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Entry Level Automation Engineer Jobs in California

Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various ... Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology ...

Engineer I, Test

Carlsbad, CA · Hybrid

$59K - $102K/yr

This role is an entry level Test Engineer position for CalAmp mobile devices supporting internal ... Maintain and enhance existing internal C# diagnostic and automation applications used to support ...

Responsibilities This role is an entry level Test Engineer position for CalAmp mobile devices ... Maintain and enhance existing internal C# diagnostic and automation applications used to support ...

Engineer I, Test

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$59K - $102K/yr

Responsibilities This role is an entry level Test Engineer position for CalAmp mobile devices ... Maintain and enhance existing internal C# diagnostic and automation applications used to support ...

Field Application Engineer '27

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site +1

$53K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world ... automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll be at the ...

Field Application Engineer '27

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$53K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world ... automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll be at the ...

Field Application Engineer '27

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$53K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world ... automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll be at the ...

Field Application Engineer '27

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site +1

$53K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world ... automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll be at the ...

Field Application Engineer '27

Campbell, CA · On-site +1

$53K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world ... automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll be at the ...

They are seeking an entry level Test Engineer to support internal telematics device testing tools ... and automation applications used to support telematics device validation and communication ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$105.7K

$160.9K

How much do entry level automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level automation engineer in California is $105,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $121,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an entry level automation engineer?

To excel as an Entry Level Automation Engineer, you should have a solid understanding of programming languages (such as Python or Java), basic engineering principles, and a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with industrial automation tools like PLCs, SCADA systems, and experience with automation testing software, as well as certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP), are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set candidates apart. These competencies ensure you can efficiently create, test, and integrate automated solutions in both collaborative and technical environments.

What is an entry level automation engineer?

An Entry Level Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing automation systems to improve efficiency in manufacturing, software development, or other technical processes. They typically work with tools like PLCs, scripting languages, or robotic systems to automate repetitive tasks. Their role involves collaborating with senior engineers to troubleshoot issues, optimize workflows, and ensure systems operate smoothly. This position requires basic programming knowledge, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of automation principles. It serves as a foundation for advancing into more specialized engineering roles in automation and control systems.

What does an entry level automation engineer do?

As an Entry Level Automation Engineer, your daily tasks may include writing and testing code for automation scripts, helping to design or modify automated systems, troubleshooting issues that arise in automation workflows, and assisting with equipment setup or calibration. You’ll often collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, learning about various industry processes and participating in project meetings. Documentation of your work and analysis of system performance are also common aspects of the job. These responsibilities provide a solid foundation in automation engineering and offer valuable hands-on experience for career growth.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Automation Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Automation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Automation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Automation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer

WSP

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 hours ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description


WSP is currently initiating a search for a Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer for our San Diego, CA office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.
This Opportunity
Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
Your Impact
  • Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.
  • Assist with performing basic professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
  • Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
  • Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues.
  • Under close supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
  • Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.
  • Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
  • Complete training on assigned tasks.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering.
  • 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.
  • Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
  • General understanding of electrical engineering as applied in design engineering of large capital projects.
  • Familiarity with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
  • Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, and CAPE), AutoCADD electrical.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Engineer in Training Certification.
  • Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
  • A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary: $68,200 - $102,400
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of California, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
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About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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