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Automation Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CoServ

Distribution Automation Technician 2

Corinth, TX ยท On-site

$39K/yr

Performs distribution automation equipment maintenance cycles based on manufacturers ... operated equipment, entering or processing data. * High-level knowledge of AC and DC power systems.

PF Holdings

Equipment Operator

Eighty Four, PA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

... automation technology, emissions reduction, and additive manufacturing. At PF Holdings, Our ... The Equipment Operator, under the Site Supervisor's guidance, will adhere to company safety and ...

pca

Support the operating departments by providing maintenance input on long-term automation equipment decisions and maintaining the existing equipment to insure maximum uptime. Arrange for supporting ...

PBC Linear

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Machine Rebuild & Maintenance Technician - CNC & Automation Equipment

Roscoe, IL ยท On-site

$26 - $40/hr

Train operators to help reduce machine downtime and prevent equipment damage * Support development ... Automation or custom equipment experience * Toolmaking or precision fitting experience * CNC ...

Amcor

Automation Technician

Richmond, IN

$37K/yr

Set up automation equipment for each mold/automation equipment combination, as required. * Support ... from equipment operators in a professional manner. * Design and manufacture equipment product ...

Amcor plc

Automation Technician

Richmond, IN ยท On-site

$37K/yr

Set up automation equipment for each mold/automation equipment combination, as required. * Support ... from equipment operators in a professional manner. * Design and manufacture equipment product ...

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Automation Equipment Operator information

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$37K

$107.1K

$163K

How much do automation equipment operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation equipment operator in the United States is $107,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Automation Equipment Operator do?

An Automation Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring automated machinery used in manufacturing or production processes. They ensure the equipment runs efficiently, perform routine inspections, and troubleshoot minor issues to prevent downtime. Operators also maintain records of production data and may assist with equipment maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Their work helps improve productivity, safety, and product quality in industrial settings.

What is the difference between Automation Equipment Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectAutomation Equipment OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in automation systemsHigh school diploma, technical training, machine operation certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories with automated systems, control rooms, manufacturing plantsFactories, manufacturing floors, production lines
Job FocusMonitoring, programming, and maintaining automated equipmentOperating and adjusting machinery for production

Automation Equipment Operators focus on managing automated systems, including programming and troubleshooting, while Machine Operators primarily handle manual operation of machinery. Both roles require technical skills and work in manufacturing environments, but Automation Equipment Operators often work with advanced control systems and automation technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automation Equipment Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Equipment Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring technical certifications. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and manufacturing execution systems (MES) is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators address equipment issues and collaborate efficiently. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and consistent production output in automated manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges Automation Equipment Operators face, and how can they effectively address them?

Automation Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected machinery malfunctions, maintaining consistent production quality, and adapting to new technologies or equipment updates. To effectively address these issues, operators should develop strong problem-solving skills, stay current with equipment manuals and training, and maintain clear communication with maintenance teams and supervisors. Being proactive about preventive maintenance and participating in ongoing training can also minimize downtime and enhance productivity.
More about Automation Equipment Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Automation Equipment Operator jobs? Cities with the most Automation Equipment Operator job openings:
What states have the most Automation Equipment Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Automation Equipment Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Automation Equipment Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Equipment Operator jobs are:
Automation Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,126 per year, or $51.5 per hour.
Automation Equipment Engineer (I, II, III)

Automation Equipment Engineer (I, II, III)

Cellares

South San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

CELLARES, South San Francisco Facility
FULL-TIME 3rd Shift

We are seeking an Automation Equipment Engineer to provide hands-on technical ownership of the automation equipment and control systems that power our advanced cell therapy manufacturing platform. This team is dedicated to bridging the gap between operations and engineering.

The primary focus of this position is to troubleshoot, assess, and sustain automation equipment, as well as identify opportunities for future improvements. You will serve as the first point of contact for issues and work collaboratively with Operators, Scientists, and Engineers to mitigate and resolve them.

Candidates should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and be prepared to tackle a broad selection of challenges as the company grows.


Responsibilities

  • Ensure equipment readiness by monitoring fleet health, responding to production issues, and supporting proactive testing

  • Troubleshoot equipment and control systems including, sensors, motors, pumps, pneumatic actuators, PLC logic, six-axis robots, and software interfaces

  • Identify recurring patterns and improvement opportunities, and feed those findings back to the R&D team to inform permanent enhancements to the platform

  • Develop and maintain runbooks, troubleshooting guides, and operational procedures

  • Coach operators and technicians through real-time questions, helping the broader team build comfort with the control systems

  • Support commissioning and validation activities for automation changes and new systems

Requirements

  • Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Systems Engineering, Process Engineering, or equivalent experience

  • 2+ years supporting automated production equipment, preferably within medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing contexts

  • Hands-on experience wiring, configuring, and verifying electrical and control systems

  • Working knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/IP, serial interfaces, and OPC-UA

  • Comfortable reading P&IDs, electrical schematics, and other technical drawings

  • Reading proficiency in IEC 61131-3 Structured Text and experience working with at least one major PLC platform (Beckhoff TwinCAT, Siemens TIA Portal, B&R)

  • Experience supporting integrated articulated robots (Kuka, ABB, Staubli, Fanuc)

  • Experience working in a GMP or comparably regulated environment, and comfort operating within change control, deviation, and CAPA processes

  • Must be able and willing to work an off-shift schedule (nights and/or weekends), with occasional travel (<15%)

  • Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Direct production experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 and TwinSAFE

  • Experience with at least one major HMI / SCADA platform (Ignition, Wonderware, WinCC)

  • Familiarity with time-series and log tooling (e.g., InfluxDB, Grafana) for equipment diagnostics

  • Familiarity with Git or other source control for navigating code repositories

  • Proficiency in Python or another scripting language for ad-hoc data extraction and analysis

  • Prior experience supporting cell therapy, biotech, semiconductor, or other high-mix, high-stakes automated manufacturing platforms

$90,000 - $210,000 a year
This is Cellares

Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company's Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.
The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.

Leveling will be based on overall experience, education, and demonstration of knowledge throughout the interview process.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Cellares

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2019

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