ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Automation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

Automation Engineer Junior

Ashburn, VA · Hybrid

$40K - $80K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description We are currently seeking a motivated and energetic entry-level Automation Engineer to join our team to begin an exciting and challenging career. Position Summary The ...

SAIC

Automation Engineer Junior

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

Description We are currently seeking a motivated and energetic entry-level Automation Engineer to join our team to begin an exciting and challenging career. Position Summary The Automation Engineer ...

SAIC

Automation Engineer Junior

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$40K - $80K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description We are currently seeking a motivated and energetic entry-level Automation Engineer to join our team to begin an exciting and challenging career. Position Summary The ...

Insight Global

Entry-Level Pump Station Specialist

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Entry-Level Pump Station Specialist Petersburg, VA | On site | Contract-to-Hire We're hiring an Entry-Level Pump Station Specialist for a growing team responsible for maintaining critical water and ...

Insilico Logix

QA Analyst - Entry Level

Reston, VA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

We are actively looking for Entry level QA/BA Analyst position for our clients throughout USA ... Involved as part of automation team using QTP , developed test scripts. Skills :- * Analysis and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutomation JobsEntry Level Automation JobsEntry Level Automation Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Automation information

See Virginia salary details

$36.7K

$106.2K

$161.6K

How much do entry level automation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level automation 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 is the difference between Entry Level Automation vs Automation Technician?

AspectEntry Level AutomationAutomation Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree, certifications in basic automation toolsHigh school diploma, technical certifications, hands-on training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, assembly lines, industrial settingsIndustrial facilities, maintenance departments, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles in manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectorsMid-level roles focusing on maintaining and troubleshooting automation systems

Entry Level Automation roles typically involve basic understanding of automation systems, focusing on learning and supporting automation processes. Automation Technicians have more hands-on responsibilities, including troubleshooting and maintaining automation equipment. While both roles work in industrial environments, Automation Technicians usually require more technical skills and certifications. The two roles are part of the same industry but differ in experience level and job responsibilities.

What is an entry level automation job?

Entry level automation jobs are positions designed for individuals with little or no prior experience in automation, focusing on tasks such as operating, monitoring, and maintaining automated systems or supporting automation engineers. These roles often involve working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotics, or software tools to streamline repetitive processes in industries like manufacturing, logistics, and IT. Entry level automation professionals may assist in troubleshooting, testing, and implementing automation solutions under supervision. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience and foundational skills for a career in automation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level automation professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Automation professional, you need a basic understanding of programming (such as Python or Java), logical problem-solving skills, and preferably a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with automation tools like Selenium, Jenkins, or UiPath, as well as version control systems like Git, is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn new technologies are standout soft skills in this position. These skills and qualities are important to ensure the successful design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems that enhance efficiency and accuracy.

What are the typical responsibilities of an entry level automation professional?

In an entry-level automation position, your daily tasks often include writing and maintaining basic scripts, executing automated tests, and assisting with the setup or monitoring of automated systems. You may also help troubleshoot issues, document your processes, and collaborate closely with developers, QA engineers, or operations teams to ensure seamless integration of automated solutions. These responsibilities are critical for streamlining repetitive tasks, improving efficiency, and allowing the team to focus on more complex challenges. Over time, you’ll gain exposure to diverse tools and workflows, laying a strong foundation for career advancement in automation or related fields.

How to start a career in entry level automation?

To start a career in entry level automation, gain foundational knowledge in programming languages such as Python or Java, and learn about automation tools like PLCs, SCADA, or robotics. Obtain relevant certifications, such as those in industrial automation or control systems, and seek internships or entry-level positions to gain practical experience in automated processes.

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

The most popular types of Automation jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Automation jobs in Virginia?

For Entry Level Automation jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Automation jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Automation job openings:

Entry Level Automation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Automation job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,207 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Automation Engineer Junior

SAIC

Ashburn, VA • Hybrid

$40K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services

Job description

Job ID: 2613931

Location: Ashburn, VA, US

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Category: Software

Subcategory: SW Testing

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

We are currently seeking a motivated and energetic entry-level Automation Engineer to join our team to begin an exciting and challenging career.

Position Summary

The Automation Engineer will participate in software testing, creation and implementation of Test Strategies, Plans, and Automated Test Scripts as well as other aspects of the software development lifecycle. The candidate will be responsible for developing and testing web applications as dictated by project requirement.

Job Responsibilities

  • Developing automation test scripts.
  • Generating test data and performing Data Validation.
  • Data interface message testing with JSON and XML message sets.
  • Developing SQL or Unix scripts for test data generation or test harness automation.
  • Execute regression, functional, and system testing.
  • Verifying results and producing test summaries and defect reports.
  • Identifying defects and requirement discrepancies, and generating defect change requests and reporting discrepancies.
  • Use modern software engineering IDEs including Eclipse, IntelliJ, etc. for design, development, and testing the software.
  • Work with users in an Agile development approach to understand and document requirements in JIRA.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience

  • Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related field with 2+ years of technical experience.
  • Experience with Java/JEE design and software development experience including designing, developing, and documenting large-scale enterprise software systems.
  • Spring Boot.
  • Selenium WebDriver, TestNG.
  • Basic SQL query skills and general understanding of relational databases.
  • Ability to understand data models and write test scripts based on the data model.
  • Evaluate test results, report and manage defects.
  • Good understanding of object-oriented programming and data structures.
  • Ability to work in a high-pressure, tight-deadline environment.
  • Good written/oral communication skills and problem-solving skills; ability to communicate information to a variety of groups at different technical skill levels.
  • Strong initiative: must be able to take a high-level requirement, ask questions/seek clarifications, and get the job done.

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Experience with any one of the following test management software (Bugzilla, Jira, Rally.)
  • Experience in all stages of application testing, including backend testing, functional, usability, regression, load/stress and performance testing.
  • Experience with integration level testing, requiring ability to work with both big picture & in-depth domain knowledge.
  • Proven ability to develop, execute and maintain automated test suites across multiple environments: frontend/backend applications and API Service testing using tools such as Soap UI and Postman with basic JSON and XML knowledge.
  • Experience with any SPA framework testing tools (e.g. e2e, Protractor.)
  • Prior experience in a software development arena is a plus.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills. Must have the ability to present solutions to technical and non-technical project members.
  • Experience working in an agile development process is a plus.
  • Customer Requirements
  • Clearance – Ability to obtain and hold a public trust position and favorable suitability based on a CBP Background Investigation.
  • Citizenship – Must be a US Citizen.
  • Location – Required to be on-site in Ashburn, VA 5 days per week for the first year of employment. After the first year, have the option to work a hybrid schedule (2 days on-site) depending on the needs of the team.

Target salary range: $40,001 - $80,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

What SAIC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply