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Factory Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Improve and modernize existing factory automation processes by introducing AI/ML, advanced ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline. * 5+ years delivering industrial or ...

Improve and modernize existing factory automation processes by introducing AI/ML, advanced ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related discipline. * 5+ years delivering industrial or ...

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Factory Automation Engineer information

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$37K

$107.1K

$163K

How much do factory automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for factory 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 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 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or senior software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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.

More about Factory Automation Engineer jobs
What states have the most Factory Automation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Factory Automation Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Factory Automation Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,126 per year, or $51.5 per hour.
Staff Mechanical Engineer, Factory Automation

Staff Mechanical Engineer, Factory Automation

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

About the Team:ย 

The Tooling and Factory Automation team sits at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and automation, making everything from large-scale structural fixtures to small tools that directly enable Terran R's production. As a design group embedded within the manufacturing organization, we dig deep into the needs of our internal partners to understand root problems, propose solutions, and deliver hardware to help build faster, scale smarter, and work better. The team is also at the forefront of Relativity's growing factory automation efforts, an increasingly critical part of scaling production of Terran R at existing and future facilities. You'll have the autonomy to make decisions, field solutions, and see them in action on the factory floor. Ultimately, you're not just designing tools or automated processes; you're defining how rockets and factories get built.

About the Role:

The Mechanical Design Engineers are responsible for the design and development of tools and factory automation equipment that support manufacturing. The Mechanical Engineering team works closely with Design and Manufacturing, turning top-level requirements and concepts into functional delivered equipment. The Mechanical Design Engineering team brings a high level of innovation and ingenuity into the design process, as they are tasked with building out a highly automated production facility.ย 

  • Develop high quality development and production tooling and automation solutions for the Terran vehicle and Aeon engine programs
  • Capable of integrating concepts and principles of mechanical design and analysis of several different projects in a fast-paced environment - projects will vary in size and scale
  • Ability to interpret and apply sound design and drafting standards (ASME Y14.5) in creating tooling drawing definitions
  • Handle a wide range of technical problems and familiar with all types of material handling, assembly fixtures, off-loaders, rotisseries, test fixtures, structural weldments, environmental chambers, and custom machines
  • Close collaboration with component designers, manufacturing engineers, and integration engineering to achieve the best possible cradle to grave metrics (safety, cost, quality, cycle time, delivery, reliability, life, and maintenance/refurbishment)
  • Manage projects including vendor selection, fabrication, inspection, equipment installation, and commissioning of toolingย 

About You:ย ย 

  • Bachelor of Science degree in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering or equivalentย 
  • 10+ years of work or project experience with design, build, and commissioning of tooling and fixtures for manufacturing, assembly and testย 
  • Experience using CAD and FEA-based analysis software (NX and ANSYS Workbench preferred) for structural applicationsย 
  • Experience in full-cycle project completionย 
  • Experience in strategic buildout and project management of tooling supporting productionย 

Nice to haves but not required:ย ย 

  • Strong expertise in design for manufacturability and design for assembly including experience taking products from prototype design to production
  • Solid understanding of common manufacturing materials, GD&T, and tolerance/stack-up analysis
  • Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines including mills, lathes, welding, sheet-metal bending, lifting/rigging, assembly, inspection, etc.
  • Experience with custom machine design: motors, actuators, linear rails/actuators, pneumatics, bearings, etc.