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Junior Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Automation Engineer

Rapid City, SD ยท On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Automation Engineer POSITION DESCRIPTION NUMBER: HR-023-33 DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO ... In addition, he/she supports and collaborates with junior level engineers. Primary Responsibilities ...

Automation Engineer POSITION DESCRIPTION NUMBER: HR-023-33 DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS TO ... In addition, he/she supports and collaborates with junior level engineers. Primary Responsibilities ...

Your future role on our team As an Automation Engineer, you'll take part inengineering proposals ... You'llalso visit client sites occasionally, support business development efforts andmentor junior ...

Your future role on our team As an Automation Engineer, you'll take part inengineering proposals ... You'llalso visit client sites occasionally, support business development efforts andmentor junior ...

Your future role on our team As an Automation Engineer, you'll take part inengineering proposals ... You'llalso visit client sites occasionally, support business development efforts andmentor junior ...

Your future role on our team As an Automation Engineer, you'll take part inengineering proposals ... You'llalso visit client sites occasionally, support business development efforts andmentor junior ...

Your future role on our team As an Automation Engineer, you'll take part inengineering proposals ... You'llalso visit client sites occasionally, support business development efforts andmentor junior ...

Your future role on our team As an Automation Engineer, you'll take part inengineering proposals ... You'llalso visit client sites occasionally, support business development efforts andmentor junior ...

Your future role on our team As an Automation Engineer, you'll take part inengineering proposals ... You'llalso visit client sites occasionally, support business development efforts andmentor junior ...

Your future role on our team As an Automation Engineer, you'll take part inengineering proposals ... You'llalso visit client sites occasionally, support business development efforts andmentor junior ...

Your future role on our team As an Automation Engineer, you'll take part inengineering proposals ... You'llalso visit client sites occasionally, support business development efforts andmentor junior ...

Your future role on our team As an Automation Engineer, you'll take part inengineering proposals ... You'llalso visit client sites occasionally, support business development efforts andmentor junior ...

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Junior Automation Engineer information

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$43K

$74.4K

$112K

How much do junior automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior automation engineer in the United States is $74,448.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $88,000.00 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.
What cities are hiring for Junior Automation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Automation Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Automation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Automation Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Automation Engineer jobs? For Junior Automation Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Junior Automation Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,448 per year, or $35.8 per hour.
Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

DARCEO Inc

Rapid City, SD โ€ข On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

TITLE OF POSITION:ย  Automation Engineer
POSITION DESCRIPTION NUMBER:ย  HR-023-33
DEPARTMENT:ย  Engineering
REPORTS TO:ย  Engineering Manager, Project Manager
ย 
If you are an Automation Engineer with PLC Controller and Robotics experience, please read on!
ย 
We are a rapidly growing, high speed engineering services company with product and test development in the medical, mil/aero, and high-end industrial spaces. The work is exciting and challenging every day.ย  Our customers range from fortune 50 companies to startups and across many projects. You can work on satellites, trains, planes, IoT devices to life saving medical devices all in the same week! We are a small team accomplishing great things and are looking for experienced engineers to join our tight knit & growing team.
The Position:
The Automation Engineer is a mid-level professional who is responsible for using technology to improve and streamline a manufacturing process through automation. Depending on their specific assignment, he/she may be a stand-alone contributor who can lead small scale automation projects, provide automation support within a specific area, or provide validation support for automation projects. The incumbent can also integrate into supporting a large-scale project. He/she is recognized as proficient in their field such as specific control systems, instrumentation, process, utilities, or qualification testing. The Automation Engineer I meets customer needs in support of business goals. In addition, he/she supports and collaborates with junior level engineers.
Primary Responsibilities
Project Support - Work within a project team, teamwork, schedule adherence, execution, start-up, commissioning, owner interaction, qualifications
Provide SME Leadership in designated area/field. Depending on assignment, this may be DCS, PLC, SCADA, BAS, Validation, Manufacturing and Utilities Areas.
If assigned as Area lead; Provide support for process issues, troubleshooting, continuous improvement projects, system administration, and providing point of contact to Operations personnel.
Develop standards and provide expertise to management.
Communication - Will be responsible for providing excellent communications (verbal/written) within area of responsibility.
Use/demonstrate problem solving skills to best support and meet the needs within area of responsibility.
Promotes a collaborative and cooperative environment which embraces the ability to work effectively within teams.
Capable of adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GxP) - Compliance, Change Control, Quality Oversight, Validation.
After hours support may be required.
Additional duties as assigned/required
System Technical Skills
Allen Bradley PLC/HMI - Design, Configuration, Programming, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration; Ignition SCADA - Design, Configuration, Programming, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Fanuc Robots- Design, Specifying, Troubleshooting; System Documentation - Drawings, FRS, SDD, URS, SOPs; Qualification / Validation - PLC's, Keysight or Optel Vision systems, Serialization, Packaging Equipment; Wincc7.4 SCADA Design, Configuration, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration; PLC/HMI/ Servo Drive - Design, Configuration, Troubleshooting; PLC/PC Based Electrical Control Panel Design; Industrial Network, IO link , Smart IO.
ย 
Requirementsย 
Bachelorโ€™s degree - Engineering, Automation, Computer, Industrial, Manufacturing, Related and 5 years of direct experience in automation engineering and/or validation.
No equivalent combination of education other than what is provided in this section will be accepted.
ย