2

Entry Level Python Automation Engineer Jobs in California

Role & Responsibilities As a Staff Automation Engineer, you will be expected to: * Co-design test ... Demonstrable proficiency building reliable tools and services in Python. * Able to read and reason ...

Automation Engineer I

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Ability to program using structured text or programming languages such as C/C++ or Python. Physical ... and automation, and advanced surgery with a proven ability to solve complex technical challenges.

Photonics Test Automation Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$54 - $71.25/hr

You should be comfortable writing production-quality Python or C++, controlling laboratory ... Translate engineering test requirements into modular, maintainable, and reusable automation ...

$115K - $135K/yr

... Python, Beckhoff TwinCAT, and Structured Text PLCs. * Define, formalize, and maintain test plans ... robotics and automation engineers. * Triage and support cell-level issues, performing initial ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Python Automation Engineer information

What does an entry level Python automation engineer do?

An Entry Level Python Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automated scripts and tools using Python to help streamline processes and improve efficiency. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers to automate repetitive tasks, perform software testing, or manage data workflows. Their daily tasks may include writing Python code, debugging automation scripts, and collaborating with team members to identify opportunities for automation. This role is ideal for those with a foundational understanding of Python and a passion for problem-solving and process improvement.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Python Automation Engineer, a solid grasp of Python programming, basic software development principles, and familiarity with automation frameworks is essential, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Experience with tools like Selenium, PyTest, Jenkins, and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication set candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for efficiently developing, testing, and maintaining automation solutions that enhance productivity and software quality.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level Python automation engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Python Automation Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as writing and maintaining scripts to automate repetitive processes, assisting with the development of test automation frameworks, and supporting the deployment of automated solutions in collaboration with more experienced engineers. You may also be responsible for troubleshooting automation scripts, documenting processes, and participating in code reviews. The work environment is typically team-oriented, and you will likely collaborate closely with developers, QA analysts, and IT support, which provides valuable opportunities to learn and grow your technical and professional skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Python Automation Engineer vs QA Tester?

AspectEntry Level Python Automation EngineerQA Tester
Required SkillsPython scripting, automation tools, basic testing knowledgeManual testing, test case creation, defect tracking
CertificationsNone mandatory, Python knowledge preferredISTQB or similar testing certifications
Work EnvironmentSoftware development teams, automation projectsQuality assurance teams, testing labs
Industry UsageTech, finance, healthcare, any industry with software productsPrimarily software and tech companies

While both roles involve quality assurance, the Entry Level Python Automation Engineer focuses on developing automated testing scripts using Python, whereas the QA Tester primarily performs manual testing and defect reporting. The automation engineer role requires programming skills and automation tools knowledge, making it more technical. Both roles are essential in software development, but the automation engineer often works closely with developers to streamline testing processes.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Python Automation Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Python Automation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Python Automation Engineer job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Staff Automation Engineer

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$135K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Our Mission
SPAN is enabling electrification for all
We are a mission-driven company designing, building, and deploying products that electrify the built environment, reduce carbon emissions, and slow the effects of climate change.
  • Decarbonization is the process to reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide, from entering our atmosphere.
  • Electrification is the process of replacing fossil fuel appliances that run on gas or oil with all-electric upgrades for a cleaner way to power our lives.
At SPAN, we believe in:
  • Enabling homes and vehicles powered by clean energy
  • Making electrification upgrades possible
  • Building more resilient homes with reliable backup
  • Designing a flexible and distributed electrical grid

The Role
As a Staff Automation Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of our products through a combination of automated and manual testing methodologies. This is a high impact role that will work closely with SPAN's internal Software, Device Software, Hardware Engineering, Systems, and QA teams.
Role & Responsibilities
As a Staff Automation Engineer, you will be expected to:
  • Co-design test automation infrastructure with Systems and Test Infrastructure. Automation provides the platform and drivers; partner teams write the tests.
  • Diagnose automated test failures across firmware, hardware, and test infrastructure.
  • Help manage and grow a fleet of 50+ hardware test rigs across offices.
  • Monitor hardware and software infrastructure health.

You will take architectural ownership of one or more of the team's critical systems. Examples of where you might focus:
  • Hardware-in-the-loop test execution: on-premise orchestration of test sequences on physical hardware, integrated into CI/CD for PR gating and release qualification.
  • Test data pipeline: telemetry ingestion from rigs, structured storage in PostgreSQL, reporting dashboards for release readiness and reliability.
  • Test execution framework: instrument driver library, sequence engine, and the gRPC services that tie rigs together.

The specific focus depends on your strengths and the team's needs at the time you join.
About You
Required Qualifications
  • Demonstrable proficiency building reliable tools and services in Python.
  • Able to read and reason about C++, Rust, TypeScript, or similar. Not your daily language, but enough to follow a bug across a boundary.
  • Experience with hardware-adjacent software: software that controls, monitors, or ingests data from physical devices or instruments.
  • Experience owning internal platform infrastructure where your users are other engineers and your systems are in the critical path.
  • Comfortable standing up new tooling from scratch and retiring it when needs change.
  • Experience operating CI/CD infrastructure, particularly pipelines that run on physical hardware.

Additionally, there are three primary focus areas, you should fit into one or more of these:
HITL-relevant:
  • Understanding of hardware-in-the-loop testing, reliability testing, and certification testing methodologies.
  • Experience managing fleets of physical test cells or lab infrastructure (Ansible, AWX, or similar).
  • Experience with embedded systems or firmware testing (CAN bus, SWD debugging, firmware update flows).

Data pipeline-relevant:
  • Experience with time-series data: ingestion, storage, and querying of telemetry.
  • Experience with PostgreSQL, S3/AWS.
  • Experience building reporting dashboards for engineering or leadership audiences.

Framework-relevant:
  • Experience with gRPC or similar RPC frameworks.
  • Experience with lab instrumentation control. Power analyzers, load simulators, signal generators, relay boards.
  • Experience designing automated test rigs or test cells from requirements through physical buildout to software integration.
Bonus Qualifications
We would love to hire someone who has:
  • Experience working in a startup environment.
  • Experience working in the renewable energy industry.
  • Experience with Ansible or similar configuration management for physical infrastructure.
  • Experience with or preference for a rapid or continuous release cadence

Life at SPAN
Headquartered in San Francisco's vibrant SoMa neighborhood, we are an eclectic group of creative thinkers who value open communication, teamwork, and a 'make it happen' approach to addressing complex challenges.
SPAN embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
We're hiring talented individuals who are driven by success and are passionate about shaping the future of renewable energy. If that sounds like you, we'd love for you to consider joining the rapidly growing team at SPAN.
The Perks:
Competitive compensation + equity grants at a well-funded, venture-backed company
Comprehensive benefits: 100% employee premiums for base plans on medical, dental, vision with options for additional coverage. Parental leave up to twenty four (24) weeks depending on eligibility
Comfortable, sunny office space located near BART and Caltrain public transit
Strong focus on team building and company culture: Employee Resource Groups, monthly social events, SPANcakes recognition breakfast, lunch, and learns
Flexible hours, one holiday per month, and flexible time off
Interested in joining our team? Apply today and we'll be in touch with the next steps!