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Automation Project Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Automation / Project Engineer LOCATION NAME: Piston Rings and Axle Shims, Manitowoc, WI PAY GRADE: Salary REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager JOB SCOPE: Lead automated manufacturing projects for new ...

Automation / Project Engineer LOCATION NAME: Piston Rings and Axle Shims, Manitowoc, WI (primarily); Waupun, WI PAY GRADE: Salary REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager JOB SCOPE: Lead automated ...

Automation / Project Engineer LOCATION NAME: Piston Rings and Axle Shims, Manitowoc, WI PAY GRADE: Salary REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager JOB SCOPE: Lead automated manufacturing projects for new ...

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Automation Project Engineer information

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$37K

$107.1K

$163K

How much do automation project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation project engineer 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 are some common challenges faced by Automation Project Engineers when managing multiple automation projects simultaneously?

Automation Project Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges such as balancing shifting priorities, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and managing tight deadlines. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to ensure projects stay on track and resources are shared efficiently. Additionally, adapting quickly to changes in project scope or unexpected technical hurdles is a key part of the role, often requiring close collaboration with controls engineers, software developers, and operations staff.

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

To thrive as an Automation Project Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management, and automation systems, typically supported by a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, AutoCAD, and certifications like PMP or relevant automation credentials are often required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you effectively manage projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential for delivering successful automation projects that meet technical, budgetary, and timeline requirements.

What is an Automation Project Engineer?

An Automation Project Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, implementing, and managing automated systems and processes within various industries, such as manufacturing, energy, or logistics. They oversee projects from conception to completion, ensuring that automation solutions meet technical requirements, budgets, and timelines. Their role often includes collaborating with clients, engineers, and technicians to optimize processes, increase efficiency, and reduce operational costs.

What is the difference between Automation Project Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectAutomation Project EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CAP, PMP (optional)Bachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CAP or related
Work EnvironmentProject sites, manufacturing plants, industrial facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing environments, R&D labs
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, process industries, automation firmsIndustrial automation, robotics, control systems companies

The Automation Project Engineer typically manages automation projects from planning to completion, coordinating teams and ensuring timely delivery. In contrast, the Automation Engineer focuses on designing, developing, and testing automation systems. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Project Engineer emphasizes project management and execution, while the Automation Engineer concentrates on technical design and implementation.

More about Automation Project Engineer jobs
What states have the most Automation Project Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Automation Project Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Automation Project Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,126 per year, or $51.5 per hour.
Automation & Project Engineer

Automation & Project Engineer

Tenneco

Manitowoc, WI

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Tenneco rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 418 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

At Tenneco, we don't follow industry standards; we set them, and we don't settle for being best-in-class because we hustle to be better than best-in-class. Whether it's our Core Values - radical candor, simplify, organizational velocity, tenacious execution and win - or our Get Stuff Done (GSD) mindset, we're determined to become the most trusted partner and best manufacturer and distributor to the transportation industry.

With a product portfolio as expansive as it is innovative, an obsessive commitment to quality and excellence, and a global presence, we're all about getting stuff done, so we can win.

How do we make it happen? Through the Tenneco Way. Fueled by our Core Values, a winning mindset and a relentless commitment to excellence, the Tenneco Way is how we win. It's what keeps Team Tenneco bold, driven, and unapologetically focused on pushing past limits and redefining success.

Here, you'll work alongside a team of relentless problem-solvers who are committed to making a tangible impact. If you're ready to break boundaries, deliver results, and enjoy the ride along the way, you'll thrive here.


Want to learn more about who we are? Check out our website to discover the Tenneco Way

JOB TITLE: Automation / Project Engineer

 

LOCATION NAME: Piston Rings and Axle Shims, Manitowoc, WI

PAY GRADE: Salary

REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager

 

JOB SCOPE: 

Lead automated manufacturing projects for new equipment and upgrading existing equipment related to high tolerance machining and grinding processes used in the production of diesel engine piston rings and drive axle differential shims. Lead projects from conception through equipment installation and buyoff. Lead cross - functional teams to research and deploy new automated manufacturing technologies to reduce scrap, improve productivity, and address customer concerns. Develop business case proposals for new equipment projects, including return on investment, timelines, and present proposals for approval to proceed. Track projects and report out on cost and benefit measurements.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified invididual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Develop project Scope of Work for new equipment and upgrading existing equipment
  • Adhere to Tenneco's quality, environmental, health and safety policies related to production equipment
  • Create machine manuals, operator work instructions, and troubleshooting guides
  • Analyze and plan work force utilization, and layout of equipment and workspace for maximum efficiency
  • Other duties as assigned

 

EDUCATION:

 

  • Bachelor's degree in Automation/Engineering required
  • Project management certified professional a plus

 

EXPERIENCE:

 

  • Three years of experience leading automated manufacturing projects
  • Excellent computer skills
  • Outstanding communication, interpersonal, speaking, and written skills
  • Machine shop and equipment maintenance experience a plus

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand.  The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be occasionally exposed to extreme heat. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, chemicals, coolants, oils, and electrical power.

PPE including, but not limited to safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel toe shoes required in designated areas.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

Equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities


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