ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Factory Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFactory Automation Engineer JobsFactory Automation Engineer Jobs in California

Factory Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$105.7K

$160.9K

How much do factory automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for factory automation engineer in California is $105,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $121,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Factory Automation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Factory Automation Engineer, you need a background in electrical or mechanical engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and experience with automation systems. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, robotics, and relevant certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are commonly required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and project management skills help you effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure efficient implementation and maintenance of automated systems, driving productivity and minimizing downtime in manufacturing environments.

How does a Factory Automation Engineer typically collaborate with production and maintenance teams?

Factory Automation Engineers regularly work alongside production and maintenance teams to ensure that automated equipment runs efficiently and safely. They may be involved in troubleshooting machinery issues, providing technical guidance during installations, and training operators on new systems. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as engineers must understand production goals and constraints, while also translating technical requirements into practical solutions. This collaborative environment helps streamline processes and minimize downtime.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost regions.

Will AI replace Automation Engineer?

AI is transforming automation engineering by enabling more advanced control systems and data analysis, but it is unlikely to fully replace automation engineers. Instead, automation engineers will need to develop skills in AI, machine learning, and programming to work alongside these technologies and manage complex systems effectively.

What does an Automation Engineer do in manufacturing?

A Factory Automation Engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated systems and machinery used in manufacturing processes. They work with control systems, robotics, and software to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in production lines, often using tools like PLCs and SCADA systems. Strong technical skills and understanding of manufacturing workflows are essential for this role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior factory automation engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in PLC programming, robotics, and systems integration can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or with leadership responsibilities. Achieving this level often requires specialized certifications, a strong track record, and working in regions with high living costs or within large manufacturing companies.

What does a Factory Automation Engineer do?

A Factory Automation Engineer designs, develops, and maintains automated systems and machinery used in manufacturing environments. Their primary goal is to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety by automating repetitive or dangerous tasks. They work with robotics, control systems, and software to streamline production processes. Additionally, they troubleshoot issues, optimize existing automation solutions, and ensure that all systems comply with industry regulations.

What is the difference between Factory Automation Engineer vs Automation Technician?

AspectFactory Automation EngineerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP)Technical diploma or associate degree; certifications like Certified Automation Technician (CAT)
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee automation systems in manufacturing plantsInstall, maintain, and troubleshoot automation equipment on the factory floor
Employer & IndustryManufacturing companies, automation firms, industrial plants

Factory Automation Engineers focus on designing and developing automation systems, while Automation Technicians handle installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but they differ in responsibilities, education, and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Factory Automation Engineer jobs in California? For Factory Automation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Factory Automation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Factory Automation Engineer jobs in California are:
Factory Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Factory Automation Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Factory Automation Engineering Manager

Heron Power Electronics Company

Scotts Valley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Overview
At Heron Power, we are building the future of scalable power electronics. Our mission is to enable high-volume, capital-efficient manufacturing of advanced energy systems. We are rapidly scaling our production footprint, and this role is instrumental in designing and ramping the state-of-the-art manufacturing processes that will power our continued growth and deliver our innovative products to market.
As the Factory Automation Engineering Manager, you will be the architect of Heron Power's factory automation strategy. You will build and lead the team responsible for the nervous system of our manufacturing lines, from the logic running on the floor to the data streaming into the cloud.
In this high-impact role, you will establish our strategy for automation and define our standards for controls, selecting the platforms, protocols, and architectures that will scale with us from pilot lines to mass production. You will manage a team of automation and controls engineers, mentor them in best practices, and collaborate with the broader manufacturing organization to ensure that our equipment is not just functional, but efficient, intelligent, and safe.
How You Will Contribute
  • Team Leadership: Hire, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of controls and automation engineers. Foster a culture of technical innovation, safety excellence, and continuous improvement.
  • Strategic Vision: Define the company's controls and automation roadmap. Select standard hardware platforms, software environments, communication protocols, and data systems to ensure scalability across future factories.
  • Design Standardization: Develop and maintain a code library and design standards to reduce deployment time and increase control systems reliability.
  • Project Execution: Oversee the controls engineering deliverables for capital equipment deployment, managing project timelines, internal resources, and external vendors from conceptual design through FAT/SAT and factory ramp.
  • Vendor Management: Serve (with your team) as the primary controls point of contact for external machine builders and system integrators. Review and approve their electrical schematics and software architectures before fabrication and programming begins and lead debugging and commissioning activities through final production ramp.
  • Safety Stewardship: Own the functional safety strategy for the factory. Ensure all equipment meets applicable safety standards and lead internal and external machine safety design reviews.
  • Data Integration: Collaborate with software teams to bridge the gap between OT and IT, ensuring seamless integration of machine data with MES, SCADA, and ERP systems. Oversee the selection and development of MES software for the factory.
  • Problem Solving: While this is a lead role, you will still "get your hands dirty." You will lead high-level troubleshooting efforts when critical issues arise and help code and commission complex systems when the team needs support.

What You Will Bring
We are looking for a seasoned engineering professional with a strong track record leading complex factory builds on time, under budget, and with overall technical and safety rigor. You are a well-rounded subject matter expert in manufacturing control systems with a strong grip on first principles, proven capability leading high-performing technical teams, and an eagerness to navigate the exciting ambiguity of a startup environment.
Must-Have Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, with at least 3+ years in a technical leadership or management role.
  • Proven experience architecting full factory solutions, not just programming individual cells.
  • Expert-level mastery of machine programming (structured text, ladder logic, FBD) and motion control, and MES / HMI integration.
  • Deep proficiency across multiple PLC platforms (Rockwell / Siemens / Beckhoff / Ignition.
  • Experience leading design reviews and validating electrical schematics (NFPA 79 / UL 508A).
  • Strong background in robotics integration, machine vision, and other inspection systems.
  • Experience bridging industrial control systems with high-level plant software / MES.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage external vendors, integrators, and panel shops.
  • Excellent mentorship skills and a demonstrated ability to elevate the technical level of those around you.
Nice-to-Haves
  • Experience in power electronics, electric vehicle, battery storage, or similar manufacturing sectors.
  • Have built a new controls department from the ground up or significantly expanded an existing controls team.
  • Expertise validating designs using Digital Twin or emulation software prior to hardware build (virtual commissioning).
  • Proficiency in EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical for vendor design reviews.

If you are passionate about technology and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you. Join us in accelerating the electrification of everything at Heron Power.
Heron Power provides competitive compensation (salary and equity) and benefits. The salary for this role ranges from $170,000 to $220,000 per year.

Apply