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Entry Level Pharma Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cellares

Automation Engineer (I, II, III)

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to support the development, validation, and day-to-day ... Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug ...

Cellares

Automation Engineer (I, II, III)

Bridgewater, NJ · On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to support the development, validation, and day-to-day ... Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug ...

CRB

Automation Engineer II

Denver, CO

As an Automation, Instrumentation and Controls (AIC) Engineer II , you will play a vital role in ... Mentor entry-level engineers and design staff. * Lead small projects or manage defined scopes of ...

CRB

Automation Engineer II

Denver, CO · On-site

As an Automation, Instrumentation and Controls (AIC) Engineer II , you will play a vital role in ... Mentor entry-level engineers and design staff. * Lead small projects or manage defined scopes of ...

CRB

Automation Engineer II

Denver, CO · On-site

As an Automation, Instrumentation and Controls (AIC) Engineer II , you will play a vital role in ... Mentor entry-level engineers and design staff. * Lead small projects or manage defined scopes of ...

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 ...

CRB

Automation Engineer II

Kansas City, MO · Hybrid

As an Automation, Instrumentation, and Controls (AIC) Engineer II at CRB, you will play a key role ... Mentor entry-level staff and delegate basic tasks as needed. * Participate in professional ...

CRB

Automation Engineer II

Kansas City, MO · Hybrid

As an Automation, Instrumentation, and Controls (AIC) Engineer II at CRB, you will play a key role ... Mentor entry-level staff and delegate basic tasks as needed. * Participate in professional ...

CRB

Automation Engineer II

Kansas City, MO · On-site

As an Automation, Instrumentation, and Controls (AIC) Engineer II at CRB, you will play a key role ... Mentor entry-level staff and delegate basic tasks as needed. * Participate in professional ...

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 ...

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Entry Level Pharma Automation Engineer information

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$37K

$107.1K

$163K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level pharma automation engineer in the United States is $107,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level pharma automation engineer do?

An Entry Level Pharma Automation Engineer works on designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. Their responsibilities often include programming equipment, troubleshooting automation issues, and ensuring that processes comply with regulatory standards. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize production efficiency, improve safety, and maintain product quality. This role provides foundational experience in both engineering and the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry.

What types of projects and technologies do entry level pharma automation engineers typically work on in their first year?

Entry Level Pharma Automation Engineers often begin their careers supporting the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of automation systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Common projects include assisting with the configuration of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and distributed control systems (DCS) to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. You’ll likely work closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams such as quality assurance, production, and IT, gaining hands-on experience with validation protocols and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). This collaborative environment offers valuable exposure to industry-specific automation tools and prepares you for more advanced responsibilities as you progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level pharma automation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Pharma Automation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering (such as chemical, electrical, or mechanical), understanding of automation principles, and a relevant degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industry standards like GAMP or FDA regulations is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and problem-solving. These skills ensure safe, compliant, and efficient automation processes vital to pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality control.

What is the difference between Entry Level Pharma Automation Engineer vs Process Technician?

AspectEntry Level Pharma Automation EngineerProcess Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Automation, or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate degree, technical training
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, labs, automation systemsProduction lines, manufacturing floors
Industry UsageDesign, develop, and maintain automation systems in pharmaOperate and troubleshoot manufacturing equipment

While both roles work within pharmaceutical manufacturing, the Entry Level Pharma Automation Engineer focuses on automation system design and maintenance, requiring a degree and technical knowledge. The Process Technician primarily operates and troubleshoots production equipment, often with technical training or experience. Both roles are essential but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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Entry Level Pharma Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Pharma Automation Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,126 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Automation Engineer (I, II, III)

Cellares

Bridgewater, NJ • On-site

$90K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to support the development, validation, and day-to-day operation of fully automated QC testing workflows in a regulated GMP environment at our Bridgewater, NJ site. This role is central to the success of our Cell Q platform and commercial-scale QC operations.
The successful candidate will play a key role in transferring, scaling, and optimizing automated QC test methods across multiple automated workcells, while also providing hands-on runtime operational support for the Cell Q platform and the broader QC laboratory infrastructure. This includes troubleshooting systems, supporting production testing, and ensuring consistent, compliant execution of automated workflows.
Working closely with cross-functional partners in Quality Control, Analytical Development, Manufacturing, IT, and Quality, the Automation Engineer will contribute to system validation, user training, technical documentation, and controlled version management of automated test methods under change control. In addition, this role will help design, implement, and maintain automated sample and reagent management workflows that enable scalable, reliable, and robust end-to-end processes for high-throughput QC testing in a GMP setting.
Candidates should enjoy working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and be prepared to tackle a broad range of challenges as the company grows.
Responsibilities
  • Support the transfer and validation of automated QC workflow steps
  • Validate and optimize automated methods for sample preparation, analysis, and data collection
  • Monitor system performance, track recurring issues, and collaborate with engineering and quality teams to implement technical and procedural improvements
  • Conduct validation testing of liquid handling methods and integrated systems to ensure proper functionality and performance
  • Analyze automation workflows to identify bottlenecks and areas for optimization
  • Develop and implement troubleshooting methodologies to identify and resolve QC test method issues
  • Provide automation system and instrumentation support and troubleshooting

Requirements
  • Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Biotechnology, or a related field
  • 2+ years of experience designing, implementing, and maintaining laboratory automation systems.
  • Experience programming and optimizing liquid handling methods
  • Experience developing and implementing integrated automation solutions using Biosero's Green Button Go software
  • Experience with laboratory analytical instruments and automated systems
  • Experience integrating and managing assay results with LIMS
  • Familiar with flow cytometry, genomic, and cell-based assays
  • Strong technical writing skills and experience authoring Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), documentation, and training materials
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues.
  • Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Attention to detail and the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Creative, self-motivated, eager to take on a wide variety of tasks and grow with the evolving technology
  • Self-awareness, integrity, authenticity, and a growth mindset

$90,000 - $210,000 a year
Cellares total compensation package contains competitive base salaries, highly subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans, 401(k) Matching, Onsite lunches, and Stock options. All displayed pay ranges are approximate, negotiable, and location dependent.
This is Cellares
Cellares is the first Integrated Development and Manufacturing Organization (IDMO) and takes an Industry 4.0 approach to mass manufacturing the living drugs of the 21st century. The company is both developing and operating integrated technologies for cell therapy manufacturing to accelerate access to life-saving cell therapies. The company's Cell Shuttle integrates all the technologies required for the entire manufacturing process in a flexible and high-throughput platform that delivers true walk-away, end-to-end automation. Cell Shuttles will be deployed in Cellares' Smart Factories around the world to meet total patient demand for cell therapies at global scale. Partnering with Cellares enables academics, biotechs, and pharma companies to accelerate drug development and scale out manufacturing, lower process failure rates, lower manufacturing costs, and meet global patient demand.
The company is headquartered in South San Francisco, California with its commercial-scale IDMO Smart Factory in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The company is backed by world-class investors and has raised over $355 million in financing.
Leveling will be based on overall experience, education, and demonstration of knowledge throughout the interview process.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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About Cellares

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2019

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