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Automation Technologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Expert Process Automation

Arlington, VA · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Automation Technologist information

See Virginia salary details

$37.2K

$45.2K

$70.4K

How much do automation technologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation technologist 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation technologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Technologist, you need a solid background in electronics, instrumentation, control systems, and a relevant diploma or degree in automation or engineering technology. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), SCADA systems, and relevant certifications such as ISA CAP or Siemens TIA Portal is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable automation of industrial processes, minimizing downtime and optimizing productivity.

What is the difference between Automation Technologist vs Automation Engineer?

AspectAutomation TechnologistAutomation Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering, automation, or related fields; certifications like PLC or SCADA are commonSimilar credentials; often holds engineering degrees and certifications in automation systems
Work EnvironmentWorks in manufacturing, industrial plants, or automation service providersWorks in industrial, manufacturing, or process industries, often in design and development roles
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by manufacturing companies, automation service firms, and industrial facilitiesCommonly employed by engineering firms, manufacturing companies, and system integrators

Automation Technologists focus on implementing and maintaining automation systems, often working hands-on with equipment. Automation Engineers typically design, develop, and optimize automation processes. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their primary responsibilities differ slightly, with technologists more involved in operational support and engineers in system design.

What is an automation technologist?

Automation Technologists are professionals who design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot automated systems used in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and process control. They work with hardware and software to ensure machines and processes operate efficiently and safely. Their role often includes programming controllers, integrating sensors, and optimizing systems to improve productivity and reduce human intervention. Automation Technologists bridge the gap between engineering and IT, making them vital for modern industrial operations.

What are some common challenges automation technologists face when integrating new systems into existing manufacturing environments?

Automation Technologists often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy equipment and modern automation solutions, minimizing downtime during installation, and training staff on new technologies. They must also troubleshoot integration issues and perform rigorous testing to ensure seamless operation. Effective communication with engineers, IT professionals, and production teams is essential to address these challenges and achieve successful system implementation.
What job categories do people searching Automation Technologist jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Technologist jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Automation Technologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,165 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Expert Process Automation

Nestle

Arlington, VA • On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

As the digital arm for the world's largest food and beverage company, Nestle IT & Digital Americas harnesses the power of data, analytics, and innovative technology to deliver transformative solutions and business resiliency for Nestle businesses and iconic brands from Purina to Nescafe. We're innovators, strategic collaborators, value multipliers, and digital business leaders committed to delivering results that create meaningful experiences and drive value, enabling Nestle to win in the marketplace. By joining, you become part of a 150-year legacy and a global team of 270,000+. We invest in our people-their growth, development, and sense of belonging. This shared unity and purpose is what motivates individuals to join, stay, and advance their careers within Nestle.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Position Summary

The Process Automation Expert will identify inefficiencies and opportunities within business processes, design and implement scalable automation solutions, and help Nestle USA teams streamline operations through process automation, workflow orchestration, integration, and AI-enabled capabilities. This role bridges business and technology by translating operational pain points into automation strategies, solution designs, and production-ready capabilities that reduce manual effort, improve quality, accelerate cycle times, and enable teams to focus on higher-value work. Operating at an expert level, you'll lead complex automation initiatives from discovery through sustainment, influence stakeholders across functions, establish reusable standards and patterns, and ensure automations are secure, compliant, measurable, and scalable.

  • Partner with business stakeholders to analyze current-state processes and identify opportunities where automation can improve speed, accuracy, productivity, risk reduction, or cost efficiency
  • Lead process discovery and solution framing, facilitating workshops, documenting process flows, defining requirements, and prioritizing opportunities based on business impact and complexity
  • Design scalable automation solutions using technologies such as Robotic Process Automation, workflow orchestration, Power Platform, APIs, data integrations, and AI or GenAI-enabled workflow patterns where appropriate
  • Lead design, build, testing, deployment, and hypercare of automation solutions, ensuring they are robust, maintainable, secure, and aligned with enterprise architecture and IT controls
  • Establish reusable automation playbooks, intake criteria, design standards, and sustainment models that enable consistent delivery at scale
  • Define success metrics and track realized value, including hours saved, cycle-time reduction, quality improvements, and risk mitigation
  • Support change management and adoption through communication, training, and feedback loops to ensure sustained adoption and continuous improvement

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Analytics, Operations, or a related field
  • 7+ years of experience in process improvement, automation delivery, digital transformation, business analysis, or operational excellence, including leading complex cross-functional initiatives
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with automation technologies such as UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, Microsoft Power Automate, Power Apps, or Power Platform, including workflow orchestration, APIs, scripting, or integration platforms
  • 3+ years of experience applying AI-enabled automation concepts such as document intelligence, natural language processing, intelligent agents, GenAI-assisted workflows, or decision-support automation

Other

  • Experience establishing reusable automation standards, playbooks, and sustainment models to scale delivery across teams is preferred
  • Experience applying a Responsible AI approach, including guardrails, human-in-the-loop controls, monitoring, and explainability for AI-enabled workflows, is preferred
  • Experience defining success metrics and tracking realized value (hours saved, cycle-time reduction, quality improvements, risk mitigation) is preferred

Don't meet all the qualifications listed under "Other"? These are preferred, but not required. When you apply for a role with Nestle, we ensure that individual confidentiality is held to the highest regard. We are intentional about creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. We consider our associates our most valuable assets. Please apply for full consideration.

The approximate pay range for this position is $125,000 to $180,000 per year. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. Nestle offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at https://nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us.

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestle. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestle seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestle home.
 

The Nestle Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. 

Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.

Job Requisition: 413606