1

Automation Project Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PR

$65.30K - $85.60K/yr

Validation & Engineering Group, Inc. (V&EG) a Pinnaql company is a leading services supplier who ... Automation Project Manager Description: Support the planning, coordination, and execution of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Automation Project Engineer information

See salary details

$37K

$107.1K

$163K

How much do automation project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,126 per year, or $51.5 per hour.
Senior Industrial Automation Project Engineer

Senior Industrial Automation Project Engineer

ATS Automation

Atlanta, GA โ€ข On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

COMPANY INFORMATION:
Established in 1986, ATS Automation is the leading provider of energy management services, automated control systems, critical airflow solutions, and building systems integration. We aim to be the market leader in excellence in building technologies by providing the industry's best teams, engineered solutions, service support, and products.
At ATS, we custom engineer and install building automation systems to optimize buildings' mechanical and electrical systems, reduce building energy consumption, increase tenant comfort, and maximize the productivity of tenants and facilities management personnel.
Headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, with 14 offices and growing across the United States, we support and manage complex building automation and controls projects across the country and abroad. We seek out candidates from diverse backgrounds who are curious and eager to learn, have excellent communication skills, and who possess an exceptional work ethic and initiative.
ATS is committed to employee development and offers an extensive training program and ongoing advancement to all employees. Our company enjoys remarkable tenure and we take pride in our employees' ability to grow their career and find long-term success at ATS.
JOB SUMMARY:
  • Design and engineer control system hardware and software programming based on project plans, specifications, and other contract documents.
  • Provide analysis of electrical and mechanical system performance at a systems and campus level.
  • Ensure documentation is accurate and complete.
  • Interface directly with customers
  • Manage sub-contractors and suppliers
  • Direct project financial responsibility increases with tenure in this position, including use of ATS project management financial reports

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Complete control system overall design responsibility for Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
  • Manage time to complete assignments on time and within budget
  • PAC/PLC development and programming in alignment with company and industry standards
  • HMI/SCADA development and programming in alignment with company and industry standards
  • OT/Private LAN network design and programming for ICS systems
  • Factory Acceptance Testing
  • Start-up and commissioning of ICS
  • Engineer field changes and maintain as-built documentation
  • Conduct on-site owner training as part of project closeout

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Ability to work independently and unsupervised
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience with electro-mechanical control systems principles used in ICS
  • Electro-mechanical troubleshooting skills
  • Strong experience with AutoCAD 2D or similar CAD software
  • Strong knowledge of PAC/PLC programming utilizing IEC-61131(ladder logic, function block, structured text) OR equivalent education in programming for automation systems
  • Strong knowledge of HMI/SCADA development, programming, validation, and commissioning processes
  • Experience with Layer 2+ networking and OT cybersecurity principles

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
This position requires a combination of working in an office environment and routine visits to project jobsites up to 50% of working hours. Project jobsites present typical construction and outdoor conditions that require the use of personal protective equipment for safety purposes. Lifting and exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds more frequently is required. Must be comfortable climbing a ladder infrequently. Small repetitive motions and use of small tools is included.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
  • Annual base salary ranges from $115,000 - $145,000 depending on experience
  • Additional information about our benefits

POSITION TYPE AND HOURS
  • Full-time, exempt
  • Typical Monday - Friday working hours with flexibility as needed
  • Periodic travel to locations in North America

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Engineering undergraduate degree OR equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 5+ years experience with mechanical and/or electrical engineering for ICS
  • 5+ years experience in PLC programming, utilizing IEC-61131
  • 5+ years experience in HMI/SCADA, including system design, topology, and data analytics
  • Core Certification with Inductive Automation Ignition
  • One or multiple of the following is highly recommended
    • Experience or certification with Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Emerson, or similar PAC/PLC product lines and programming suites
    • Experience or certification with Aveva System Platform, FactoryTalk View SE, GE Vernova CIMPLICITY, or similar software
  • Working knowledge or certification with ISA/IEC-62443 cybersecurity standards for ICS

ATS is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities. When making hiring and employment decisions, we do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age, military service, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition as defined under state and federal law, or any other legally protected category. All such discrimination is strictly prohibited.
The above job description may not cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.