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Factory Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Test & Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$54 - $71.25/hr

This role is a vital link between the lab and the factory floor, with a focus on system enablement ... As a Test & Automation Engineer, You Will Core Automation Engineering * Own and extend the board ...

Test & Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$54 - $71.25/hr

This role is a vital link between the lab and the factory floor, with a focus on system enablement ... As a Test & Automation Engineer, You Will Core Automation Engineering * Own and extend the board ...

Test Automation Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$150K - $250K/yr

Hadrian - Manufacturing the Future Hadrian is building autonomous factories to reindustrialize ... The Role As a Test Automation Engineer, you will own comprehensive test engineering for Special ...

Test & Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$54 - $71.25/hr

This role is a vital link between the lab and the factory floor, with a focus on system enablement ... As a Test & Automation Engineer, You Will Core Automation Engineering * Own and extend the board ...

Showing results 41-60

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 16, 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?

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 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:

Infographic showing various Factory Automation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Automation Engineer, Manufacturing Automation

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,479 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Manufacturing Automation team is seeking an Automation Engineer to join our team. The Manufacturing Automation team is responsible for the design, integration, and deployment of automated manufacturing systems across Anduril factories. As a member of this team, you will have the opportunity to help define what production automation looks like for Anduril at a national scale.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Own controls systems end-to-end as technical system owner - architecture, PLC/HMI development, commissioning, proof of rate, and sustainment handoff 
  • Deploy and maintain OT server infrastructure including, MQTT brokers, and jump hosts with disciplined backup and change-control practices 
  • Design and maintain OT networking stack for production (MQTT, OPC UA, TCP/IP) and diagnose protocol, timing, and VLAN segmentation issues using packet-level analysis 
  • Architect, develop, and debug PLC code on Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens platforms, producing structured, documented code suitable for high-volume manufacturing 
  • Apply defense-grade OT security practices - air-gapped design, IEC 62443/NIST 800-82 segmentation, Purdue-model layering, server hardening, and secure remote access 
  • Partner with IT, Security, FactoryOS, and Manufacturing Engineering on cross-functional initiatives and represent controls team in design reviews and cybersecurity buy-offs
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Information Technology, or related field 
  • 4+ years of experience in controls and automation in a production environment 
  • Strong in PLC programming on Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens platforms 
  • Proficient in OPC UA, MQTT Engine/Distributor/Transmission) 
  • Proficient across the OT stack - MQTT, OPC UA, TCP/IP, industrial Ethernet, VLANs, switching/routing - with fluency in packet-level analysis 
  • Working knowledge of OT cybersecurity - air-gapped networks, network segmentation, server hardening, secure remote access 
  • Experience integrating with MES and QMS
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience in regulated or defense manufacturing environments (ITAR/EAR-controlled, CMMC, or FDA/aerospace quality systems) 
  • Experience integrating controls systems with MES and QMS platforms 
  • Experience with servo drives, VFDs, PID tuning, and functional-safety implementations
  • Experience deploying Ignition in redundant/high-availability gateway topologies 
  • Familiar with control panel layout, electrical component selection, and cable routing 

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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