ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Automation Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Danaher

Software Automation Internships

Arcata, CA

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

Danaher

Software Automation Internships

Chico, CA

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

Fellow

Automation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience) * 7+ years of experience in test automation, CI/CD, or ...

Danaher

Software Automation Internships

Pomona, CA

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

Danaher

Software Automation Internships

Merced, CA

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

Danaher

Software Automation Internships

Fresno, CA

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

Fellow

Automation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Required : • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science ... automation scripting (Python or similar) • Hands-on experience with hardware-integrated ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutomation Engineering JobsAutomation Engineering Jobs in California

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 16, 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 are popular job titles related to Automation Engineering jobs in California? For Automation Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Engineering jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Automation Engineering jobs near you
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.
Software Automation Internships

Software Automation Internships

Danaher

San Luis Obispo, CA

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Danaher rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

How It Works

This is not an active job listing. By submitting your interest, you’ll be among the first to know when internship opportunities open at Danaher. While the roles described here reflect the types of positions we typically recruit for, we want to be transparent that specific openings for the upcoming recruiting season have not yet been finalized. If your background aligns with future opportunities, we’ll reach out directly when formal applications become available.

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher

Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation Engineering Intern at Cytiva (a Danaher company), you would help improve our DeltaV automation library used in cutting-edge bioprocessing technologies.

This potential opportunity could offer hands-on experience as part of an Agile engineering team, contributing to process automation, testing strategies, and design optimization. Interns in similar past roles have worked on meaningful projects that support Cytiva’s mission of advancing and accelerating therapeutics.

What You Might Work On
  • Participating in Agile Scrum team activities and engineering sprints
  • Supporting the development and testing of DeltaV automation software
  • Troubleshooting system and software issues Collaborating with cross-functional teams on requirements, design optimization, and root cause analysis
  • Developing and executing test strategies for automation solutions
Who This Is For
  • Students graduating in 2025 or later, currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or another hard science Preference for students who have completed at least 3 years of academic coursework by internship start
  • Experience with hands-on lab testing and technical documentation (e.g., lab report generation)
  • Strong analytical and collaboration skills, with a desire to work in a regulated, quality-driven environment
Company Description

At Danaher, we bring together science, technology, and operational excellence to accelerate the impact of innovation in diagnostics, life sciences, and biotechnology. Our global teams work every day to solve the world’s most complex challenges by developing tools that improve human health.

Cytiva, a Danaher company, is a global life sciences leader supporting customers in discovering and producing life-changing therapeutics. You’ll be joining a team committed to curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement—empowered by the proven tools of the Danaher Business System.

What Danaher employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Danaher logo

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

View All Danaher Jobs

Apply