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Automation Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Steve Madden

Warehouse Automation Engineer

Bloomington, CA

$140K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering or related technical discipline * 3-7 years of experience ...

Steve Madden

Warehouse Automation Engineer

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering or related technical discipline * 3-7 years of experience ...

Danaher

Software Automation Internships

Merced, CA · On-site

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

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 · On-site

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

San Jose, CA · On-site

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

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

Arcata, CA · On-site

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

Stockton, CA · On-site

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

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

Pomona, CA · On-site

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

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 ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 18, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation engineer?

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 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 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.

Are automation engineers in high demand?

Automation engineers are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, technology, and energy due to the increasing adoption of robotics, control systems, and process automation. Strong skills in programming, control systems, and familiarity with tools like PLCs and SCADA systems enhance job prospects in this field.

What does an automation engineer do?

An automation engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that automate manufacturing processes, software workflows, or industrial operations. They use tools like PLCs, robotics, and scripting languages to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and optimize performance in various environments. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of control systems are essential for this role.

What does an automation engineer make?

An automation engineer's salary varies based on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. They design, develop, and implement automated systems using tools like PLCs, robotics, and control software, often requiring knowledge of programming languages such as Python or C++.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Kalon Executive Search

San Diego, CA • On-site

$91K - $117K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Manufacturing and Automation Engineer
Kalon Executive Search is partnering with a growing organization in the manufacturing and consumer products industry to identify an experienced Manufacturing and Automation Engineer. This role is ideal for an engineering professional with strong hands-on automation and controls experience who enjoys improving manufacturing processes, leading capital projects, and implementing innovative technologies to increase efficiency and reliability.
The Manufacturing and Automation Engineer will support manufacturing and packaging operations by evaluating, designing, implementing, and optimizing automated systems and equipment. This position will play a key role in improving throughput, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), equipment reliability, product quality, and operational efficiency while reducing downtime and waste.
***This is an onsite position in San Diego, CA.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead automation, controls, and systems engineering initiatives across manufacturing and packaging operations.
  • Evaluate, specify, procure, install, commission, optimize, and support the lifecycle management of manufacturing, packaging, automation, and robotics equipment.
  • Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to improve equipment reliability, product quality, throughput, and operator effectiveness.
  • Analyze equipment and manufacturing performance to identify bottlenecks and implement improvements that increase throughput, improve OEE, reduce downtime, and minimize waste.
  • Troubleshoot complex manufacturing and packaging equipment issues involving PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, robotics, industrial networks, and machine communications.
  • Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives while developing standardized troubleshooting procedures and technical documentation.
  • Support integration and communication between manufacturing equipment, packaging systems, OEE platforms, MES, SCADA, and enterprise reporting systems.
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, troubleshooting guides, startup and shutdown procedures, equipment manuals, and other technical documentation.
  • Create and maintain equipment setup, changeover, inspection, cleaning, and preventive maintenance procedures and checklists.
  • Develop and maintain automation standards, controls documentation, network architecture diagrams, equipment specifications, and system validation records.
  • Provide technical training and support to operators, mechanics, technicians, and engineering personnel on automation systems and equipment.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, OEE, and other manufacturing methodologies to improve reliability, productivity, and operational performance.
  • Develop and implement changeover reduction strategies to improve manufacturing flexibility and line efficiency.
  • Lead automation and controls activities associated with capital projects, new equipment installations, facility expansions, utility upgrades, and manufacturing line improvements.
  • Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, technical specifications, and commissioning plans while coordinating contractors, vendors, OEMs, and system integrators.
  • Support Industry 4.0 initiatives, including connected equipment, machine data collection, smart factory technologies, predictive maintenance, cloud-based analytics, and data-driven manufacturing solutions.
  • Develop and maintain machine-to-machine and machine-to-system connectivity using industrial communication protocols such as OPC UA, MQTT, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus TCP.
  • Identify opportunities to improve automation, manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and overall operational performance.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering field.
  • Seven or more years of hands-on experience with production and packaging automation systems, preferably within pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, supplement, food, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Hands-on experience with bottling lines, liquid filling equipment, labeling systems, case packers, conveyors, and other downstream packaging equipment.
  • Experience with vision inspection systems, servo drives, robotics, palletizers, pick-and-place systems, and automated material handling equipment.
  • Strong PLC programming experience with platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar systems.
  • Experience configuring and troubleshooting HMI and SCADA systems.
  • Strong understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, or similar technologies.
  • Experience integrating and programming robotic systems such as ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa, or similar platforms.
  • Experience with automated Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems, including programming, validation, optimization, and troubleshooting preferred.
  • Experience with Industry 4.0, industrial IoT, smart manufacturing, machine data collection, and manufacturing analytics preferred.
  • Experience supporting capital equipment projects from specification and procurement through installation, commissioning, and optimization.
  • Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, OEE, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis.
  • Lean certification, such as Green Belt or Black Belt, highly preferred.
  • Experience working with PLC programming software such as Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, or Schneider EcoStruxure.
  • Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms such as FactoryTalk View, Ignition, Wonderware, or similar systems.
  • Familiarity with robotics programming and simulation platforms.
  • Experience reviewing mechanical and electrical layouts using CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks Electrical, or EPLAN.
  • Experience with data acquisition, SQL databases, advanced Excel, MES, ERP, or manufacturing analytics systems preferred.
  • Strong project management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, IT, and other cross-functional teams.
  • Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Compensation: $124,000-$150,000 base salary, depending on experience
If this sounds like the position you have been waiting for, please apply using the online application or the link below - all inquiries are strictly confidential. Our focus is to assist you to make your best next career move, and we will not use your information for any other purpose.
Kalon Executive Search is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
www.KalonSearch.com

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