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Automation Engineering Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Automation Engineer II will be part of a team reporting to the Manager of Engineering and will ... Collaborate with Process Engineering, MS&T, Validation, Quality, Manufacturing, Facilities and ...

Automation Controls Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$79K - $105K/yr

Controls & Automation Engineering * Design, program, and commission industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment. * Develop PLC and HMI programs primarily using AllenBradley/Rockwell ...

Automation Engineer - JLL What this job involves: We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer ... Therole requires strong knowledge of engineering principles, programming, and control system ...

Serve as the SME for automation/control systems, coordinating technical and engineering matters among the terminal, customers, and key stakeholders. * System Lifecycle Management: Manage the ...

Serve as the SME for automation/control systems, coordinating technical and engineering matters among the terminal, customers, and key stakeholders. * System Lifecycle Management: Manage the ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Engineering information

See Houston, TX salary details

$35.3K

$102.3K

$155.7K

How much do automation engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineering in Houston, TX is $102,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,600.00 and $117,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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?

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 Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Automation Engineering jobs in Houston, TX are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Engineering jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Engineering jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Automation Engineering jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Automation Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Engineering job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,303 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Principal - Engineer - Automation (Building Management Systems)

Eli Lilly and Company

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Eli Lilly and Company rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve. This is hard, urgent, selfless work-but it's work worth doing. If you're driven by purpose and ready to bring your best to work that truly matters for patients, we invite you to join us.


Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of API molecules located in Houston, TX. This facility is intended to provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the site technical team for the startup of a greenfield manufacturing site, and the successful candidate will help to build the organization, the facility and the culture to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations.


Responsibilities:

The Principal Automation Engineer - Building Management Systems is a mid-level automation engineering position that will support the design and delivery of the automation platforms and associated system integration as part of Lilly's manufacturing expansion. This role is intended to support manufacturing and admin buildings to design and deliver the site Building Management Systems (sometimes referred to as Building Automation Systems). Key responsibilities include system design, process design, delivery strategy, factory acceptance testing, and installation and system commissioning. Lilly Houston is part of Lilly's Drug Substance (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) network.

During the design and delivery (startup expected 2029 to 2030) of the project this role will be integrated into the corporate automation team GPACE (Global Process Automation & Control Engineering) and then transition fully to a site-based process team position. During delivery, this role will collaborate with A&E firms, system integrators, corporate and site engineering peers, and Tech@Lilly (Lilly's corporate IT team) to develop and manage software/hardware design, testing, startup, commissioning, and qualification.

Post-project delivery, this role will support GMP manufacturing operations in the central engineering function. This role will require significant collaboration, creativity and resilience as the site grows to a full scale GMP manufacturing site through start up.

Key Deliverables:

  • Champion a strong safety culture, mentor and coach others, and utilize engineering and automation fundamental principles in design and problem solving.

  • Collaborate with Lilly Engineering, A&E firms, and system integrators to develop requirements and specifications that will be the foundation for software development, hardware design, and system architecture.

  • Support the design and delivery, collaborating with Lilly's A&E and selected Building Management System supplier, of the site BMS platform.

  • Support the design and delivery of AF&ID's, P&ID's, instrument specifications, sequences of operation, panel design, and testing strategies for the BMS platforms.

  • Collaborate with Tech@Lilly to deliver a fully integrated Automation solution that is scaled for the needs of business if applicable.

  • Participate in basic and detailed design that also includes staffing, statements of work, supplier management, and delivery strategies for automation systems.

  • Participate in developing computer system validation strategies.

  • Develop and build capabilities within the Houston site automation team.

  • Develop site procedures for automation platforms and associated administration activities.

  • Provide engineering support for Process Safety Management (PSM) and Process Hazard Reviews (PHRs).

  • Provide technical oversight during development of equipment and process system User Requirements and related Design Review/Qualification documentation to ensure equipment and systems are appropriate for intended purpose.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related applicable discipline required.

  • 5+ years of experience in Building Management or Building Automation Systems.

  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing.

  • Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Additional Skills/Preferences:

  • 5+ years of experience in Process Automation with experience on Rockwell Automation Platforms, JCI Metasys, or Siemens Desigo preferred. Related control system platforms will be considered.

  • Technical knowledge in process instrumentation.

  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

  • Ability to collaborate with others.

  • Technical knowledge on the utilization of data historians.

Additional Information:

  • Potential for travel (less than 20% - could be domestic and/or international) to support system, factory acceptance testing, and training.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.


Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.


Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).


Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is

$66,000 - $171,600

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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About Eli Lilly

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eli Lilly, based in Indianapolis, IN, US, is one of the pioneers in the pharmaceutical industry with a rich history dating back to 1876. This global pharmaceutical company focuses on discovering, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceutical products in approximately 120 countries. The company's product categories include endocrinology, oncology, cardiovascular, neuroscience, and immunology. Having invested over $9 billion in research and development in the past decade, Eli Lilly is also committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs. As a recipient of several awards and recognitions, Eli Lilly is known for its focus on life-saving research and drug development. Their mission is to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier, and more active lives.

Industry

Pharmaceutical product wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

1876