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Entry Level Automation Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ECS

Junior IaC Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

This is an entry-level role offering structured, hands-on experience with enterprise Infrastructure ... automation practices in a federal environment. • Supports development and maintenance of ...

Aerotek

Traveling Controls Technician

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$62K - $93K/yr

Exposure to PLCs, HMIs, drives, and building automation systems ✅ Career Growth & Leadership Path * Clear advancement from entry-level to lead technician * Opportunities to mentor others and run ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and ... entry-level engineers o Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff Field Experience • ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... automation, water / wastewater, power controls and protection, energy management, and ... entry-level engineers o Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff Field Experience • ...

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All 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 Jun 9, 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 are entry level automation jobs?

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, and why are they important?

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 typical responsibilities for someone in an entry-level automation role, and how do these tasks contribute to larger team projects?

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.
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,207 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Junior IaC Engineer

Junior IaC Engineer

ECS

Falls Church, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Everforth ECS is seeking a Junior IaC Engineer to work in the National Capital Region covering the Pentagon, Falls Church, and Fairfax. Please Note: This position is contingent upon contract award.
The War Data Platform (WDP) is a key initiative within the U.S. Department of War's (DoW) AI-First strategy introduced in early 2026. The WDP separates business and financial data from operational warfighting data, aiming to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) on the battlefield. The WDP extends to Unclassified, Secret, and Top Secret environments, and supports collaboration between Combatant Commands, Joint Staff directorates, Senior Executive Service leaders, and operational analysts.
The Junior IaC Engineer supports the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of automated cloud infrastructure provisioning across WDP's multi-enclave environments spanning IL2, IL5, and IL6 through JWICS, contributing directly to the standardized, repeatable provisioning workflows that underpin WDP's cloud-native delivery model . This is an entry-level role offering structured, hands-on experience with enterprise Infrastructure-as-Code practices in a classified government environment where the engineer will gain hands-on experience supporting secure and repeatable cloud infrastructure automation practices in a federal environment.
• Supports development and maintenance of automated cloud infrastructure using Infrastructure as Code methodologies within Department of War cloud environments.
• Builds and updates Infrastructure as Code templates using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and CloudFormation under guidance from senior engineering personnel.
• Supports system administration activities by assisting with automated configuration updates, cloud resource provisioning, and monitoring configuration updates.
• Contributes to secure configuration management by applying approved templates, baseline settings, and code updates aligned with cybersecurity and operational policies.
• Uses Git-based version control workflows to update repositories, document changes, and prepare merge requests for review.
• Assists with preparation of deployment packages, environment configuration files, rollback procedures, and release documentation supporting software progression from development to production.
• Supports troubleshooting activities by gathering diagnostic data, reviewing automated deployment logs, and validating environment configuration against requirements.
• Contributes to asset tracking and documentation of deployed infrastructure to support audit readiness and configuration traceability.
• Participates in automation refinement activities by testing Infrastructure as Code updates, validating behavior, and identifying discrepancies for correction.
• Coordinates with cloud operations personnel to support routine maintenance windows, deployment activities, and operational reporting.
• Strengthens operational reliability and continuity by contributing to repeatable, structured, and secure automation processes across cloud systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Current Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (TS) security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
• Foundational understanding of cloud infrastructure, Infrastructure-as-Code concepts, and configuration management practices.
• Familiarity with tools such as Terraform, Ansible, AWS CloudFormation, or similar automation frameworks through academic work, labs, internships, or professional experience.
• Basic understanding of Git-based workflows, CI/CD concepts, and secure cloud provisioning principles.
• Strong willingness to learn cloud automation, DevSecOps practices, and federal security requirements in a collaborative engineering environment.

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