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Industrial Automation Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Automation Engineer

Roanoke, VA ยท On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Automation Engineer Our client is a well-established systems integrator with more than 40 years of ... Design and support industrial automation and control system architectures for new installations and ...

Automation Engineer

Roanoke, VA ยท On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Automation Engineer Our client is a well-established systems integrator with more than 40 years of ... Design and support industrial automation and control system architectures for new installations and ...

Industrial Automation Engineer - cGMP Manufacturing | Greater Richmond VA This is an opportunity to join a growing manufacturing organization that is actively investing in new equipment, automation ...

Automation Engineer

Blacksburg, VA ยท On-site

$90 - $125/hr

You will primarily focus on industrial automation (equipment, controls, robotics) in collaboration with IT, Safety, Facilities, Industrial Engineering, and Manufacturing Operations. Experience with ...

Automation Engineer

Blacksburg, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

You will primarily focus on industrial automation (equipment, controls, robotics) in collaboration with IT, Safety, Facilities, Industrial Engineering, and Manufacturing Operations. Experience with ...

You will primarily focus on industrial automation (equipment, controls, robotics) in collaboration with IT, Safety, Facilities, Industrial Engineering, and Manufacturing Operations. Experience with ...

Automation Engineer (Industrial Controls / PLC Systems) Location: Ashburn, VA (On-site) Employment Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire Compensation: Based on experience and current compensation About the ...

... controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor ... programming or automation engineering experience - Work a flexible schedule/shift/work area ...

Controls & Automation Engineer

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$68K - $161K/yr

Implement and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, CIP, Modbus ... Strong experience programming Rockwell Automation PLCs including ControlLogix and CompactLogix ...

... controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor ... engineering, automation engineering, or equivalent, or 2+ years of process or production ...

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Industrial Automation Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$51.1K

$92.4K

$122.9K

How much do industrial automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for industrial automation engineer in Virginia is $92,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an industrial automation engineer do?

An Industrial Automation Engineer designs, develops, and implements systems that automate manufacturing and industrial processes. They work with control systems, robotics, and software to increase efficiency, reliability, and safety in industrial environments. Their responsibilities often include programming PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), troubleshooting automation equipment, and collaborating with other engineers to optimize production lines. Industrial Automation Engineers play a crucial role in modernizing factories and reducing manual labor through advanced technology solutions.

What does an industrial automation engineer do?

As an industrial automation engineer, your responsibilities include troubleshooting systems and equipment and maintaining software, robotics, and machinery in a manufacturing facility. You also set up, install, and monitor new equipment, program and adjust process controls, and purchase and maintain stock levels of all necessary electronic equipment. You stay within company standards and accepted industry practices when preparing project scopes, design concepts, bills of material, specifications, and cost estimates for production. Other duties include working directly with clients, preparing project correspondence as needed, and developing industrial software programs based on client product requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an industrial automation engineer?

To thrive as an Industrial Automation Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, automation systems, and process control, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industry-standard automation software, along with certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP), is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable automation processes in industrial environments.

How does an industrial automation engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on large-scale projects?

Industrial Automation Engineers frequently work alongside mechanical engineers, software developers, project managers, and production staff to implement and optimize automated systems. Collaboration often involves participating in project planning meetings, designing control systems that integrate with existing machinery, and troubleshooting issues during installation and testing phases. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as these engineers must ensure that automation solutions meet both technical and operational requirements while aligning with safety and regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Industrial Automation Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectIndustrial Automation EngineerControl Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like Siemens or Allen-BradleyBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, automation labsIndustrial plants, process control environments, automation projects
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automotive, food processingProcess industries, oil & gas, power plants

Both roles focus on automation systems, but Industrial Automation Engineers typically work on integrating and maintaining automation equipment in manufacturing settings, while Control Systems Engineers design and optimize control algorithms for complex processes. The roles often overlap, but their specific focus areas differ based on industry needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Industrial Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Industrial Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Industrial Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Industrial Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Industrial Automation Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,422 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Montgomery Hassell Inc.

Roanoke, VA โ€ข On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Automation Engineer

Our client is a well-established systems integrator with more than 40 years of experience delivering automation and SCADA solutions for municipal water and wastewater facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic. They have built a reputation for technical excellence, long-term customer relationships, and solving complex infrastructure challenges for municipalities and utility providers.


This is a unique opportunity to join a respected engineering organization in a high-impact technical role. You'll work on projects that support critical public infrastructure while partnering with experienced engineers and municipal customers. This position is part of a planned succession effort, offering the opportunity to learn from and eventually step into a highly visible technical leadership role.


What Sets This Opportunity Apart

  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits

  • 401(k) with company match

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid holidays and paid time off

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Opportunities for technical and professional growth

  • Exposure to complex municipal water and wastewater automation projects

  • Stable organization with a long-standing reputation in the industry

  • Collaborative engineering culture with experienced automation professionals

  • Opportunity to become a trusted technical advisor to municipal customers


What You'll Do

  • Design, develop, program, and commission PLC and SCADA systems for municipal water and wastewater facilities.

  • Design and support industrial automation and control system architectures for new installations and system upgrades.

  • Configure and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, industrial networks, and instrumentation.

  • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, technicians, and customers to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget.

  • Perform startup, commissioning, testing, and field troubleshooting at customer sites.

  • Provide technical consultation and support throughout the lifecycle of customer automation projects.

  • Develop and maintain engineering documentation including electrical drawings, P&IDs, control narratives, and system documentation.

  • Travel to customer locations as needed to support commissioning, troubleshooting, and project implementation.


This is a customer-facing Automation Engineer role supporting municipal water and wastewater facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.


Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent industry experience).

  • Five or more years of experience designing, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial automation systems.

  • Experience supporting municipal water and wastewater facilities or other process automation environments.

  • Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.

  • Experience developing and supporting SCADA systems.

  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and engineering documentation.

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong customer relationships.


About Our Client

Our client is a leading automation and systems integration company specializing in PLC, SCADA, and industrial control solutions for municipal water, wastewater, utility, and critical infrastructure customers. For more than four decades, they have partnered with municipalities and public utilities to design, implement, and support reliable automation systems that keep essential infrastructure operating safely and efficiently.


They are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working directly with customers, and making a lasting impact on critical infrastructure projects while growing within a highly respected engineering organization.


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