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Automation Programmer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Automation Engineer INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool, our people and culture drive our success. This role is part of the Front End Manufacturing Technology team within Hand Tools and ...

Automation Engineer INNOVATE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES! At Milwaukee Tool, our people and culture drive our success. This role is part of the Front End Manufacturing Technology team within Hand Tools and ...

Automation Engineer Automation Engineer Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, commission, and maintain industrial automation systems. The role focuses on ...

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Automation Engineer - JLL What this job involves: We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement automation control systems for industrial processes and warehouse ...

Automation Engineer - JLL What this job involves: We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement automation control systems for industrial processes and warehouse ...

Automation Engineering Apprentice - JLL What this job involves As an Automation Engineering Apprentice (AEA) , you'll learn to support, maintain, and improve automated systems within a complex ...

Automation Engineer - JLL What this job involves: We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement automation control systems for industrial processes and warehouse ...

Overview We are currently looking for a new Automation Engineer to join our Ops-Engineering team! This engineer will be responsible for the successful implementation of custom and off-the-shelf ...

Test Automation Engineer - Selenium Location: Waukesha, WI (Onsite) Duration: Long-Term Contract Rate : $45 on w2 and $50/HR ON c2c MAX Work Schedule: Must be flexible to work different shifts as ...

Overview We are currently looking for a new Automation Engineer to join our Ops-Engineering team! This engineer will be responsible for the successful implementation of custom and off-the-shelf ...

Automation Engineer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$60 - $67.80/hr

Automation Engineer Location: Brookfield, WI (Onsite) Duration: Contract - 5 months Pay Range: $60/hr $67.8/hr (W2) Job ID: 373847 About BCforward BCforward is a leading global IT consulting and ...

Automation Engineering Apprentice - JLL What this job involves As an Automation Engineering Apprentice (AEA) , you'll learn to support, maintain, and improve automated systems within a complex ...

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Automation Programmer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$40.9K

$81.4K

$113K

How much do automation programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation programmer in Wisconsin is $81,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $93,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation programmer?

An automation programmer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains software or control systems that automate manufacturing processes, machinery, or other repetitive tasks. They typically use programming languages like Python, ladder logic, or specialized automation tools to improve efficiency and reduce human intervention.

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 expertise in robotics, industrial automation, or software development, can earn $300,000 or more annually, often in high-demand industries like manufacturing, aerospace, or technology. Achieving this salary typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills in programming languages such as Python or C++, and certifications in automation systems or control engineering.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced automation programmers or engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, or large-scale industrial automation can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with advanced skills in robotics, control systems, and programming languages like Python or PLCs. Such roles often require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

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 the role. 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 popular job titles related to Automation Programmer jobs in Wisconsin? For Automation Programmer jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Programmer jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Programmer jobs in Wisconsin are:

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY
Join our team at Scientific Protein Laboratories (SPL), a world leader in biosourced pharmaceuticals, located just outside of Madison, Wisconsin in Waunakee! SPL is an innovative biopharmaceutical leader with unique products and services supporting the pharmaceutical industry globally. For over 40 years, SPL specializes in the development and cGMP compliant manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
The Automation Engineer is responsible for the development, maintenance, and troubleshooting of PLC and HMI programs for production and utility systems in a cGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strict adherence to programming standards (including ISA-88/S88 batch control standards), and thorough documentation practices to ensure compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity requirements, and validation protocols. The Automation Engineer will focus primarily on Rockwell Automation platforms including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk View SE applications. This position works cross-functionally with Production, Quality, and Engineering teams to optimize automated systems and advises on automation requirements for capital improvement projects.
Responsibilities include:
  • Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot PLC programs using Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms in compliance with cGMP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements
  • Design, program, and maintain HMI applications using Rockwell FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE), ensuring strict adherence to data integrity principles (ALCOA+)
  • Program and maintain PlantPAx distributed control system applications following ISA-88 (S88) batch control standards and established programming conventions
  • Create and maintain accurate, revision-controlled program documentation including functional specifications, code comments, and change logs per pharmaceutical industry standards
  • Document all automation work activities, troubleshooting outcomes, and system modifications in the CMMS (Fiix) to maintain comprehensive equipment history records
  • Implement and validate control system modifications following established change control procedures and validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ)
  • Troubleshoot and resolve automation system issues in a timely manner to minimize production downtime while maintaining complete documentation of all actions taken
  • Collaborate with Production, Quality, and other departmental teams to identify, optimize, and resolve pain points with automated system operations
  • Support process validation activities by programming recipe-based batch control systems and ensuring audit trail functionality
  • Collaborate with Quality Assurance to ensure all automation changes meet regulatory requirements and pass internal/external audits
  • Advise Project Engineers on automation requirements for capital projects, including recommendations for large-scale improvements, PLC hardware upgrades, and HMI system enhancements
  • Maintain revision control of all PLC and HMI programs using established version control practices
  • Develop standardized programming templates and reusable code modules following S88 and internal programming standards to ensure consistency across production systems
  • Support maintenance technicians with troubleshooting guides and technical documentation for automated systems
  • Participate in root cause analysis for automation-related deviations and implement corrective actions with appropriate documentation

Additional Responsibilities
  • Support capital projects involving automation system installations and upgrades
  • Assist with network infrastructure maintenance for industrial control systems
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements and Qualifications:
Education: Required- associate's degree in industrial Automation, Electronics Technology, Instrumentation, Computer Science, or related technical discipline
Preferred: Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering Technology, or related discipline
Experience: Required: 3+ years of hands-on PLC and HMI programming experience with Rockwell Automation platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FactoryTalk View SE)
Preferred: 5+ years in pharmaceutical, API, or FDA-regulated manufacturing environment
Highly Preferred: PlantPAx DCS programming and configuration experience
Technical Skills:
Required: Proficient in Rockwell Studio 5000/RSLogix 5000 for PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block)
Proficient in FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) for HMI development
Understanding of industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet)
Experience documenting work activities and equipment history in a CMMS
Preferred: Experience with FactoryTalk Historian and FactoryTalk Batch
Knowledge of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and data integrity requirements (ALCOA+)
Highly Preferred: PlantPAx distributed control system programming and configuration
Experience following ISA-88 (S88) batch control programming standards
Compensation range: $70,000-$100,000; based on experience, skills and qualifications
WHY JOIN SPL?
Our employees are our success! We recruit motivated people, recognize their contributions, and support their development to reach their full potential.
Perks include: competitive compensation; excellent benefits package - including Medical, Dental and Vision on Day 1; Life and AD&D Insurance, and Short and Long-term Disability; Health and Flexible Saving Account options; Employee Assistance Program, generous vacation; paid Holidays; 401k; advancement opportunities; team-oriented environment; community involvement; company events and more!
SPL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state or federal law.