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Chief Automation Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MetaOption, LLC

CTO

New York, NY · On-site

CTO Skills: 0-to-1 Product Development | Software Architecture | AI/ML & Automation | Healthcare Payments/RCM/FinTech | Engineering Leadership Experience level: Mid-senior Experience required: 10 ...

New

CFS

CFO

Decatur, IN · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

... automation and innovation • Modernize systems and drive efficiency as Chief Financial Officer in a largely spreadsheet-based environment evolving toward stronger ERP use • Enjoy stability and ...

MetaOption, LLC

CTO

New York, NY · On-site

CTO Skills: 0-to-1 Product Development | Software Architecture | AI/ML Automation | Healthcare Payments/RCM/FinTech | Engineering Leadership Experience level: Mid-senior Experience required: 10 Years ...

New

head-huntress.com

CTO

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$14K - $150K/yr

CTO Co-Founder Healthcare Payments AI Startup New York, NY | In-Person Our client is looking for an ... The platform will use AI, workflow automation, data integrations, and secure infrastructure to ...

Berry Law Firm

Chief Technology Officer

Lincoln, NE · On-site

Lead the firm's AI and automation strategy, prioritizing pragmatic, high-impact use cases * Manage ... The CTO has become the COO's trusted advisor on SaaS and AI, a strategic partner, not only a ...

AppJaxx

Chief Technology Officer

San Antonio, TX · On-site

As we continue to scale, we're looking for a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to own our technology vision, strengthen our technical infrastructure, and drive innovation across platforms, automation ...

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All JobsChief Automation Officer Jobs

Chief Automation Officer information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief automation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief automation officer in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Automation Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Automation Officer, you need strong expertise in process automation, digital transformation, and strategic leadership, often supported by a degree in engineering, computer science, or business, and significant executive experience. Familiarity with RPA platforms, AI/ML tools, workflow management systems, and relevant certifications like PMP or Six Sigma is typically expected. Exceptional communication, change management, and cross-functional collaboration skills help drive organizational buy-in and successful implementation. These competencies are crucial for aligning automation initiatives with business objectives, maximizing efficiency, and ensuring smooth adoption across the enterprise.

Which 3 jobs will survive AI?

Chief Automation Officers are likely to see roles that involve strategic oversight, complex decision-making, and human interaction remain resilient to AI automation. Jobs requiring emotional intelligence, creativity, and nuanced judgment—such as healthcare professionals, creative designers, and managerial roles—are expected to persist. Technical skills in AI oversight and data analysis will also be valuable for adapting to automation advancements.

How does a Chief Automation Officer typically collaborate with other departments to implement automation initiatives?

A Chief Automation Officer (CAO) works closely with leaders across IT, operations, finance, and HR to identify automation opportunities, align projects with business goals, and ensure seamless integration into existing workflows. Successful CAOs facilitate cross-functional teams, gather input from stakeholders, and provide guidance on best practices to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption. Regular communication and workshops are common to gain buy-in and to address concerns, making collaboration a central element of the CAO’s role.

What is a Chief Automation Officer?

A Chief Automation Officer (CAO) is a senior executive responsible for overseeing an organization's automation strategy and implementation. Their main role is to identify opportunities where automation technologies—such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and process automation—can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation. The CAO collaborates with other executives and departments to ensure that automation initiatives align with the company's overall goals. They also manage the risks and change management challenges associated with adopting new automation tools. This role is increasingly important as businesses look to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Which 5 jobs will survive AI?

Chief Automation Officers are likely to see their roles evolve rather than disappear, as AI automates routine tasks but requires strategic oversight, decision-making, and integration skills. Jobs that involve complex problem-solving, emotional intelligence, creativity, and human interaction—such as healthcare professionals, educators, software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity specialists—are expected to persist alongside AI advancements. These roles demand skills that complement AI technology and focus on areas where human judgment remains essential.

Will AI replace automation engineer?

AI is transforming the role of automation engineers by automating routine tasks and enabling more advanced systems. However, automation engineers are needed to design, implement, and maintain these AI-driven systems, making complete replacement unlikely in the near term. Their skills in programming, systems integration, and problem-solving remain essential in the evolving automation landscape.

What does a chief automation officer do?

A chief automation officer (CAO) is responsible for developing and implementing automation strategies across an organization to improve efficiency and reduce costs. They oversee the integration of automation tools, such as robotic process automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence, and often collaborate with IT and operations teams to optimize workflows and processes.

What is the difference between Chief Automation Officer vs Automation Manager?

AspectChief Automation OfficerAutomation Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields; certifications in automation or project management are commonUsually holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering, IT, or related areas; certifications in automation tools or project management are beneficial
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership role overseeing automation initiatives across departments at executive levelOperational role managing automation projects and teams within specific departments or projects
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations across manufacturing, technology, and industrial sectorsFound in mid-sized to large organizations focusing on process improvement and automation implementation

The Chief Automation Officer focuses on strategic automation initiatives at the executive level, while the Automation Manager handles day-to-day management of automation projects. Both roles require technical knowledge, but differ in scope and responsibility.

More about Chief Automation Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Automation Officer jobs? Cities with the most Chief Automation Officer job openings:
What states have the most Chief Automation Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Automation Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chief Automation Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Automation Officer jobs are:
Chief Automation Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Automation Officer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.
Fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Innovative Incorporated

Hagerstown, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced, business-minded technology leader to serve as a Fractional CTO or Technology Strategy Advisor across a portfolio of clients. This role combines high-level strategic leadership with practical execution — guiding organizations through technology transformation, operational scaling, and digital enablement.
Engagements may include ongoing fractional CTO retainers, steering committee participation (SCaaS), or short-term advisory work. The right candidate thrives in a dynamic, consultative environment and is comfortable shifting between boardroom strategy and hands-on technical problem solving.

Engagement Model

Can be structured as:
• Full-Time Employee (FTE) role leading multiple client engagements; or
• 1099 Subcontractor on a fractional retainer basis (typically X hours/week per client).
Compensation and structure will depend on experience, availability, and client portfolio alignment.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

  • Serve as a technology leader on client steering committees, providing oversight, insight, and alignment between business strategy and technology investment.
  • Develop, evaluate, and refine technology roadmaps that enable growth, efficiency, and scalability.
  • Act as an executive advisor to CEOs, COOs, and Boards on technology decisions, vendor selection, and digital transformation.
  • Build and mentor internal technology leadership — particularly in scenarios where a client is transitioning or developing an internal CTO or Director of Technology.

Operational & Technical Guidance

  • Assess and optimize client technology stacks, development practices, infrastructure, and security posture.
  • Guide project management, software architecture, and engineering process improvement initiatives.
  • Lead technology due diligence and integration for M&A, investment, or partnership scenarios.
  • Oversee or advise on vendor and partner relationships to ensure accountability and value.

AI, Automation & Efficiency

  • Integrate practical AI and automation initiatives that drive measurable improvements in efficiency, scalability, and process optimization — not AI for AI’s sake.
  • Help define responsible AI policy and governance within client organizations to ensure compliance, ethics, and alignment with operational goals.

Team Leadership & Mentoring

  • Coach and mentor emerging technology leaders, helping bridge skill gaps during leadership transitions or growth phases.
  • Support hiring, team structure, and culture development within client technology organizations.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience in technology or operational leadership — ideally as a CIO, CTO, IT Director, or in an equivalent executive role where technology strategy and execution were a core part of daily responsibility (e.g., COO, CFO, or CEO in a technology-dependent organization).
  • Proven success aligning technology strategy with business outcomes.
  • Strong understanding of modern software architecture, cloud infrastructure, data strategy, and cybersecurity fundamentals.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing automation, analytics, and/or AI-driven process improvements.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, comfortable engaging with executive leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Consulting, advisory, or multi-client fractional experience strongly preferred.

Attributes of the Ideal Candidate

  • Operates as a strategic partner, not just a technologist.
  • Brings a pragmatic, outcomes-driven approach — balancing innovation with operational discipline.
  • Excels in fractional or portfolio-style work and context-switching between clients.
  • Enjoys coaching and developing leaders, not just running teams.
  • Has a bias toward efficiency, scalability, and measurable business impact.

Example Engagement Scenarios

  • Long-term fractional CTO supporting a mid-market company’s ongoing digital transformation.
  • Short-term interim CTO following leadership turnover.
  • Coaching engagement for an internal CTO recently promoted into the role.
  • Steering Committee member advising on enterprise technology strategy and AI enablement.