet safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Work with BU's to develop and manage automation project roadmaps, budgets, and timelines.
  • Support BU's through installation, commissioning, and integration of automation equipment into existing manufacturing lines.
  • Apply advanced engineering principles and digital tools to optimize automation performance and reliability.
  • Partner with vendors and technology providers to evaluate emerging automation technologies and ensure best-in-class solutions.
  • Set standards and drive accountability to create and maintain technical documentation, including equipment specifications, operating procedures, and maintenance plans.
  • Train and mentor engineering and operations teams on automation systems and best practices.
  • Establish metrics and KPIs to measure automation effectiveness and ROI.
  • Champion continuous improvement by integrating automation into Lean and Six Sigma initiatives.
  • Responsible for defining the life cycle management method of automation assets, and execution will be the responsibility of the Business as Usual (BAU) Team.
  • Additional duties as required.

The ideal candidate should possess the following:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Automation Engineering; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in automation engineering, robotics integration, or industrial controls within a high-speed manufacturing environment.
  • Proven track record of designing and implementing successful physical automation solutions.
  • Experience with Manufacturing 4.0 concepts, including connected equipment, IoT integration, and smart manufacturing systems.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing regulatory standards (ISO 9001, OSHA, FDA) desirable.
  • Expertise in PLC programming, robotics control systems, and machine vision technologies.
  • Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with proven root cause analysis capabilities.
  • Exceptional project management skills, able to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
  • Excellent communication skills, adept at working with both technical teams and business stakeholders.
  • Ability to coach, benchmark, and work closely with different sites and operations.
  • Vendor management and negotiation skills.
  • Data-driven, disciplined, objective, and detail-oriented.
  • Passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Supports and promotes safe practices and environmental commitments in alignment with company policies and compliance requirements
  • Able to travel 40-50% depending on projects taking place across various sites

What We Offer You

We believe that by continuously improving the quality of our benefits, we can help to raise the quality of life for our team members and their families. At First Quality you will receive:

  • Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities
  • Paid time off (three-week minimum)
  • Medical, dental and vision starting day one
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid parental leave
  • Child and family care assistance (dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2500)
  • Bundle of joy benefit (year's worth of free diapers to all team members with a new baby)
  • Tuition assistance
  • Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums
  • ...and more!

First Quality is committed to protecting information under the care of First Quality Enterprises commensurate with leading industry standards and applicable regulations. As such, First Quality provides at least annual training regarding data privacy and security to employees who, as a result of their role specifications, may come in to contact with sensitive data.

First Quality is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status.

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