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How much do automation software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation software engineer in the United States is $99,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a software automation engineer do?

A software automation engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated testing and deployment systems to improve software quality and efficiency. They often use tools like Selenium, Jenkins, or scripting languages to create repeatable processes and ensure reliable software performance. Strong programming skills and understanding of testing frameworks are essential for this role.

Will AI replace automation engineer?

Automation Software Engineers design and implement automated systems, and while AI can augment their work by enabling more advanced automation, it is unlikely to fully replace them. Instead, AI tools are expected to serve as complementary technologies that enhance the engineer’s ability to develop and maintain complex automation solutions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems architecture can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or companies. Executive or leadership roles like engineering managers or directors may also reach this compensation level. Achieving this often requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and sometimes stock options or bonuses.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or automation engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or companies. Roles often require expertise in programming, system design, and certifications, and may include bonuses or stock options that contribute to total compensation.

What does an Automation Software Engineer do?

An Automation Software Engineer designs, develops, and implements software solutions to automate repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and reduce human intervention in various processes. They work with programming languages, testing frameworks, and automation tools to streamline workflows in industries like software development, manufacturing, and IT operations. Their responsibilities often include writing scripts, creating test automation frameworks, and integrating automation solutions with existing systems. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of automation technologies are crucial for success in this role.

What are the main challenges Automation Software Engineers face in their day-to-day work?

Automation Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving testing technologies, integrating automation frameworks with complex or legacy systems, and ensuring consistent test coverage across diverse platforms. They also need to troubleshoot flaky tests and maintain or scale automated solutions as software products grow in complexity. Collaborating closely with development, QA, and DevOps teams can add additional layers of coordination, requiring strong communication and planning. Successfully navigating these challenges helps ensure high-quality, efficient software delivery and provides valuable learning and growth opportunities in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Automation Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (such as Python, Java, or C#), expertise in automation frameworks, and a solid understanding of software testing principles, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Docker, and experience with CI/CD pipelines or relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB) are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication enhance performance in this collaborative role. These skills ensure the engineer can design, implement, and maintain robust automated solutions that increase efficiency and reliability in software delivery.

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Automation Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,524 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Senior Automation Software Engineer, Optical Packaging

Senior Automation Software Engineer, Optical Packaging

PsiQuantum

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$121K - $159K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers-machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.
Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.
Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.
In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining-and that now is the time to scale.
PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies-including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical-to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.
Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real.
Come join us.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Automation Software Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of automation solutions across our precision systems. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in enabling automated control of high-precision optical alignment systems, including those using nano-positioners to accelerate R&D, manufacturing, and testing processes.
This is a key technical position within a multidisciplinary team that bridges software engineering, optics, hardware, and robotics.
Responsibilities:
  • Architect and implement automation software for real-time control of precision hardware, including optomechanical alignment systems and nano-positioning stages.
  • Develop algorithms and motion sequences for sub-micron optical alignment, calibration, and measurement routines.
  • Integrate motion control systems (e.g., piezoelectric nano-positioners) with cameras, sensors, and software platforms to automate complex alignment workflows.
  • Design and maintain scalable automation frameworks for functional testing, system validation, and performance monitoring.
  • Collaborate with mechanical, optical, and systems engineers to define software interfaces for precision hardware.
  • Guide junior team members and lead code reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making.
  • Ensure high standards of software quality, reliability, and repeatability in both lab and production environments

Experience/Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related fields.
  • 8+ years of experience in automation software engineering with a focus on motion control or hardware integration.
  • Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or C#, with a focus on real-time systems or hardware interfacing.
  • Hands-on experience working with nano-positioning systems (e.g., PI, Aerotech, Newport), motion controllers, or precision actuators.
  • Deep understanding of control systems, sensor integration, and closed-loop feedback.
  • Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, optics, and high-precision metrology.
  • Experience developing and integrating with software tools for data acquisition, automation (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom platforms), and visualization.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with image processing and computer vision.
  • Experience with optical alignment techniques (active/passive), beam steering, or interferometry.
  • Familiarity with image processing libraries (e.g., OpenCV) for vision-guided alignment.
  • Knowledge of automation frameworks for system-level testing and validation.
  • Experience with high-vacuum or cleanroom-compatible automation systems.
  • Strong debugging, documentation, and cross-disciplinary communication skills.
  • Experience with Jira for project and task tracking.
  • Experience with Arena PLM.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
U.S. Base Pay Range
$130,000-$170,000 USD
Bay Area Pay Range
$180,000-$200,000 USD

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