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Automation Tech Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

From Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, Marketing & Communications, and Information Technology ... Develop automation solutions for device compliance monitoring, remediation, patching, and reporting.

As the digital arm for the world's largest food and beverage company, Nestlé IT & Digital Americas ... Position Summary The Process Automation Expert will identify inefficiencies and opportunities ...

Expert Process Automation

Arlington, VA · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

As the digital arm for the world's largest food and beverage company, Nestle IT & Digital Americas ... Position Summary The Process Automation Expert will identify inefficiencies and opportunities ...

Sr. Automation SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

$160K - $195K/yr

Experience in process automation, systems integration, and workflow optimization leveraging automation technologies and tools, e.g., Robotic Process Automation (RPA) platforms, workflow automation ...

Responsibilities : • Design of systems handling and storing sensitive information like PII or HIPAA data. • Development of business process workflows and automation technology. • Design and ...

Showing results 21-40

Automation Tech information

See Virginia salary details

$37.2K

$45.2K

$70.4K

How much do automation tech jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation tech in Virginia is $45,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,600.00 and $41,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automation tech do?

An Automation Tech, or Automation Technician, is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing automated systems used in manufacturing and other industries. They work with robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and other control systems to ensure machines run efficiently and safely. Their duties often include troubleshooting equipment, performing routine inspections, and upgrading automation components to improve productivity. Automation Techs play a key role in minimizing downtime and supporting the smooth operation of automated processes.

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

To thrive as an Automation Tech, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, PLC programming, mechanical troubleshooting, and typically at least an associate degree in electronics or industrial automation. Familiarity with automation software (like Siemens or Allen-Bradley), HMI/SCADA systems, and relevant certifications such as ISA Certified Automation Professional are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in diagnosing issues and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring efficient system performance, minimizing downtime, and maintaining safety in automated environments.

What are some common challenges automation techs face when troubleshooting automated systems, and how can they be addressed?

Automation Techs often encounter challenges such as diagnosing intermittent faults, managing complex control systems, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technology. Successfully troubleshooting these issues usually requires a strong understanding of both mechanical and electrical components, as well as effective communication with engineers and operators. Staying current with manufacturer documentation, participating in ongoing training, and collaborating closely with team members can help address these challenges and ensure minimal downtime in automated processes.

What is the difference between Automation Tech vs Robotics Technician?

AspectAutomation TechRobotics Technician
CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in automation or industrial technologyAssociate degree or technical certification in robotics or mechatronics
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, industrial facilities, automation systemsRobotics labs, manufacturing lines, maintenance facilities
Industry UsageAutomation of processes, control systems, PLC programmingRobotics assembly, troubleshooting, and maintenance
Common Search/ComparisonAutomation Tech vs Robotics Technician

Automation Technicians focus on installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting automation systems like PLCs and control panels, while Robotics Technicians specialize in working with robotic systems, including programming and repairing robots. Both roles require technical certifications and often work in manufacturing environments, but their specific skill sets and tools differ.

Are automation technicians in demand?

Automation technicians are in high demand due to the increasing use of automation systems in manufacturing, energy, and other industries. They typically need skills in PLC programming, robotics, and control systems, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as companies seek to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Infographic showing various Automation Tech job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,165 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Accenture Federal Services rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 500 rated business services


Job description

As the Automation Lead, you will be at the heart of driving efficiency and innovation across a data platform. You will lead a specialized team responsible for building the core automation frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, and reusable patterns that all other engineering teams will leverage. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will not only set the technical strategy for automation but also contribute directly to the development of foundational tools. Your mission is to eliminate manual toil, enforce quality, and accelerate the delivery of mission-critical data capabilities.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of automation engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
  • Design, build, and maintain robust, scalable CI/CD pipelines for data engineering, software, and MLOps workflows.
  • Develop and own the strategy for Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), creating and managing a library of reusable Terraform modules for consistent environment provisioning.
  • Architect and implement automated solutions for testing, monitoring, and alerting to ensure the reliability of our data platforms and pipelines.
  • Champion automation best practices across all engineering teams, providing guidance and developing templates to ensure adoption.
  • Collaborate closely with Data Engineering, Data Products, and AI/ML teams to understand their needs and deliver automation solutions that accelerate their work.
  • Evaluate, prototype, and recommend new automation technologies and tools to continuously improve our development and operational capabilities.
  • Script and automate complex, repetitive tasks to improve team efficiency and reduce the potential for human error.

Must have: 

  • 5+ years of experience in DevOps, Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), or automation-focused software/data engineering.
  • At least 2 years of experience in a technical leadership, team lead, or mentorship capacity.
  • Expert-level, hands-on experience with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) tools, particularly Terraform.
  • Deep expertise in designing and implementing CI/CD pipelines using tools like GitLab CI, Jenkins, or GitHub Actions.
  • Strong scripting and programming skills, with expert proficiency in Python.
  • Proven experience working in a cloud environment (AWS, Azure). 
  • US Citizenship (No Dual Citizenship).

Nice to have:

  • Experience building automation specifically for data platforms like Databricks or Snowflake.
  • Familiarity with MLOps principles and tools (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow).
  • Experience with containerization and orchestration technologies (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Experience working in a high-security DoD or Intelligence Community environment.

Security Clearance:

  • Active TS or TS/SCI clearance

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