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Entry Level Automation Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Project Engineer, Associate

Richmond, VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

... automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

Project Engineer, Associate

Aldie, VA · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

... automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

... automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean ... Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful ...

Command & Control Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$14.42 - $21.63/hr

Monitor / backstop automation 24x7x365 * Engage customers via phone, email and tickets * Provide ... Hunger to grow and learn more - this is an entry level role with endless potential for career ...

Involved as part of automation team using QTP , developed test scripts. Skills :- * Analysis and ... Qualifications Bachelors/ Masters (Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Finance ...

Involved as part of automation team using QTP , developed test scripts. Skills :- * Analysis and ... Qualifications Bachelors/ Masters (Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Finance ...

... entry-level Field Engineer or Technician who is eager to build hands-on technical experience and ... Work Conditions This is primarily a field-based, hands-on role performing automation work at client ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Automation Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$36.7K

$106.2K

$161.6K

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

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level automation engineer in Virginia is $106,207.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,800.00 and $122,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Automation Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 job?

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 are some typical daily responsibilities of an Entry Level Automation Engineer?

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 Virginia? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Automation Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Automation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Automation Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,207 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Project Engineer, Associate

Project Engineer, Associate

M.C. Dean, Inc

Richmond, VA • On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


M.C. Dean rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 368 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values-agility, expertise, and trust-we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
Provides technical & administrative information to others working on a project to ensure that the work complies with all basic engineering standards, codes, specifications, and design instruction; trouble-shoots engineering related installation problems. Works closely supervised and solves problems of limited scope and complexity.
Responsibilities
  • Processing submittals.
  • Processing RFI's.
  • Keeping up daily work tickets.
  • Posting RFI's and change orders.
  • Tracking and managing change orders.
  • Maintaining as-builts as work is completed.
  • Documenting project issues/conditions.
  • Maintaining organized and detailed project records.
  • Submitting hours and cost codes.
  • Obtaining permits, badges and access requests in advance
  • Assists with preparing change orders.
  • Manage project library.
  • Participates in KPR (Key Project Review).

Qualifications
  • 0+ years of experience with Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (preferably from an ABET accredited program).

Abilities:
  • Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
  • Sitting for extended periods of time.
  • Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
  • Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Identify and understand the speech of another person.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Pay Range
USD $75,520.00 - USD $113,280.00 /Yr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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M.C. Dean logo

About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

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