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Junior Automation Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

GG Tech Global

Test Automation Lead

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

Mentor junior automation engineers and promote automation best practices. * Support API testing, backend validation, and data validation activities. * Maintain traceability between requirements, test ...

Rishabh RPO

Robotics Technician

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Electrical Component Testing/Building, Automation Maintenance Technician, and Automation Engineer ... Automation Technician Trainee, Electrical Apprentice, Junior Automation Technician, Installation ...

General Motors

Sr. Automation Engineer

Warren, MI · Hybrid

$97K - $128K/yr

The Engineer serves as a key interface between suppliers, Industrialization teams, Purchasing ... Mentor junior specialists and guide cross-functional teams in automation maturity best practices.

General Motors

Sr. Automation Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

The Engineer serves as a key interface between suppliers, Industrialization teams, Purchasing ... Mentor junior specialists and guide cross-functional teams in automation maturity best practices.

BoehringerPRD

Team composition is junior engineers, technicians, etc. * Accountable for goal development and assessment of reports. * Develops the Automation strategy to support business needs of area of ...

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All JobsAutomation Engineer JobsJunior Automation Engineer JobsJunior Automation Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Junior Automation Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$37.5K

$64.9K

$97.6K

How much do junior automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior automation engineer in Michigan is $64,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,700.00 and $76,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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

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 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.
More about Junior Automation Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
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What job categories do people searching Junior Automation Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Automation Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Junior Automation Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Junior Automation Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Automation Engineer jobs in MI? For Junior Automation Engineer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Junior Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Automation Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $64,888 per year, or $31.2 per hour.
Junior Automation Engineer - Onsite

Junior Automation Engineer - Onsite

K Group Companies

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

About K Group Companies
K Group Companies is a locally owned and operated master integrator headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a proud history dating back to 1980. We support customers across the United States by delivering innovative, high-quality technology solutions across managed IT, physical security, and integrated services.
As a third-generation, family-owned business, we've built our reputation on long-term relationships, trusted expertise, and a commitment to doing things the right way for our customers and for each other.
We believe great work happens when people feel connected to their purpose, their team, and their growth.
Why K Group Companies?
At K Group Companies, culture is built on long-standing relationships, both with our customers and with each other.
Our team is made up of people who take pride in solving problems, supporting one another, and delivering work that reflects the standards we've built our reputation on. Whether it's designing secure environments for customers, supporting critical IT infrastructure, or collaborating across teams, we operate as one organization working toward shared success.
We also believe work should be fulfilling and enjoyable. From friendly gaming competitions in our Team Zone arcade to grabbing lunch together in the community, we value connection and teamwork just as much as technical excellence.
What you can expect here:
  • A family-owned company with deep roots in West Michigan
  • A trusted advisor culture built over 40+ years of relationships
  • The opportunity to work across diverse, real-world technology environments
  • A team-oriented culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and pride in workmanship
  • A workplace where people genuinely know and support each other

We believe we are better together, and that belief shows up in everything we do.
Work Authorization Requirement: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. This position does not offer employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. This role is 100% onsite in Grand Rapids, Michigan. No third-party recruiters, agencies, or C2C arrangements.
Role Overview
The Junior AI & Automation Engineer is a hands-on builder role within K Group's AI and Automation practice. This role focuses on the design, construction, and iteration of automation workflows, AI-assisted integrations, and internal tooling that the practice delivers to clients and deploys internally.
This is not a help-desk role. It's not a ticket queue. It's a make-things-work role for someone who gets excited about connecting systems that weren't designed to talk to each other - and figures out what's possible when they do. The ideal candidate thrives on turning ambiguous problems into working, practical systems and takes ownership of what they build.
Core Responsibilities
Automation & Workflow Engineering
  • Design, build, and maintain automation workflows using n8n, APIs, and webhook-based integrations across business platforms.
  • Develop AI-assisted pipelines including document processing, classification, notification routing, and data transformation workflows.
  • Connect disparate systems - CRMs, ticketing platforms, ERPs, communication tools - that weren't designed to work together.
  • Build and iterate on internal tools that reduce manual effort and create measurable operational efficiencies for K Group and its clients.

Client Delivery Support
  • Assist with delivery execution on AI/automation client engagements under the direction of practice leadership.
  • Participate in client discovery sessions as a technical contributor, supporting needs assessment and solution scoping.
  • Translate defined business requirements into working systems and document outcomes clearly for client and internal stakeholders.
  • Contribute to reusable delivery frameworks, templates, and runbooks that allow the practice to scale across multiple client engagements.

Internal Enablement
  • Build lightweight dashboards and front-end tools that surface automation outputs to non-technical users.
  • Document what you build - workflows, integration maps, configuration notes - so solutions are maintainable and transferable.
  • Support internal AI adoption by contributing to training materials and usage playbooks as the practice grows.

What Success Looks Like - Year One
To be defined collaboratively with leadership. Initial indicators may include:
  • Production-grade automation workflows deployed for internal K Group operations.
  • At least two client delivery engagements contributed to or completed on time and within scope.
  • Reusable workflow templates or delivery components documented and handed off to the practice library.
  • Clear growth path identified toward a senior engineering role within the AI & Automation practice.

Experience & Qualifications
  • Has built something for the joy of building it - a homelab, a personal automation, a self-hosted stack, a side project. Show us something.
  • Comfortable working with APIs, webhooks, and JSON without needing a tutorial for every call.
  • Familiar with Linux environments and capable of reading documentation when there's no walkthrough available.
  • Communicates clearly - can explain what something does and why it was built that way.
  • Doesn't need a strict playbook. Figures things out.

Bonus qualifications:
  • Hands-on experience with n8n, Make (Integromat), Zapier, or similar automation platforms.
  • Familiarity with AI/LLM tooling - OpenAI API, Ollama, Anthropic, LangChain, or similar.
  • Python or JavaScript scripting at a working level (not a developer, but comfortable in code).
  • Background in IT, MSP, sysadmin, or network environments.
  • Docker or self-hosted deployment experience.

Reporting & Structure
Reports to: Director of Engineering
Team: AI Enablement Team
Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Apply