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Automation Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Automation Engineering Manager will lead the end-to-end integration and launch of the automation system in Porterville, CA , driving execution from design alignment through installation, testing ...

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Automation & Engineering Manager Location: Oxnard, CA Department : Engineering FLSA Status: Yes Safety Sensitive Position : Yes We are a global leader in food & beverage ingredients. Pioneers at ...

The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly ... As the Regional Automation Engineer, you will engage on all aspects of high-level support for the ...

Sr. Automation Engineer

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Serve as the primary escalation point for engineering guidance and conflict resolution Advanced Troubleshooting and Maintenance * Act as final technical authority during critical automation failures ...

Sr. Automation Engineer

Diamond Bar, CA · On-site

$108K - $142K/yr

Serve as the primary escalation point for engineering guidance and conflict resolution Advanced Troubleshooting and Maintenance * Act as final technical authority during critical automation failures ...

AI Automation Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

About the Role We are looking for a motivated and technically curious intern to join our Silicon Test Engineering team. In this role, you will leverage AI and modern automation tools to build ...

AI Automation Engineering Intern

San Jose, CA

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

About the Role We are looking for a motivated and technically curious intern to join our Silicon Test Engineering team. In this role, you will leverage AI and modern automation tools to build ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$112K - $146K/yr

The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly ... About the Role: As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$112K - $146K/yr

The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly ... About the Role: As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$112K - $146K/yr

The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly ... About the Role: As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing ...

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Automation Engineering information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$105.7K

$160.9K

How much do automation engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineering in California is $105,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $121,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior automation engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in robotics, control systems, or software development, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often occurs in industries like aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, or large technology firms, particularly for those in leadership roles or with advanced certifications and expertise in automation tools and programming languages.

Will AI replace automation engineer?

AI is a tool that can automate certain tasks within automation engineering, but it is unlikely to fully replace automation engineers. These professionals design, implement, and maintain complex systems that require human expertise, problem-solving, and adaptation. Skills in programming, control systems, and troubleshooting remain essential in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by automation engineers when implementing new systems, and how can they be addressed?

Automation engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation solutions with legacy equipment, ensuring system reliability, and managing project timelines. Effective communication with cross-functional teams—including IT, production, and maintenance—is crucial to address compatibility issues and minimize downtime. Staying proactive with documentation, thorough testing, and continuous learning helps overcome these obstacles and ensures smooth implementation of automation projects.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior automation engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in programming, control systems, and robotics, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with leadership roles, working in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, or technology, and may require advanced certifications and a strong track record of project success.

What is automation engineering?

Automation engineering is a field that focuses on designing, developing, and implementing systems and technologies to automate processes in manufacturing, production, and other industries. Automation engineers work with hardware, software, and control systems to increase efficiency, safety, and reliability while reducing human intervention. Their work often involves programming, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated equipment and processes.

What is the difference between Automation Engineering vs Electrical Engineering?

AspectAutomation EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Automation, Control Systems, or related fields; certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, industrial facilities, automation system designPower plants, electrical systems, electronics labs, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower generation, electronics, telecommunications
Common Search/ComparisonAutomation Engineering vs Electrical Engineering

Automation Engineering focuses on designing and implementing automated systems and control processes in manufacturing and industrial settings. Electrical Engineering covers a broader range of electrical systems, power distribution, and electronics. While both roles require technical knowledge, Automation Engineers specialize in control systems, sensors, and automation software, whereas Electrical Engineers work more with electrical circuits, power systems, and electronics design.

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 background in engineering principles, programming, and process control, typically supported by a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, and certifications like ISA or Siemens are commonly required technical proficiencies. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are vital soft skills that set outstanding automation engineers apart. These skills and qualifications are essential to design, implement, and maintain efficient automated systems that improve productivity and ensure operational reliability.

What does an automation engineer do?

An automation engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that automate manufacturing processes, software testing, or other repetitive tasks. They use tools like PLCs, robotics, and scripting languages to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort, often working with cross-disciplinary teams and requiring knowledge of control systems and programming. Their work helps optimize production, quality, and safety in various industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Automation Engineering jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Automation Engineering jobs? Cities in California with the most Automation Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Automation Engineering job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Manager, Automation Engineering

Manager, Automation Engineering

Walmart

Porterville, CA

$90K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Walmart rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 21,681 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

Position Summary...What you'll do...Role summary:
The Automation Engineering Manager will lead the end-to-end integration and launch of the automation system in Porterville, CA, driving execution from design alignment through installation, testing, and final acceptance. The automation engineering manager is responsible for translating design intent into fully operational systems by coordinating equipment implementation, validating end-to-end performance, and ensuring readiness for operations handoff. Automation engineer managers partner closely with design, construction, and product teams to influence design enhancements, support change requests, and optimize system performance at site level—focusing on throughput, reliability, and scalability during commissioning and ramp. They also own key elements of project execution, including schedule alignment, budget tracking, and cost management of materials, scope changes, and site-specific risks to ensure successful delivery of large-scale automation deployments. This role leverages data, testing results, and field learnings to drive continuous improvement across sites, including system tuning, defect management, and performance optimization during ramp and post-go-live. The manager ensures coordination across stakeholders—vendor, construction, operations, maintenance, and supply chain leadership—to maintain alignment on priorities, milestones, and issue resolution. About the team:
Our team leads large-scale automation deployments across Walmart’s supply chain, focused on transforming distribution center operations through advanced technologies. We leverage data and analytics to drive operational efficiency, improve system performance, and enable continuous improvement. From design through implementation, we manage end-to-end integration of automation systems, ensuring seamless execution across highly complex environments. We partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders to deliver scalable solutions, optimize processes, and support Walmart’s long-term automation strategy. This role is based in Porterville, CA, and requires up to 50% travel to support site deployments and supplier coordination.
What you'll do:
  • Lead the integration and implementation of automation systems to improve distribution center performance
  • Analyze complex operational and system data to inform decision-making and drive performance improvements
  • Develop and manage project plans, schedules, and resources to ensure successful delivery of automation initiatives
  • Partner with engineering, construction, operations, and vendor teams to resolve technical challenges and drive execution
  • Identify and implement process improvements using Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies
  • Build business cases and cost analyses to support automation investments and strategic initiatives
  • Oversee system testing, validation, and documentation to ensure solutions meet quality and performance standards

What you'll bring:
  • Experience in automation engineering and system integration within supply chain or industrial environments
  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
  • Demonstrated project management experience delivering complex, cross-functional initiatives
  • Business acumen, including experience with cost analysis, investment justification, and vendor management
  • Effective communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and align cross-functional teams
  • Knowledge of operational excellence, engineering economics, and continuous improvement principles
At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices. Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $90,000.00 - $180,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field and 2 years’ experience in engineering, supply chain, or related area. Option 2: 4 years’
experience in engineering, supply chain, or related area.Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Masters: Computer EngineeringPrimary Location...1300 S F ST, PORTERVILLE, CA 93257-5969, United States of AmericaWalmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

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About Walmart

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we're creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs in 19 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.1 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.

Industry

Retail and transportation and warehousing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Bentonville, AR, US

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