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Automation Service Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Guardant Health

Automation Service Engineer II

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$108 - $148.50/hr

## Automation Service Engineer IIApplylocations: Palo Alto, CA: Redwood City, CAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R-101019**Company Description**Guardant Health is a leading ...

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All JobsAutomation Service Engineer JobsAutomation Service Engineer Jobs in California

Automation Service Engineer information

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$36.5K

$105.7K

$160.9K

How much do automation service engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation service engineer in California is $105,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $121,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automation service engineer do?

An Automation Service Engineer specializes in installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing automated systems and equipment used in manufacturing or industrial settings. They work with technologies like PLCs, robotics, sensors, and control systems to ensure smooth and efficient operation of automated processes. Their responsibilities also include upgrading systems, programming equipment, and providing technical support to clients or onsite teams. Automation Service Engineers play a key role in minimizing downtime and optimizing production efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation service engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Service Engineer, you need a solid understanding of automation systems, electrical engineering, and troubleshooting, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related technical field. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial robotics, and relevant certifications (such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or ISA) is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and customer service skills differentiate top performers in this role. These skills ensure efficient system maintenance, minimize downtime, and foster positive client relationships in complex industrial environments.

What are some typical challenges automation service engineers face when working onsite at client facilities?

Automation Service Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unfamiliar equipment, adapting to diverse industrial environments, and addressing urgent system failures under tight deadlines. Effective communication with client staff and remote technical teams is crucial to resolve issues efficiently. Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills help engineers handle unexpected obstacles, ensuring minimal downtime for the client's operations.

What is the difference between Automation Service Engineer vs Automation Technician?

AspectAutomation Service EngineerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like Siemens or RockwellTechnical diploma or associate degree, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, client sitesManufacturing floors, maintenance workshops
ResponsibilitiesDesign, troubleshoot, and optimize automation systems; oversee installationMaintain, repair, and calibrate automation equipment

Automation Service Engineers focus on system design, troubleshooting, and project oversight, often requiring a degree and certifications. Automation Technicians handle hands-on maintenance and repairs, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles work in industrial environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Service Engineer jobs in California?

For Automation Service Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automation Service Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Service Engineer jobs in California are:

Automation Service Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Service Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Automation Service Engineer II

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Guardant Health
Biotechnology Research and Development • 1 - 5K employees

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 120 rated laboratories

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Guardant Healthexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Guardant Health is a leading precision oncology company focused on guarding wellness and giving every person more time free from cancer. Founded in 2012, Guardant® is transforming patient care and accelerating new cancer therapies by providing critical insights into what drives disease through its advanced blood and tissue tests, real-world data and AI analytics. Guardant tests help improve outcomes across all stages of care, including screening to find cancer early, monitoring for recurrence in early-stage cancer, and treatment selection for patients with advanced cancer. For more information, visit guardanthealth.com and follow the company on LinkedIn, X (Twitter) and Facebook.
Automation Service Engineer
Department: Automation Service Engineering
Job Description
The Automation Service Engineer II role provides laboratory service and support to the Operations and Development labs across Guardant Health's multiple locations. In this role, the candidate will perform equipment installations, qualifications, maintenance, and troubleshooting of complex laboratory automation systems, including liquid handlers and other instrumentation used within a sequencing workflow. If selected, the candidate will utilize their technical skills to provide world-class customer service, while complying with quality and regulatory requirements. As an Automation Service Engineer II, the candidate will help train other team members, both within Automation Service Engineering as well as other operators from cross-functional departments. The selected candidate shall utilize past experiences to help foster a continuous improvement culture by proposing ideas and helping to drive them to fruition. In this position, he/she will contribute to ensuring instrument reliability, equipment capacity, and streamlined workflows.
Responsibilities
  • Perform installation and operational qualifications (IQOQ), monthly/semi-annual/annual preventative maintenances (PM), troubleshooting and repair
  • Ensure instrument uptime by resolving service requests in a timely manner and escalating complex issues as needed
  • Perform routine troubleshooting of automation systems and laboratory instrumentation
  • Identify repeat issues and performing root cause analysis to mitigate recurrence
  • Maintain accurate service documentation in compliance with quality systems
  • Monitor instrument performance metrics and help drive improvements
  • Author and revise SOPs, checklists, and service documentation
  • Ensure accuracy of maintenance and calibration within the asset management system
  • Provide tier 1 support to laboratory end-users for issues related to equipment, communication/connectivity, methods, etc.
  • Assist in temperature monitoring of cold storages, laboratories, warehouses, etc via a temperature monitoring system
  • Collaborate with team members to drive continuous improvement projects as they relate to service processes to help streamline day-to-day workflows
  • Provide training and guidance to more junior Automation Service Engineers and other cross-functional departments
  • Partner with cross-functional departments within project core-teams to implement lab deployments, relocations, and operational scale-up
  • Collaborate with internal partners and external vendors, as needed
  • Participate in an on-call rotation to provide after-hours support

Qualifications
  • BS degree in engineering or scientific discipline, or equivalent
  • 3-5+ years of relevant service/support experience
  • Minimum of 3 years of laboratory equipment support experience
  • Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
  • Experience supporting Hamilton liquid handlers, Qiagen QiaSymphony, Agilent TapeStation, Illumina sequencers, and other laboratory equipment used within a sequencing workflow
  • Experience authoring and executing PM, IQ, OQ, PQ, and repair documentation
  • Experience driving root cause analysis
  • Experience implementing continuous improvements
  • High-throughput automation/workcell experience preferred
  • Experience working in a regulated environment (CLIA, CAP, GMP, FDA)
  • Strong documentation practices (GDP)
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies preferred
  • Ability to travel up to 20%

AI & Digital Fluency
  • Demonstrate curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to critically evaluate and responsibly leverage AI-enabled tools in accordance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of work.

Hybrid Work Model:This section is applicable to onsite employees who are eligible for hybrid work location as specified by management and related policies. Guardant has defined days for in-person/onsite collaboration and work-from-home days for individual-focused time. All U.S. employees who live within 50 miles of a Guardant facility will be required to be onsite on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. We have found aligning our scheduled in-office days allows our teams to do the best work and creates the focused thinking time our innovative work requires. At Guardant, our work model has created flexibility for better work-life balance while keeping teams connected to advance our science for our patients.
The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. This range does not include benefits or, if applicable, bonus, commission, or equity. Each candidate's compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, education, job-related skills, job duties, and business need.Primary Location: Palo Alto, CAPrimary Location Base Pay Range: $108,000 - $148,500Other US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $91,800 - $126,225If the role is performed in Colorado, the pay range for this job is: $97,200 - $133,650
Employee may be required to lift routine office supplies and use office equipment. Majority of the work is performed in a desk/office environment; however, there may be exposure to high noise levels, fumes, and biohazard material in the laboratory environment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
Guardant Health is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in our hiring processes for candidates with disabilities, long-term conditions, mental health conditions, or sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need support, please reach out to Peopleteam@guardanthealth.com
A background screening including criminal history is required for this role. GH will consider qualified applicants with criminal arrest or conviction histories in a manner consistent with applicable law including but not limited to the LA County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).
Guardant Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
To learn more about the information collected when you apply for a position at Guardant Health, Inc. and how it is used, please review our Privacy Notice for Job Applicants.
Please visit our career page at: http://www.guardanthealth.com/jobs/

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