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Automation Engineering Manager Jobs in California

Lead MFG Automation Engineer

Lodi, CA · On-site

$127K - $175K/yr

This position reports to the Sr. Manager, MFG Automation Engineering and is part of the MFG Automation Engineering department located in Lodi, CA, and will be an on-site role. In this role, you will ...

New

Lead MFG Automation Engineer

Lodi, CA · On-site

$127K - $175K/yr

This position reports to the Sr. Manager, MFG Automation Engineering and is part of the MFG Automation Engineering department located in Lodi, CA, and will be an on-site role. In this role, you will ...

Lead MFG Automation Engineer

Lodi, CA · On-site

$127K - $175K/yr

This position reports to the Sr. Manager, MFG Automation Engineering and is part of the MFG Automation Engineering department located in Lodi, CA, and will be an on-site role. In this role, you will ...

... Engineering or related technical discipline * 3-7 years of experience supporting or managing ... Robotics, Automation controls, Conveyor systems, Software platforms, Databases, System integrations

Controls Engineering Manager

Benicia, CA · On-site

$97K - $125K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description About CKC Automation CKC Automation transforms manufacturing ... You'll work side-by-side, in person, with engineering, project management, and sales to scope ...

Engineering Manager

Vista, CA · On-site

$160K/yr

In January 2024, ITW created a Pharma Automation B.U. after acquiring RxSafe and combining it with ... We are now seeking an Engineering Manager - Pharmacy Automation role who will be highly involved in ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Engineering Manager information

See California salary details

$88.8K

$136.2K

$171.2K

How much do automation engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineering manager in California is $136,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $157,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automation engineering manager do?

An Automation Engineering Manager oversees the design, implementation, and optimization of automated systems in manufacturing or software development. They lead a team of engineers to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity through automation technologies. Responsibilities include project management, system integration, troubleshooting, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. They collaborate with other departments to align automation strategies with company goals. Strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation engineering manager?

An Automation Engineering Manager should have a strong background in automation technologies, process improvement, project management, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC/SCADA systems, robotics, industrial control systems, and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma is often required. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help drive team performance and foster cross-functional collaboration. These capabilities are essential for delivering efficient automation solutions, ensuring project success, and guiding multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by automation engineering managers in their day-to-day work?

Automation Engineering Managers often balance multiple projects and deadlines while ensuring high quality and compliance with industry standards. A common challenge is integrating new automation technologies with existing systems, which requires careful planning and troubleshooting. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including operations, IT, and maintenance—is crucial for aligning technical solutions with business goals. Additionally, staying current with emerging automation trends and training team members on new tools is a key part of the role, helping drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

What job categories do people searching Automation Engineering Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Engineering Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Automation Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Automation Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Engineering Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,245 per year, or $65.5 per hour.

Lead MFG Automation Engineer

Danaher Corporation

Lodi, CA • On-site

$127K - $175K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Danaher rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Bring more to life.
Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?
At Cepheid, one of Danaher's 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives-and we're all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.
You'll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher's system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact - innovating at the speed of life.
At Cepheid, we are passionate about improving health care through fast, accurate, molecular diagnostic systems and tests. As a member of our team, you'll get to make an immediate, measurable impact on a global scale, within an environment that fosters career growth and development. Our mission drives us to develop groundbreaking solutions for the world's most complex health challenges. Together, we bring MORE change to the world.
Learn about the Danaher Business System, which makes everything possible.
The Lead MFG Automation Engineer (Mechanical/Controls) is responsible for applying engineering principles to the planning, design, development, documentation, testing, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment, instruments, systems, and related processes that support reliable production performance.
This position reports to the Sr. Manager, MFG Automation Engineering and is part of the MFG Automation Engineering department located in Lodi, CA, and will be an on-site role.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Define, govern, and continuously improve controls architecture, programming standards, and reliability strategies for automated manufacturing systems.
  • Lead systemic failure investigations and drive corrective actions for chronic, high-impact automation issues. Drive improvements in manufacturing KPIs (OEE, MTBF, throughput, yield, Cycle time) through mechanical and controls optimization and modernization initiatives.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Process, Maintenance, Quality, IT/OT, and EHS to ensure safe, compliant, and robust automation solutions.
  • Mentor and develop Senior and Mid-level Automation Engineers, elevating overall engineering capability and technical rigor.
  • Provide expert input into capital projects, OEM selection, equipment design reviews, and automation roadmaps.

The essential requirements of the job include:
  • Bachelor's degree in: Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Industrial Engineering with 8+ years of related work experience OR Master's degree in field with 6+ years of related work experience OR Doctoral degree in field with 3+ years of work experience
  • Industrial Automation Expertise: Deep hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs, servo systems, robotics, vision systems, and electrical safety standards in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
  • Advanced Troubleshooting & Reliability Engineering: Proven ability to lead complex root cause investigations and implement long-term solutions using FMEA, RCA, Fault Tree Analysis, and other reliability-focused methodologies.
  • Technical Leadership: Demonstrated success leading cross-functional automation projects, influencing engineering, maintenance, quality, and operations teams, while mentoring engineers and technicians
  • Controls Architecture & SCADA Systems: Experience developing and deploying engineering standards across multiple production lines, with advanced expertise in SCADA platforms (Ignition, FactoryTalk, or equivalent) for system monitoring, data acquisition, and performance optimization

Travel, Motor Vehicle Record & Physical/Environment Requirements:
  • Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment and support equipment-related activities as needed.
  • Ability to lift, move, or carry tools, components, or equipment consistent with site safety requirements.

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
  • Hands-on experience with electro-mechanical equipment in an automated manufacturing or production environment.
  • Experience using Six Sigma or continuous improvement tools to improve reliability, quality, or process performance.

Cepheid, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it's a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at danaherbenefitsinfo.com.
The annual salary range for this role is $127,500-$175,500. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.
This job is also eligible for bonincentive pay.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remain in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.
Join our winning team today. Together, we'll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow's science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.
For more information, visit
Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law.
The U.S. EEO posters are available here.
For candidates who are based outside of New York City or who are applying for roles outside of New York City, for more information about conditions of any job offer please click here.
We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact:1- or

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About Danaher

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a science and technology innovator committed to helping our customers solve complex challenges, and improving quality of life around the world. A global family of more than 20 operating companies, we drive meaningful innovation in some of today's most dynamic, growing industries.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1984