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Graduate Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Automation and AI Engineer Join a diverse team at the center of America's aerospace supply chain ... The position is well suited for a recent graduate or early-career professional with strong ...

Should we want to extend you a full-time offer after you graduate, we ask that you would be willing ... Help with prompt engineering, troubleshooting, and tuning of AI agents and responses for scoped ...

Should we want to extend you a full-time offer after you graduate, we ask that you would be willing ... Help with prompt engineering, troubleshooting, and tuning of AI agents and responses for scoped ...

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Graduate Automation Engineer information

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$37K

$107.1K

$163K

How much do graduate automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 types of projects can a Graduate Automation Engineer expect to work on during their first year, and how are these projects typically structured within a team?

As a Graduate Automation Engineer, you will often start by assisting on projects involving the design, testing, and implementation of automated systems in manufacturing or process environments. These projects are usually team-based, with experienced engineers providing mentorship and oversight. You may be involved in programming PLCs, troubleshooting control systems, or supporting the integration of new automation technology. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—is common, providing opportunities to develop both technical and communication skills. Your responsibilities will typically grow as you demonstrate proficiency, leading to more complex assignments over time.

What is a Graduate Automation Engineer?

A Graduate Automation Engineer is an entry-level professional who specializes in designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems within industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and technology. They typically work with hardware and software to improve efficiency, safety, and reliability of processes. As recent graduates, they usually work under the supervision of senior engineers while gaining hands-on experience and developing their technical skills. Their tasks may include programming control systems, testing automation equipment, and troubleshooting issues that arise during production.

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

AspectGraduate Automation EngineerAutomation Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of automation systemsInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automation equipment
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, robotics, and industrial automation companiesFactories, plants, and industrial facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in automation engineeringTechnical hands-on roles in automation systems

The Graduate Automation Engineer typically focuses on designing and developing automation solutions, requiring a degree in engineering. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles installation and maintenance, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are vital in industrial settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Automation Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, programming skills (such as Python, C++, or PLC languages), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with automation tools like SCADA systems, PLCs, and software such as AutoCAD or MATLAB is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help candidates excel in collaborative and technical environments. These skills are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining efficient automation solutions that drive productivity and innovation in industrial settings.
What states have the most Graduate Automation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Automation Engineer jobs include:
Senior Manager, Automation Engineering

Senior Manager, Automation Engineering

L3Harris Technologies

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Senior Manager, Automation Engineering

Job Code: 35344

Job Location: Huntsville, AL

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

The Advanced Operations Technology (AOT) organization is seeking an experienced Senior Manager with extensive knowledge of manufacturing automation and controls to oversee a section of the AOT portfolio. This role will be responsible for the lifecycle of the automated system which includes capturing opportunities, drafting requirements, design, development, implementation and sustainment of the equipment.

The selected candidate will lead a team of automation engineers and will work closely with automation integrators and suppliers to build innovative automation solutions for our solid rocket motor manufacturing processes. These solutions will focus on improving manufacturing capabilities, effectiveness and employee safety. The role reports to the director of Advanced Operations Technology.

The AOT organization works with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities in the manufacturing process, and craft solutions which align with the organization's vision for manufacturing modernization. This requires motivated, self-starting individuals with a passion for technical creativity and the ability to work with others to achieve results. Furthermore, Automation Engineers will lead the automation solutions through project management activities, developing requirements, working with key suppliers, testing the automation, and transitioning the solution to production.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead and oversee a team of automation engineers, providing direction, mentorship, and performance management.
  • Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams including program managers, manufacturing engineers, process engineers, quality, maintenance, IT, OT, safety and Integrated product team leads to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
  • Collaborate closely with Advanced Operations Technology Chief Engineer on every automation initiative
  • Manage projects from concept to completion, including resource allocation, timeline management, and budget adherence.
  • Analyze production Process and Workstreams to identify opportunities for manufacturing modernization and recommend solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs
  • Drive the standardization of automated systems solutions across sites.
  • Develop and implement automation strategies and solutions to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
  • Ensure that all automation processes comply with safety, regulatory, and quality standards.
  • Continuously assess and implement improvements in automation technologies and methodologies.
  • Evaluate and select external vendors and partners for automation-related projects and products.
  • Up to 25% business travel required.
  • Ability to obtain U.S. Secret security clearance.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant Engineering experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related Engineering experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior relatedEngineering experience.
  • 2+ years prior direct people leadership/management experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Strong knowledge of automation systems design/sustainment involving robotic cells, custom automation solutions, vision systems, motion control or testing solutions.
  • Experience developing statements or work and functional requirements specification documents.
  • Experience in integration of automation systems with business and manufacturing systems.
  • Experience managing automation solutions team.
  • Experience in project management.
  • Experience managing automation integrators.
  • Experience programming Fanuc robotics systems and simulations.
  • Experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs.

#LI-HW1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time