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Automation Jobs in Yakima, WA (NOW HIRING)

Automation & Continuous Improvement * Serve as the operational champion for automation projects, including equipment selection, commissioning, startup support, and ongoing performance optimization.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation integration, waste reduction, yield recovery, labor optimization, and line performance. * Utilize production data, KPIs, and system ...

PLC Programmer & Industrial Technician

Yakima, WA · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

The PLC Programmer will lead the creation and management of PLC programs for Decco industrial automation systems and be a key part of implementing our digital transformation for both internal and ...

Industrial Electrician

Yakima, WA · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Automation & Controls * Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment and industrial automation systems. * Assist with programming modifications under engineering or controls supervision. * Maintain ...

Automation & Controls * Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment and industrial automation systems. * Assist with programming modifications under engineering or controls supervision. * Maintain ...

Industrial Electrician

Yakima, WA · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Automation & Controls * Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment and industrial automation systems. * Assist with programming modifications under engineering or controls supervision. * Maintain ...

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Automation information

See Yakima, WA salary details

$31.1K

$116.9K

$169.9K

How much do automation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation in Yakima, WA is $116,880.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,700.00 and $139,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is automation and what does an automation professional do?

Automation refers to the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. Automation professionals design, develop, and maintain systems that automate processes in various industries, such as manufacturing, IT, and business operations. Their work often involves programming, configuring control systems, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring systems operate efficiently and safely. The goal is to improve productivity, reduce errors, and lower operational costs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an automation engineer role?

To thrive as an Automation Engineer, you need a strong foundation in programming, process control, and systems integration, often supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with automation tools like PLCs, SCADA systems, and scripting languages, as well as certifications such as ISA or Siemens, is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing efficient automated processes, minimizing errors, and ensuring operational reliability.

What is the job outlook for careers in the automation industry?

Automation is a fast-growing field, and demand for people with advanced qualifications is high. Jobs in automation primarily fall into three categories: designing and building automated machines, maintaining these machines, and programming automation software. Many jobs in this field require a significant amount of industrial engineering or robotics experience. Fulfilling job responsibilities in this industry often requires engineering, math, and communication skills as well as familiarity with programming. Someone in this field may also need to be familiar with electrical systems, delivery pipelines, configuration management tools, networking, or databases to get a job in this industry.

What are some common challenges faced by automation professionals when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

Automation professionals often encounter challenges such as compatibility issues between legacy systems and new automation tools, ensuring minimal downtime during transitions, and maintaining data integrity. Additionally, coordinating with IT and operations teams is crucial to address security concerns and user training needs. Being proactive in communication and thorough in planning helps to streamline integration and minimize disruptions.

What is the difference between Automation vs Robotics Technician?

AspectAutomationRobotics Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in PLC programming, control systems, or automation softwareRequires certifications or training in robotics, electronics, and mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentWorks in manufacturing, industrial plants, or automation system integrationWorks on robotic systems, maintenance, and troubleshooting in similar industrial settings
Industry UsageUsed broadly across manufacturing, automotive, and process industriesSpecialized in robotic system installation, repair, and programming within those industries

Automation professionals focus on designing, programming, and maintaining automated systems, while Robotics Technicians specialize in robotic hardware, troubleshooting, and repair. Both roles often overlap but differ in technical focus and certifications required.

What are popular job titles related to Automation jobs in Yakima, WA?

For Automation jobs in Yakima, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Yakima, WA are hiring for Automation jobs?

Cities near Yakima, WA with the most Automation job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation job openings in Yakima, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,880 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Internal Revenue Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 297 rated public sector bodies


Job description

WHAT IS LARGE BUSINESS & INTERNATIONAL?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • LBI - Director Withholding Exchange/International Individual Compliance - DFO, Exchange & Offshore Strategy

REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below by the closing date of this announcement:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE GS-07 - To be eligible for this position, you must have one (1) year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service.
Specialized experience includes experience:

  • Screening telephone calls, determines the appropriate disposition of inquiries, and routes calls based on established office procedures.
  • Establishing, organizing, and maintaining correspondence files, manuals, reference materials, and administrative records in accordance with established procedures.
  • Reviewing correspondence, reports, and related documents for format, grammar, punctuation, and mathematical accuracy prior to distribution or signature.
  • Coordinating appointment calendars, scheduling meetings and conferences, preparing meeting materials, and recording or distributing meeting notes when required.
  • Gathering, assembling, and maintaining supporting documentation for reports, correspondence, and administrative actions.
  • Providing procedural guidance and on-the-job instruction to clerical support staff on established administrative processes.
  • Preparing routine and non-technical correspondence and maintaining administrative records using word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database applications.


AND

  • TYPING PROFICIENCY: Applicants must be qualified typists with a minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute (based on a 5-minute sample with three or fewer errors). Applicants may meet these requirements by passing the appropriate performance test, presenting a certificate of proficiency from a school or other organization authorized to issue such certificates by the Office of Personnel Management local office, or by self-certifying their proficiency. Performance test results and certificates of proficiency are acceptable for three years. We may verify proficiency skills of self-certified applicants by administering the appropriate performance test.


AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):

  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens"
  • TIME IN GRADE (TIG): For positions above the GS-05,applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-05, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03 or 04 positions.
  • TYPING AND OFFICE AUTOMATION (OA):
    • Typing: This position requires a qualified typist with a minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute (based on a 5-minute sample with three or fewer errors).
    • Office Automation (OA): This position requires experience using office automation systems, software practices and procedures.


For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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