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Junior Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Lead QA Automation Engineer

Glendale, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Your job is the protocols and automation that make that safe: fully automated QA testing in the CI ... Mentor and grow the team\'s junior QA engineer. Qualifications * 6+ years in quality/test ...

Abbott

Senior Automation Engineer, R&D

San Diego, CA

$78K - $156K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Automation Engineer R&D is a key problem solving, individual ... Mentor junior level engineers. * Assist and train laboratory personnel on the use of automated ...

Abbott

Senior Automation Engineer, R&D

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78K - $156K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Automation Engineer R&D is a key problem solving, individual ... Mentor junior level engineers. * Assist and train laboratory personnel on the use of automated ...

Abbott

Senior Automation Engineer, R&D

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78K - $156K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Automation Engineer R&D is a key problem solving, individual ... Mentor junior level engineers. * Assist and train laboratory personnel on the use of automated ...

Abbott

Senior Automation Engineer, R&D

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78K - $156K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Automation Engineer, R&D is a key problem solving, individual ... Mentor junior level engineers. * Assist and train laboratory personnel on the use of automated ...

Abbott

Senior Automation Engineer, R&D

San Diego, CA · On-site

$78K - $156K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Automation Engineer, R&D is a key problem solving, individual ... Mentor junior level engineers. * Assist and train laboratory personnel on the use of automated ...

Abbott

Senior Automation Engineer, R&D

San Diego, CA

$78K - $156K/yr

Position Overview The Senior Automation Engineer, R&D is a key problem solving, individual ... Mentor junior level engineers. * Assist and train laboratory personnel on the use of automated ...

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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 3, 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.

Staff Controls & Automation Engineer

Mainspring Energy

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$146K - $185K/yr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

About Mainspring
Mainspring Energy manufactures and delivers fuel-flexible, low-emissions local power solutions that rapidly add new capacity and deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable electric power. The company began commercial shipments of its Mainspring Linear Generators in 2020 and today has hundreds of megawatts in advanced development and field operations for leading Fortune 500 companies, data centers, and utilities. Mainspring also partners with global energy leaders including AEP, NextEra Energy Resources, Schneider Electric, and more.
The core values that ground our work, guide our decisions, and connect us together:
  • Pragmatic Optimism
  • Excellence without Ego
  • Proactive Collaboration

Job Overview
As a Staff Controls and Automation Engineer, you will be the technical lead for the entire lifecycle of control and execution systems, from initial concept to scalable manufacturing deployment. This involves architecting intelligent manufacturing systems and managing them through feasibility assessments and production.
A key focus is on developing automation solutions that effectively balance demanding deterministic control needs with modern software engineering practices. This includes emphasizing modular design, utilizing version control, conducting code reviews, and enforcing disciplined change management to significantly improve the development, testing, and deployment of control software. While the role is grounded in traditional industrial automation, there is a strong drive for this modernization.
Key Responsibilities
  • System Leadership and Scaling: Lead the design, development, and deployment of control systems, ensuring they are scalable for the manufacturing environment
  • External Collaboration and Quality Assurance: Directly engage with external contractors, system integrators, and equipment vendors to engineer and build automated equipment. You must collaborate with both internal and external teams to guarantee adherence to equipment standards
  • Testing and Compliance: Mandate and oversee the execution of Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) to secure the delivery of compliant, high-quality control systems
  • Project Management and Mentorship: Oversee multiple concurrent projects and provide essential technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineering staff

Required Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience in automation
  • 7 - 15 or more years of hands-on experience with control systems within an industrial automation or manufacturing equipment environment
  • Extensive, practical experience in PLC programming and troubleshooting, with proficiency in Beckhoff (required) ,Codesys ,Schneider Electric , Allen Bradley
  • Demonstrated expertise in supporting existing automated manufacturing equipment or production lines, including in-line troubleshooting of electrical systems, control panels, field devices, and safety interlock circuits
  • Proven capacity to collaborate with external contractors and equipment vendors for the design, build, installation, and commissioning of future manufacturing automation
  • Robust practical electrical troubleshooting proficiencies, encompassing the ability to read, interpret, and review electrical schematics, diagrams, and blueprints
  • Experience independently executing and supporting SCADA/HMI systems (such as Ignition Perspective, Siemens WinCC, or Rockwell FTView ME)
  • Experience integrating robotics (e.g., FANUC) and vision systems (e.g., Keyence and Cognex)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in the design and programming of MES data transactions and PLC product tracking
  • Experience configuring Operational Technology (OT) networks (e.g., managed network switches) and functional safety programming (e.g., ProfiSafe, CIP Safety, or FANUC)
  • Experience with advanced programming languages (Python, MATLAB), and version control software for the extraction of insights and the implementation of system control modifications

$146,000 - $185,000 a year
This position is onsite at our Menlo Park HQ. The salary will be adjusted to reflect local market conditions based on employee location as well as the experience of the employee. Along with the base salary, Mainspring offers pre-IPO stock options + benefits.
Does your experience not meet all of our posted requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed requirement. At Mainspring, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, flexible, and collaborative environment, so if you want to help us transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, and don't meet all posted requirements for a particular role, we'd still love to hear from you. Mainspring can sometimes be flexible enough to shift responsibilities for the right person, or otherwise identify open or upcoming roles that may better fit your professional background.
In more traditional words, Mainspring Energy, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
This compensation and benefits information is based on Mainspring Energy's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. We generally do not negotiate on salary once we have made an offer. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. New hires joining the company tend to be paid within the starting base pay range noted above, with opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company-specific knowledge.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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