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Junior Automation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

$110K - $144K/yr

Mentor junior automation engineers, scientists, and cross-functional users by providing technical coaching, training, design review, troubleshooting support, and best-practice guidance for automated ...

Fortinet, Inc.

AI Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$101K - $124K/yr

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 ...

Ignite Digital

Junior RPA Developer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$75K/yr

Ignite Digital has an exciting opportunity for a RPA Developer to support the Client Services Division to design and implement automations that provide efficiency for the Client(s) and customers we ...

Fortinet, Inc.

AI Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 ...

Fortinet

AI Automation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

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Junior Automation information

What is a junior automation engineer?

A Junior Automation Engineer is an entry-level professional who assists in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining automated systems and processes. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and help implement automation solutions to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and streamline operations. Their work can span industries such as manufacturing, IT, and software development, and often involves learning to use automation tools, scripting, and troubleshooting issues in automated systems.

What types of projects and tasks can a junior automation engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As a Junior Automation Engineer, you can expect to be involved in projects such as creating and maintaining automated test scripts, assisting with the setup and configuration of automation tools, and supporting the integration of automated solutions into existing workflows. Typical tasks include debugging scripts, collaborating with senior team members to understand requirements, and documenting automation processes. You'll often work closely with development and QA teams to ensure that automation aligns with project goals and helps streamline testing or production processes. This hands-on experience is valuable for building technical skills and understanding best practices in automation.

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 solid grasp of programming fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with automation tools such as Selenium, Jenkins, or scripting languages like Python is often required. Attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities enable the efficient design, testing, and maintenance of automated systems critical for consistent quality and productivity.

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

AspectJunior AutomationTest Automation Engineer
Required CredentialsBasic understanding of automation tools, often some coursework or certificationsMore advanced certifications, programming skills, and experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised tasks, learning-focusedMore autonomous, complex automation tasks, collaboration with development teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in software testing teams across industriesUsed in organizations with mature testing processes, often in tech and software companies

In summary, Junior Automation roles are typically entry-level positions focusing on learning automation tools and executing predefined scripts. Test Automation Engineers have more technical expertise, handle complex automation frameworks, and contribute to the development of testing strategies. Both roles are essential in software quality assurance but differ in experience level and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Automation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Junior Automation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Junior Automation job openings:

Junior Automation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Automation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Senior Engineer, Electrical Automation Systems

San Leandro, CA • On-site

Torani
Food Services and Drinking Places • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Toraniexternal

$127K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Senior Engineer, Electrical Automation Systems
At Torani, we're entering an exciting phase of hypergrowth and transformation as we build the systems that will support our journey toward a $1 Billion business. We're introducing new manufacturing technologies, modernizing legacy platforms, and expanding automation across our operations. To support this work, we're looking for a Senior Electrical & Automation Systems Engineer to serve as a technical anchor for our automation and electrical systems.
In this highly specialized role, you'll bring deep hands-on expertise in industrial automation, electrical systems, and IT/OT integration to support the startup of Torani's new sauce manufacturing area while strengthening and modernizing automation across the broader factory. You'll work closely with Operations, Maintenance, IT, and Engineering to translate complex technical systems into reliable, safe, and supportable solutions that perform in real-world manufacturing environments.
Reporting to the Principal Automation & Controls Engineer, you'll act as a technical leader, owning automation and electrical system design, commissioning, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support. You'll also mentor junior engineers, guide contractors and integrators, and help establish standards and best practices that build long-term capability across the Engineering team.
Why You'll Love Working at Torani: At Torani, we flavor more than just drinks - we flavor lives. As a proud Certified B Corporation, we're committed to using business as a force for good. You'll be part of a team that leads with heart, lifts each other up, and works together to build something bigger. We're growing fast, and we want people who grow with us, people who lead with purpose, learn with curiosity, and love what they do.
Success Factors (First 12-24 Months)
  • Automation & Electrical Systems Leader: You've played a critical role in the successful startup and stabilization of the electrical and automation systems supporting Torani's new sauce manufacturing area. From power distribution and control panels to PLCs, SCADA, and industrial networks, you ensured systems were designed, implemented, and commissioned to meet performance, safety, and reliability expectations. You brought strong technical judgment to both new installations and upgrades of aging equipment, helping the plant scale capacity while reducing risk and downtime.
  • IT/OT Integration Specialist: You served as a key bridge between manufacturing operations, maintenance teams, and IT partners-bringing clarity and practical solutions where traditional IT or OT approaches alone were not sufficient. By applying strong IT/OT integration skills, you supported secure and reliable connectivity across PLCs, SCADA, historians, databases, managed switches, and enterprise systems. Your work ensured data flowed effectively from the factory floor to business systems while maintaining appropriate cybersecurity and operational safeguards.
  • Project & Contractor Leadership: You successfully led electrical and automation scopes within capital and improvement projects, managing timelines, budgets, technical deliverables, and change control. You coordinated system integrators, panel builders, and installers by reviewing designs, overseeing installations, and ensuring documentation and standards were met. Through clear communication and technical leadership, you helped projects transition smoothly from engineering into operations with minimal disruption.
  • Operational Support & Reliability Partner: Following startup, you became a trusted technical partner to Operations and Maintenance by supporting day-to-day troubleshooting, system optimization, and lifecycle management of automation platforms. You helped teams understand system behavior, supported root cause analysis of complex failures, and implemented improvements that increased reliability, maintainability, and efficiency. Your presence helped ensure automation systems were not only sophisticated, but also practical and supportable.
  • Continuous Improvement & Technical Evolution: You actively identified opportunities to modernize and improve automation platforms, addressing reliability gaps, simplifying architectures, and extending the useful life of critical systems. You contributed to automation standards, object-oriented programming practices, documentation, and asset management strategies that improved consistency across the plant. Through data analytics, historian tools, and system insights, you supported continuous improvement efforts tied to performance, quality, and operational excellence.
  • Technical Mentor & Team Multiplier: You shared your expertise generously mentoring junior automation engineers and serving as a technical resource to the broader Engineering team. Through coaching, design reviews, and hands-on problem-solving, you helped elevate technical capability, reinforce best practices, and promote knowledge transfer. Your leadership strengthened the team's ability to support complex systems independently and sustainably.

What You'll Bring
  • BS in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Computer Engineering, or equivalent combination of degree in related technical field plus industry experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in electrical and industrial automation engineering
  • 5+ years of experience embedded in a manufacturing plant environment supporting live production systems
  • 5+ years working with or for system integrators delivering automation solutions
  • Proven experience leading automation and electrical scopes for medium-to-large capital projects
  • Deep hands-on expertise with Rockwell Automation platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix)
  • Strong PLC programming skills using structured text, ladder logic, SFC, and modular design
  • Experience with FactoryTalk View SE SCADA and manufacturing historians (e.g., Historian SE, OSI PI)
  • Working knowledge of industrial networks and protocols (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, AS-i, VFDs)
  • Experience integrating OT systems with IT infrastructure (SQL databases, Active Directory, managed networks, virtual environments)
  • Familiarity with food manufacturing processes and utilities (HTST, CIP, RO water preferred)
  • Experience with automation commissioning, validation, and startup support
  • Strong understanding of electrical codes and standards (NFPA, NEC, ISA)
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with Operations, Maintenance, IT, and external vendors
  • A safety-first mindset with experience supporting compliance and risk assessments

Why Torani
  • Become an owner: Every regular team member participates in Torani's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving you the opportunity to share in the long-term success you're helping create. Profit Sharing, an annual bonus, and a 401(k) company match are just a few of the additional ways we celebrate and reward that success together.
  • Growing with purpose: For more than 35 years, Torani has grown year after year. That growth creates opportunities to build new skills, work with new technologies, and take on new challenges to keep building our business.
  • Better together: We work across teams, solve problems together, and support one another through both successes and setbacks.

More to Love
  • Healthcare that's fully covered: We pay 100% of medical, dental, and vision premiums for our team members.
  • Celebrate together: From Company Day and cultural heritage celebrations to team lunches and milestone celebrations, we make time to connect and celebrate.
  • The perks are pretty delicious: Enjoy unlimited Italian sodas, flavored lattes, and plenty of opportunities to taste the products we're creating together.
  • And, of course, the essentials: Competitive pay, paid time off, and a comprehensive benefits package to support you.

Salary Range: $127,000 - $150,000

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