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Automation Engineering Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

What the Role Is The Automation Engineer will lead engineering initiatives for automation and ... This position will support Manufacturing Operations, New Product Design Engineering, Marketing, and ...

The Reliability & Maintenance Engineering (RME) team are the business partners that work tirelessly ... As an Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 1-20

Automation Engineering information

See Kentucky salary details

$32.1K

$93K

$141.6K

How much do automation engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineering in Kentucky is $93,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $107,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior automation engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in programming, control systems, and industry certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand sectors like aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, or large-scale industrial automation. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives for top-tier professionals in these fields.

Will AI replace automation engineer?

AI automation engineers design and implement automated systems that incorporate artificial intelligence technologies. While AI can augment and streamline certain tasks, the role requires expertise in system integration, programming, and problem-solving that AI alone cannot fully replace. Automation engineers will continue to adapt by working alongside AI tools and developing new skills to manage complex automation projects.

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 management.

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 workflows, or industrial operations. They use programming, control systems, and tools like PLCs and SCADA to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure safety in automated environments.
What are popular job titles related to Automation Engineering jobs in Kentucky? For Automation Engineering jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Automation Engineering job openings in Kentucky as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,042 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Heaven Hill Brands

Bardstown, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Heaven Hill Brands rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 389 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

This role is onsite and based at our Bardstown, Kentucky location.

What the Role Is

The Automation Engineer will lead engineering initiatives for automation and engineering in the plant to help drive overall plant cost performance. Provide project management and technical leadership from conception through deployment of projects, processes, and procedures to effectively deliver automation/engineering projects in operations. This position will support Manufacturing Operations, New Product Design Engineering, Marketing, and Sales in the development and implementation of new products and processes.

How You Will Spend Your Time?

  • Design, deployment, and maintenance of automation to improve quality, reduce operating costs, increase yield, and reduce downtime.
  • Confer with Marketing, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to determine engineering feasibility, cost effectiveness, and prioritization of automation/Engineering projects.
  • Perform project management activities for plant automation projects, including new product development and major replacement, refurbishment, and integration opportunities with existing equipment.
  • Research new technology to support automation strategies and monitor industry trends including automation and vision systems.
  • Select and grow relationships with equipment and third-party integrator vendors.
  • Develop and deploy technical standards, training, operating procedures, and maintenance programs for automation and vision systems.
  • Interface with hourly technical personnel to optimize processes and improve skills.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Performance Measures and Outcomes:

  • Project delivery metrics – on-time, budget, scope, safety
  • Training metrics
  • Operating costs / labor reduction
  • Employee safety associated with automation and new processes.
  • Line speed and downtime.
  • Defects detection and automation, vision downtime

Who You Are…

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Automation Engineering or related field of study including Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, or related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in an engineering role.
  • Ability to direct multiple operations initiatives from a project management perspective.
  • Ability to perform employee training, development, and coaching.
  • Proven track record of project management experience with progressively increasing scale.
  • Solid understanding and ability to deploy LEAN, FMEA, and DOE principles in projects.
  • Proven ability to lead by example and coordinate with others.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft applications including Excel, Project, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook
  • Working knowledge of 3D/CAD, preferably SolidWorks
  • PLC Programming experience
  • Knowledge and experience in robot implementation and programming.
  • Knowledge and experience in vision detection and programming
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Experience creating business cases for investments.
  • Capability to train technical associates in a manufacturing environment with demonstrated effectiveness.
  • Experience conducting safety / risk audits for product/process design.
  • Availability outside of normal business hours as needed.

Valued but not Required Skills and Experience:

  • Five (5) years of experience with robots, vision, and programming
  • Experience in the distilled spirits bottling operations.
  • Knowledge of product design and design for manufacturability

Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing duties of the job, the employee is required to:

  • Use hands, fingers, handle, feel, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.
  • Walk, stand, stoop, sit, kneel, crouch and crawl.
  • Frequently the employee will be required to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
  • Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus is required.

Benefits

  • Paid Vacation
  • 11 Paid Holidays
  • Health, Dental & Vision eligibility from day one
  • FSA/HSA
  • 401K match
  • EAP
  • Maternity/Paternity Leave

Heaven Hill and its affiliates are committed to fostering a diverse workforce as an Equal Employment Opportunity company. We invite applications from candidates of all backgrounds, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, natural origin, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic.



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