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Automation Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Divergent

Automation Engineer

Torrance, CA

Purpose The Automation Engineer supports the daily operations across all of our Robotic Work Centers, including Assembly, Part inspection, Anodize, & post processing lines, for Divergent's flexible ...

Amazon Stores

Senior Automation Engineer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$112K - $146K/yr

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

Amazon

Senior Automation Engineer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$112K - $146K/yr

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

Amazon

Senior Automation Engineer

Tracy, CA · On-site

$112K - $146K/yr

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

Amazon

Senior Automation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $144K/yr

As a Senior Automation Engineer, you will play a crucial role in maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance in our fulfillment centers by providing proactive controls automation and ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Automation Engineer

San Diego, CA

$86K - $198K/yr

R0237814 Automation Engineer The Opportunity: We are seeking an experienced automation engineer for the management of system infrastructure and applications. As an automation engineer at Booz Allen ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Senior Automation Engineer

Rialto, CA · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

Job Title Senior Automation Engineer Summary Our Purpose: At C&W Services, we live by the belief that "Better Never Settles." We're dedicated to creating a positive impact globally, and we're looking ...

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Automation Programmer information

See California salary details

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$79.6K

$110.5K

How much do automation programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation programmer in California is $79,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,100.00 and $91,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced automation programmers, especially those working in specialized industries like aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, or high-frequency trading, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. These roles often require advanced skills in programming, robotics, and control systems, along with extensive industry experience and certifications. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What is an Automation Programmer job?

An Automation Programmer designs, develops, and maintains automated systems and scripts to streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. They work with various programming languages, automation frameworks, and tools to create solutions for software development, manufacturing, or IT operations. Their role often involves writing and debugging automation scripts, integrating APIs, and optimizing workflows. Automation Programmers collaborate with engineers, developers, and IT teams to ensure seamless automation of processes.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Automation Programmer?

As an Automation Programmer, your day-to-day responsibilities often include designing, coding, and testing automation programs tailored to manufacturing or industrial processes. You’ll troubleshoot system issues, implement upgrades, and collaborate closely with engineers, technicians, and operations personnel to optimize performance. Documentation of program changes and training team members on system updates is frequently required. The role is dynamic and may involve both on-site and remote work, depending on the project's needs and the employer's setup.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior automation programmers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced skills in programming languages like Python or C++, and expertise in industrial control systems, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, or technology often offer such compensation, particularly for those with specialized certifications and leadership responsibilities.

What does an automation programmer do?

An automation programmer designs, develops, and maintains software scripts and systems to automate repetitive tasks and processes in manufacturing, IT, or other industries. They often work with programming languages like Python, Java, or specialized automation tools, and may troubleshoot and optimize automation workflows to improve efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Automation Programmer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Programmer, you need solid experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, or C#, and a strong understanding of automation frameworks and control systems. Familiarity with tools like PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics platforms, and industry certifications such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or ISA can be highly beneficial. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you collaborate effectively with engineering and operations teams. These competencies are crucial to ensure reliable automation solutions that enhance productivity and streamline complex industrial processes.

Will AI replace automation engineer?

AI is expected to augment the work of automation engineers by handling repetitive tasks and data analysis, but it is unlikely to fully replace them. Automation engineers will continue to be essential for designing, programming, and maintaining complex automation systems that require human oversight and expertise in tools like PLCs and scripting languages.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Programmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Automation Programmer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Automation Programmer jobs in California? For Automation Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Programmer jobs in California are:
Automation Programmer jobs near you
Automation Engineer Principal (JP12201)

Automation Engineer Principal (JP12201)

3 Key Consulting

Thousand Oaks, CA

$68 - $78/hr

Other

Posted 10 hours ago

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer Principal (JP12201)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320
Business Unit: Manufacturing & Clinical Supply (MCS) Automation group.
Employment Type: Contract
Duration: 3+ years (with possible extensions)
Rate: $68 - $78/hour W2
Posting Date: 1/24/2024.
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply.
3 Key Consulting is hiring! We are recruiting an Automation Engineer Principal for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biotechnology company.
Job Description:
Global leader in the Biotechnology industry is seeking a professional Principal Automation Engineer for a long-term contracting opportunity. As a member of the client's Manufacturing & Clinical Supply (MCS) - Facilities & Engineering (F&E) Automation team.
The successful candidate will be required to support Clinical & Commercial Plant Automation Programs and Capital Projects for the EPO Manufacturing team, including complex and challenging system automation initiatives that require solid understanding of various automation platforms, integration between different platforms, analytical problem-solving techniques, project management, lifecycle management and operational excellence. This position requires an extensive understanding and background in capital construction projects, design, programming, implementation, and lifecycle management of manufacturing process controls, automation, and field instrumentation technologies. This role is expected to deliver on assigned capital projects and drive accountability.
Top Must Have Skill Sets:
  • Life science experience
  • Rockwell Automation Experience
  • GMP Manufacturing facility experience
  • Onsite position

Day to Day Responsibilities:
  • Manage day-to-day support of ATO Drug substance operations
  • Represent plant automation team in Area WCTs
  • Lead a team of Automation engineers responsible to support and deliver on complex capital construction projects including Global Lifecycle Asset Management (GLAM) projects. Lead the direct reports including External Workers (EWs), onboarding the EWs, and ensuring the direct reports' adherence to client training requirements.
  • Represent Plant Automation team during the development of project plan, business case, and cost estimates in partnership with key customers and stakeholders - ATO MCS Plant Operations, Engineering, Operations Information Systems (OIS), Global Construction Project Management (GCPM), and provide necessary support to obtain funding approval.
  • Based on project scope, work with OIS to estimate manhours and required resources
  • Represent Plant Automation team and participate in the preparation and implementation of detailed design, scope, schedule in partnership with Engineering and GCPM.
  • Represent Plant Automation team during the project implementation of new automation solutions including DeltaV Distributed Control System (DCS), Rockwell Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA) related hardware, software, network infrastructure, and electronic Rt-reporting scope across various projects.
  • Represent Plant Automation team during the post-implementation activities including operationalization of the new assets by extending hyper-care support, training the System Owners, and Manufacturing team, revising the SOPs, and training documents, delivering spare parts list, updating Maximo assets and Client CMDB systems.
  • Ensure compliance to Client Engineering and Operational standards, specifications, and procedures as applicable during the project design and implementation.
  • Represent Plant Automation team and support functional area projects focused on improving process equipment/utilities/facilities -to- large/sophisticated capital projects to integrate new drug substance and drug product manufacturing technologies into clinical/commercial facility.
  • As applicable to the capital project scope, represent Plant Automation team and support new continuous improvements by performing automation engineering assessments, implementing automation system configuration changes, and supporting engineering and process qualification runs.
  • 12) Support a safe working environment by complying with all pertinent environmental health/safety practice, rules, and regulations.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Doctorate degree and 2 years of experience OR;
  • Master degree and 6 years of experience OR;
  • Bachelor degree and 8 years of experience OR Associate degree and 10 years of experience OR;
  • High school diploma / GED and 12 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotech Engineering, or related life science engineering.
  • Knowledge and experience in capital project lifecycle management including conceptual design, scope, resource estimate & cost estimate development, business case development, detailed design, engineering, commissioning, validation, and project execution, as it relates to Plant Automation and process control systems with GMP biopharmaceutical production facility equipment/systems in support of Drug Substance, Drug Product and Supply chain plant operations.
  • Has five or more years combined experience with the following automation systems:
    • Emerson Delta-V DCS system.
    • Rockwell Automation SCADA and PLC Platform.
    • ABB Robot and Mitsubishi roller bottle machine
    • Emerson Delta-V DCS system.
    • Electronic Batch Reporting Systems Design and implementation experience.
    • Process Control Network design including network segregation.
    • Process Control Systems: Virtual Infrastructure design and implementation.
    • System Integration using OPC, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, and DeviceNet technologies.
    • Compliance to regulatory requirements such as 21 CFR Part 11, ASTM 2500, S88, S95 and GAMP.
  • Proficient in project management skills.
  • Ability to influence and motivate others outside of direct line of authority.
  • Strong ability to interface effectively with all levels.
  • Effective meeting management.
  • Quick learner; proactive; takes initiative.
  • Results oriented and goal driven.
  • Ability to organize, interpret, communicate, and/or present information.
  • Proficient facilitation, negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrates willingness to put in extra effort when necessary to pursue tasks and conclusion.

Why is the Position Open?
Planned Project.
Red Flags:
  • Lack of GMP Experience
  • Lack of Automation background

Interview Process:
Technical Round, Management round.
We invite qualified candidates to sendyour resume toresumes@3keyconsulting.com. Ifyou decide that you're not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our websitewww.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to sharethis opportunity withanyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.

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