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Automation Project Manager Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Automation & Process Specialist

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

We see a huge opportunity to use automation and AI to free up our employees for bigger-picture work ... Project management skills, including the ability to evaluate and prioritize projects based on ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Project Manager information

See Portland, OR salary details

$48.8K

$119.5K

$174.5K

How much do automation project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation project manager in Portland, OR is $119,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,700.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectAutomation Project ManagerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, relevant technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees projects, coordinates teams, manages timelinesDesigns, develops, tests automation systems and solutions
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, IT, and industrial sectors for project oversightFocuses on technical automation system development and implementation

The Automation Project Manager primarily oversees automation projects, coordinating teams and managing timelines, while the Automation Engineer focuses on designing and developing automation solutions. Both roles require technical knowledge, but differ in responsibilities and focus areas within automation projects.

How does an automation project manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

An Automation Project Manager works closely with engineers, IT specialists, operations staff, and vendors to ensure the successful delivery of automation projects. They facilitate regular meetings, clarify project requirements, and coordinate timelines to align various teams toward common goals. Effective communication is key, as they often bridge gaps between technical and non-technical stakeholders. By fostering collaboration and addressing potential roadblocks early, they help keep projects on track and within budget.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation project manager?

To thrive as an Automation Project Manager, you need a background in engineering or computer science, project management expertise, and experience with automation technologies. Familiarity with tools like PLCs, SCADA systems, project management software (e.g., MS Project), and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma is common. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills help coordinate teams and manage stakeholder expectations. These skills ensure successful project delivery, efficient automation implementation, and effective cross-functional collaboration.
What are popular job titles related to Automation Project Manager jobs in Portland, OR? For Automation Project Manager jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Project Manager jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Project Manager jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Automation Project Manager jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Automation Project Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Automation Project Manager job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,499 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Automation & Robotics Engineer II

Benchmade, Inc.

Oregon City, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

We are people powered - by makers, problem-solvers, and leaders who elevate everything they do. Guided by our core values and a relentless pursuit of better, we continue to set the bar for premium.
Start your Benchmade career today!
Our Core Values
ELEVATE EVERYTHING - We each bring a specific set of skills to the table, offering up our expertise and resources to enhance the work of others. We challenge each other to be the best in order to achieve enduring value in the eyes of our customers.
BETTER IS BETTER - There is no finish line; we strive for continuous improvement in everything we do. We obsess over every detail to find ways to improve both our products and our process.
UNAPOLOGETICALLY ACCOUNTABLE - We're open and honest in how we speak and listen. We celebrate each other's successes, and collectively rally to solve every challenge. We own it!
COURAGEOUS INNOVATION - There are elegant ideas awaiting discovery in everything we do. We push everyone around us to pursue those ideas openly so we can continue to dominate the category.
COMMUNITY DRIVEN - As a family business, we understand the importance of enriching the communities we call home. As a company, and as individuals, we work to make our expertise available to do the most good for those around us.
At Benchmade Knife Company, the Automation & Robotics Engineer II will help define and execute our automation roadmap by turning manufacturing challenges into practical, scalable solutions. This engineer will identify opportunities and lead projects from early concept through production deployment.
This is a hands-on, high-ownership role at the intersection of robotics, mechanical design, systems integration, and project leadership. The ideal candidate is comfortable programming and troubleshooting FANUC robots, developing concepts in SolidWorks and robotic simulation, advancing new technologies through focused R&D, and leading cross-functional teams through design, installation, and validation.
You will have the opportunity to push the boundaries of advanced manufacturing while maintaining technical ownership of systems already in production. We are looking for a high-caliber engineer with strong technical judgment, curiosity, and the drive to improve safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and manufacturing capability.
Direct experience with AI or machine learning is not required, but curiosity about how these technologies can improve robotics, machine vision, process control, and equipment performance will set you apart. This role offers opportunities to evaluate and apply emerging AI-enabled tools as Benchmade expands its advanced automation capabilities.
Responsibilities
  • Help define and execute Benchmade's automation roadmap.
  • Identify and evaluate opportunities for robotics and advanced automation throughout manufacturing.
  • Lead automation projects from concept through proof of concept, execution, installation, integration, validation, and production release.
  • Develop project scopes, technical requirements, schedules, budgets, acceptance criteria, and implementation plans.
  • Independently develop FANUC robot applications, including program structure, motion, frames, tooling, I/O, equipment handshakes, fault recovery, and cycle optimization.
  • Create robotic simulations, reach studies, interference studies, and cycle-time estimates using FANUC ROBOGUIDE or similar tools when appropriate.
  • Design fixtures, nests, grippers, end-of-arm tooling, part-presentation systems, and other automation hardware using SolidWorks.
  • Build and test R&D prototypes to evaluate new robotic processes, tooling, sensing technologies, and manufacturing concepts.
  • Translate successful proof-of-concept projects into clear requirements for outside systems integrators.
  • Manage machine builders and integrators through design reviews, builds, testing, installation, and final acceptance.
  • Coordinate project execution with manufacturing engineering, controls engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, safety, vendors, and integrators.
  • Provide technical ownership and engineering support for automation systems in production.
  • Troubleshoot robotic, mechanical, pneumatic, sensing, controls, and process-related issues.
  • Lead root-cause analysis and implement permanent corrective actions.
  • Improve existing automation systems to increase safety, quality, reliability, throughput, and maintainability.
  • Develop and maintain robot-programming, mechanical-design, documentation, and integration standards.
  • Create technical documentation, including drawings, bills of materials, specifications, test plans, robot backups, operating instructions, and troubleshooting guides.
  • Support robotic risk assessments, guarding reviews, and equipment safety validation.
  • Train and mentor engineering, maintenance, and production personnel on robotic automation systems.

Qualifications
  • A bachelor's degree in Robotics, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or other related degree, and 3+ years of experience automating manufacturing equipment & processes is required. Equivalency to the qualification standard will also be considered.
  • Experience working as a systems integrator is strongly preferred.
  • Strong manufacturing process knowledge; preferably in low volume, high mix production environment
  • Ability to analyze existing processes to determine feasibility and cost-effectiveness of automating them to meet company productivity and cost goals
  • Demonstrated ability to manage automation projects from concept through production deployment.
  • Proficiency designing fixtures, tooling, robotic end effectors, and automation equipment.
  • Familiarity with robotic simulation tools
  • Background developing R&D systems, prototypes, or proof-of-concept automation.
  • Ability to troubleshoot, support, and improve automation in a production environment.
  • Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, safety systems, or controls troubleshooting.
  • Experience with machine vision or computer vision is a plus.
  • Experience with pneumatics, servo motion, force/torque sensing, machine tending, material handling, grinding, polishing, inspection, or flexible automation.
  • Knowledge of ANSI/RIA robotic safety requirements, OSHA, NFPA 79, NEC, machine guarding, and risk-assessment principles.
  • Strong technical judgment, project ownership, communication, and hands-on problem-solving skills.

We do not expect every candidate to meet all the preferred qualifications listed above. If you have strong FANUC programming capability and experience in one or more areas such as mechanical design, systems integration, project engineering, controls, computer vision or advanced manufacturing, we would still like to hear from you.
Working Conditions
  • Working Environment: Time to be split 50/50 between shop and office
  • Safety Requirements:
    • Adherence to all safety policies required at all times.
    • PPE required on shop floor (ear protection where specified, safety glasses, closed toed shoes, etc.)
  • Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, may be sitting or standing for long periods of time.
  • Travel Requirements: As needed, less than 10% of the time