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Factory Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Peak Energy

Automation Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

Role Automation Engineer Location Sacramento, CA Department Manufacturing Reports To Head of ... Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) at vendor facilities, including occasional ...

Peak Energy

Automation Engineer

Burlingame, CA

Role Automation Engineer Location Sacramento, CA Department Manufacturing Reports To Head of ... Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) at vendor facilities, including occasional ...

Peak Energy

Automation Engineer

Burlingame, CA · On-site

Role Automation Engineer Location Sacramento, CA Department Manufacturing Reports To Head of ... Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) at vendor facilities, including occasional ...

Peak Energy

Automation Engineer

Sacramento, CA

Role Automation Engineer Location Sacramento, CA Department Manufacturing Reports To Head of ... Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) at vendor facilities, including occasional ...

Hirekeyz Inc

Automation Process Engineer

Redlands, CA · On-site

Automation Process Engineer Location: Redland, CA - onsite Job Type: Full Time The Automation ... You'll work on developing and fixing factory equipment and make sure machines run smoothly in the ...

Bloom Energy

Automation Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $123K/yr

Lead and support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) of Bloom ... Apply engineering fundamentals to automation and process design. * Collaborate with New Product ...

Technical Link

SECS/GEM Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Factory Automation Software Engineer - SECS/GEM / C++ / Semiconductor Test Location: Austin, TX preferred; San Jose, CA or Chandler, AZ also available Employment Type: Full-Time preferred; Contract ...

Bloom Energy

Automation Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$86K - $123K/yr

Lead and support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) of Bloom ... Apply engineering fundamentals to automation and process design. * Collaborate with New Product ...

Divergent

Automation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

... end-to-end factory system called the Divergent Adaptive Production System (DAPS) that ... Purpose The Automation Engineer supports the daily operations across all of our Robotic Work ...

Xforia, Inc.

RF Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Responsibilities • Develop automation SW to support RF lab validation and factory test • ... Engineering • 5+ years of work experience in the wireless industry • Understanding ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 18, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a factory automation engineer?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Peak Energy

Burlingame, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Role Automation Engineer
Location Sacramento, CA
Department Manufacturing
Reports To Head of Automation
Position Type Full-time
About Peak Energy
Peak Energy Technologies is the first American venture to advance globally proven Sodium-Ion battery systems as the storage standard for the new era of renewable energy on a resilient grid. Sodium-Ion is cheap, readily available and safe, making it the leading contender in a rapidly evolving market.
We're a team of about 105 today growing rapidly as we move from pilot through commercial scale-up. We operate with modern tooling, including a company-wide AI platform and a builder-first culture that rewards taking ownership end-to-end.
Our leadership team is powered by decades of expertise in scaling gigawatt-level innovation at world-class companies such as Tesla, Northvolt, Apple, Powin, Enovix, Zipline, Solid Power, and Fluence. We are backed by strategic investment and product partners such as Xora, Eclipse Ventures, and TDK Ventures.
We are a team of engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, and partners driven by a shared ambition to set the new performance standard for renewable energy and grid resilience.
About the Role: Automation Engineer
The Automation Engineer is the first automation engineer on Peak Energy's Sacramento manufacturing team and the most senior individual contributor on the automation function. This is a hands-on technical role with broad ownership: you will support the selection and commissioning of vendor-supplied manufacturing equipment, take technical ownership of that equipment once it is on the floor, and work alongside a peer Controls Engineer on in-house designed equipment as that program develops.
Our Sacramento manufacturing facility is in the planning and build-out phase. This person will be hired to help open it. That means participating in design reviews and Factory Acceptance Tests for vendor-supplied equipment before it ships, then being responsible for keeping that equipment running and driving targeted improvements to yield and cycle time once it is installed. For in-house designed equipment, the role starts as a supporting position and progresses toward full ownership as systems mature.
There is no existing automation team to inherit. This person will be the technical foundation of it.
Third-Party Equipment
  • Participate in design reviews for the acquisition of 3rd-party designed and programmed manufacturing equipment, providing technical input on automation architecture, PLC platform compatibility, and control system specifications
  • Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) at vendor facilities, including occasional international travel, to validate that systems meet Peak Energy's requirements before shipment
  • Support Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) during installation and commissioning of incoming equipment at the Sacramento facility
  • Take technical ownership of commissioned 3rd-party equipment: responsible for system uptime, troubleshooting control system issues, and implementing targeted improvements to yield and cycle time
  • Equipment in scope includes welding systems, adhesive dispensing equipment, and torque tooling systems

In-House Designed Equipment
  • Collaborate with a peer Controls Engineer on program loading and commissioning of in-house designed manufacturing equipment
  • Develop working knowledge of in-house equipment control architecture and progressively take on ownership responsibility as systems are commissioned and stabilized
  • Once ownership is established, apply the same uptime and improvement standards as for 3rd-party equipment

Ongoing Automation and Controls Work
  • Design, configure, and maintain PLC programs using Beckhoff TwinCAT v3 to optimize production and ensure quality across facility equipment
  • Design and maintain SCADA systems and HMI interfaces using TwinCAT HMI as the primary platform, giving operators and engineers clear visibility into equipment status and performance
  • Establish and maintain connectivity between PLCs and MES systems to enable real-time production data, traceability, and process monitoring
  • Implement data acquisition systems to collect and analyze production data; use that data to identify and drive process improvements
  • Develop and maintain safety systems including emergency shutdown procedures and safety interlocks in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements
  • Create and maintain comprehensive automation documentation: control system designs, change management records, operator manuals, and maintenance procedures
  • Collaborate with equipment engineers, process engineers, and manufacturing leadership to ensure automation systems support production goals
  • Support root cause analysis on control system issues; document findings and corrective actions systematically

What You'll Bring
  • Hands-on technical experience with Beckhoff PLCs, TwinCAT v3, and TwinCAT HMI; comfortable writing code and assessing the code of others
  • Fanuc robot programming using TP (teach pendant) and ROBOGUIDE; able to develop, simulate, and deploy robot programs offline before installation
  • Experience integrating vision systems into PLC and robot control logic, including pass/fail signal handling and communication with automation controllers
  • Proficiency with industrial network protocols including EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET; able to configure and troubleshoot device-level communications
  • Working knowledge of robot cell safety architecture: safety-rated controllers, guarding design, light curtains, and safety I/O integration
  • Demonstrated experience supporting or leading Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) for industrial manufacturing equipment, including working with 3rd-party vendors
  • Experience taking technical ownership of manufacturing equipment: troubleshooting, maintaining uptime, and driving yield and cycle time improvements
  • Proficiency with SCADA systems, HMI design, and industrial data acquisition platforms
  • Demonstrated experience establishing connectivity between PLC/SCADA systems and MES platforms for production traceability and data acquisition
  • Strong documentation skills; able to produce clear control system designs, procedures, and change records that others can follow and build on
  • Comfortable working as the most senior IC on a new team in an environment where standards and procedures are still being established
  • BS or MS in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related engineering discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience
  • Willingness to travel occasionally for Factory Acceptance Tests at vendor facilities, including internationally

Preferred Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with welding systems, adhesive dispensing equipment, or torque tooling in an industrial manufacturing environment
  • Experience with Cognex vision systems including In-Sight or VisionPro for inspection, guidance, or identification applications
  • Experience with force/torque sensing in compliant assembly applications
  • Experience integrating barcode or QR code scanning systems with MES for cell-level production traceability
  • Experience in battery manufacturing, semiconductor manufacturing, or other high-precision industrial environments
  • Familiarity with Ignition by Inductive Automation for SCADA and data acquisition
  • Experience at a company scaling from pilot production to commercial-scale manufacturing
  • Familiarity with BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) assembly processes and equipment
  • Comfort using modern AI tools in day-to-day workflow; we operate with Claude as a company-wide platform and reward engineers who use these tools to compound their output

Diversity and Inclusion
Peak Energy is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage women, people of color, and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. We value skills, potential, and perspective over specific credentials. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't look perfect on paper, we still want to hear from you.
Our Core Values
  • Speed Through Focus. Move fast but understand why. Focus on the goal, don't sacrifice quality.
  • Mission Over Self. It's about the greater good; confident humility. Take ownership and accountability.
  • Face the Brutal Truth. Transparency, honesty, big picture curiosity. Fearless decision making.
  • Be a Good Person. Kindness, collaboration and teamwork.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this role is $160,000 - $210,000, with actual pay varying based on work location, experience, and skills. Our competitive benefits package includes:
  • Flexible time off
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Strong 401(k) plan
  • Equity opportunities
  • Many great work perks

Join us to thrive in a supportive environment while making a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
Equal Employment Opportunity
At Peak Energy Technologies Inc., we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes us a more capable, innovative, and competitive company. We welcome people who represent diversity in their backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. Peak Energy Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, aiming to reach our company's full potential by cultivating an inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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