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Junior Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TERABASE ENERGY INC

Automation Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site +1

What We Do At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next ... Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers or interns. Minimum Qualifications

Zoomcar

AI Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

We're looking for a junior engineer to be the primary engineer building and maintaining our technical interview pipeline - from the question bank to AI-assisted scoring to full workflow automation ...

Terabase Energy, Inc

Automation Engineer

Davis, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

What We Do At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next ... Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers or interns. Minimum Qualifications

Alps Coders

Test Automation Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Test Automation Engineer with a deep ... Supporting manual testing efforts when necessary and mentoring junior QA team members. Job ...

Apex Informatics

Sr /Lead RPA Automation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

This role leads end-to-end automation execution, spanning process analysis, solution architecture ... of junior engineers. Success in this role requires strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ...

Legence

Senior Automation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$155K - $195K/yr

Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance. * Serve as the primary customer interface for the automation and controls scopes Technical Expertise * PLC/DCS Programming: Rockwell ...

Legence Corp.

Senior Automation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$155 - $195/hr

... Automation Engineer and play a key role in leading the technical efforts in the design and ... Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance. * Serve as the primary customer ...

Jobsbridge

Sr. Quality Automation Engineer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

... junior engineers Estimate resource requirements for software test projects Develop task plans for ... automation and tools using JavaScript 3+ years in experience developing automation and tools using ...

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All JobsAutomation Engineer JobsJunior Automation Engineer JobsJunior Automation Engineer Jobs in California

Junior Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

$42.4K

$73.5K

$110.5K

How much do junior automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior automation engineer in California is $73,473.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $86,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior automation engineer?

A Junior Automation Engineer is an entry-level professional who helps design, develop, and maintain automated systems and processes within industries such as manufacturing, IT, or software development. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers, assisting with tasks like programming automated equipment, troubleshooting system errors, and ensuring machinery operates efficiently. This role requires a basic understanding of automation technologies, programming languages, and problem-solving skills. Junior Automation Engineers often gain hands-on experience and training to advance their expertise and career within the automation field.

What does a junior automation engineer do?

A junior automation engineer develops processes for sophisticated automation equipment. In this role, you may design technologies for multiple platforms, including manufacturing and production. You set up and troubleshoot sophisticated automation tools and systems. Your responsibilities include procuring new equipment, defining specifications, unit testing, and implementation. Other duties include coding applications that enable physical devices or embed systems and debugging any problems that arise. You create procedures, provide training on related equipment and processes, interface with vendors and technical support on equipment issues and maintenance, and improve new production processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior automation engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Automation Engineer, you need a foundation in programming (such as Python or Java), engineering principles, and a relevant degree such as electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with automation tools like PLCs, SCADA systems, and testing frameworks, as well as certifications like ISA CAP, are typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for developing, testing, and maintaining automated systems efficiently and ensuring smooth operations.

What are typical projects or tasks a junior automation engineer might work on during their first year?

As a Junior Automation Engineer, you'll often support senior engineers by developing and testing automated scripts, maintaining documentation, and assisting with troubleshooting automation issues. You'll likely work on smaller components of larger automation projects, such as configuring test environments or updating automation frameworks. Collaboration with software developers, QA testers, and IT teams is common, as you help integrate automation solutions into existing workflows. Over time, you'll gain exposure to more complex tasks and have opportunities to take on greater responsibility as you build your skills.

What is the difference between Junior Automation Engineer vs Test Automation Engineer?

AspectJunior Automation EngineerTest Automation Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; some certifications like ISTQB are commonSimilar credentials; often holds certifications like ISTQB or Certified Test Automation Engineer
Work EnvironmentEntry-level role in software development teams, focusing on automation scripting and basic testingFocuses on designing, developing, and maintaining automated test scripts and frameworks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across software companies, QA teams, and tech firms for automation tasksCommon in software testing firms, IT departments, and development teams emphasizing quality assurance

The main difference is that a Junior Automation Engineer is an entry-level role focusing on learning automation tools and scripting, while a Test Automation Engineer typically has more experience and responsibility for developing comprehensive testing frameworks and strategies.

More about Junior Automation Engineer jobs

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The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in California are:

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For Junior Automation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Junior Automation Engineer jobs in California are:

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Cities in California with the most Junior Automation Engineer job openings:

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For Junior Automation Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Junior Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Automation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,473 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Senior Automation Engineer

Harvest Technical Services, Inc.

San Jose, CA • On-site

$80 - $95/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Summary:

The Senior Automation Engineer will play a key role in leading the technical efforts in the design and implementation of cutting-edge industrial automation solutions. This position offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects, leverage advanced technologies, lead and collaborate with a talented team to deliver innovative systems that drive efficiency and performance.

Core Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and implementation for greenfield and automation retrofit projects.
  • Develop Functional Design Specifications and Sequence of Operations (SOO).
  • Program and script PLC/DCS systems.
  • Create and configure HMI/SCADA graphics.
  • Define and design electrical and controls schematics.
  • Oversee the development and execution of test protocols and managing commissioning activities.
  • Prepare close-out documentation and ensure compliance.
  • Manage automation project budgets and timelines.
  • Mentor junior team members and provide technical guidance.
  • Serve as the primary customer interface for the automation and controls scopes

Technical Expertise

  • PLC/DCS Programming: Rockwell RSLogix5000/500, Siemens Step 7/TIA Portal, DeltaV, ABB, Foxboro.
  • HMI/SCADA Development: Ignition Inductive Automation, GE Cimplicity/iFIX, Wonderware, Rockwell FactoryTalk View Studio, Siemens.
  • Networking & Drives: Practical knowledge of networked VFDs and communication protocols (i.e. Modbus, BACnet).
  • Data Acquisition Systems: OSI PI, Wonderware Historian, or similar.
  • Control Panel Design: Experience with AutoCAD; knowledge of UL 508A (UL698A is a plus).
  • Instrumentation: Specifying and implementing instrumentation solutions.
  • Programming Skills: Structured text (C++, Java, Visual Basic) is a plus.

Qualifications & Requirements

  • BS or higher in Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
  • Minimum 7+ years of relevant experience in industrial automation and controls.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for specifications and client interactions.
  • Ability to travel locally and occasionally outside California.


The hiring range for this position is $80.00 to $95.00 per hour. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity, and may also vary depending on candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience amongst other factors.

Harvest Technical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, Sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.