1

Lead Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Automation Engineer

Denver, CO

$105.70K - $139.20K/yr

Lead Automation Engineer Education & Experience : Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field with 8-12+ years of relevant industry experience About the Role: We're looking for a Lead ...

Lead Automation Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Lead Automation Engineer Education & Experience : Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field with 8-12+ years of relevant industry experience About the Role: We're looking for a Lead ...

Lead Automation Engineer

Arlington, VA

$117.10K - $154.30K/yr

The Lead Automation Engineer will act as the technical specialist responsible for developing, securing, and implementing robust Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and scripting solutions to drive the ...

Lead Automation Engineer

Lititz, PA · On-site

$110.50K - $156K/yr

Lead Automation Engineer What we do At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we're the house of iconic brands ...

The Lead Automation Engineer will lead automation initiatives for a financial institution, focusing on Microsoft Power Automate, Power BI, and complementary technologies to optimize back-office ...

Regional Automation Engineer is responsible to lead all automation systems inside our region, drive continuous improvement initiatives to our automated systems, troubleshooting automated equipment ...

HMH is seeking an experienced Lead Automation Engineer with a strong background in oilfield equipment, industrial controls, and field service support. This role focuses on designing, programming, and ...

HMH is seeking an experienced Lead Automation Engineer with a strong background in oilfield equipment, industrial controls, and field service support. This role focuses on designing, programming, and ...

Senior Lead Automation Engineer

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$102.40K - $134.30K/yr

Overview The Senior Lead Automation Engineer (Connected Automation) position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group's quickly growing USA regional team. Together we are sharing knowledge ...

Senior Lead Automation Engineer

Conshohocken, PA

$102.40K - $134.30K/yr

Overview The Senior Lead Automation Engineer (Connected Automation) position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group's quickly growing USA regional team. Together we are sharing knowledge ...

Catalyx is seeking an experienced Automation Area Lead to provide technical leadership for a ... engineering, manufacturing, validation, and quality teams to ensure successful project delivery ...

Novelis in Bay Minette has an exciting opportuntity for a Lead Automation Engineer. The incumbent for this position designs, develops, configures, and implements automated systems and processes to ...

Senior / Lead Automation Engineer

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$102.40K - $134.30K/yr

Overview The Senior / Lead Automation Engineer position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group's quickly growing Philadelphia area team out of Conshohocken, PA . We are sharing knowledge ...

Senior / Lead Automation Engineer

Conshohocken, PA · On-site

$102.40K - $134.30K/yr

Overview The Senior / Lead Automation Engineer position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group's quickly growing Philadelphia area team out of Conshohocken, PA . We are sharing knowledge ...

Catalyx is seeking an experienced Automation Area Lead to provide technical leadership for a ... with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, validation, and quality teams to ensure ...

Sr Automation Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$120.20K - $157.80K/yr

JSat Automation is hiring a Senior/ Lead Automation Engineer with Emerson DeltaV and Syncade experience. Requirements * Proven experience as a Senior Automation Engineer with increased levels of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lead Automation Engineer information

See salary details

$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead automation engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lead Automation Engineer, you need deep expertise in automation frameworks, scripting languages (such as Python or Java), and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Docker, and CI/CD systems, as well as relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB), is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you manage teams and collaborate across departments effectively. These skills ensure efficient automation processes, high-quality software releases, and cohesive teamwork within development environments.

What are some common challenges Lead Automation Engineers face when managing cross-functional projects?

Lead Automation Engineers often encounter challenges such as aligning automation goals with shifting business priorities, coordinating between software development and operations teams, and ensuring consistent communication across departments. Balancing technical responsibilities with leadership duties, such as mentoring junior engineers and managing project timelines, is also common. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and proactive stakeholder engagement.

What is a Lead Automation Engineer?

A Lead Automation Engineer is a senior technical professional responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing automation systems in various industries, such as manufacturing or software development. They lead teams of engineers, set automation strategies, and ensure that automated processes operate efficiently and safely. Their role often involves coordinating with other departments to integrate automation solutions, troubleshooting complex systems, and mentoring junior engineers. Lead Automation Engineers play a crucial part in increasing productivity, reducing manual labor, and improving overall system performance.

What is the difference between Lead Automation Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectLead Automation EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like ISTQB, Certified Automation ProfessionalBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like ISTQB, Certified Automation Professional
Work EnvironmentLeading automation projects, coordinating teams, designing automation strategiesDeveloping and implementing automation scripts, testing automation processes
Industry UsageUsed across software, manufacturing, and industrial sectors for overseeing automation effortsPrimarily in software testing, manufacturing, and process automation roles

The main difference between a Lead Automation Engineer and an Automation Engineer lies in their responsibilities. The Lead Automation Engineer oversees automation projects, manages teams, and develops strategies, while the Automation Engineer focuses on creating and executing automation scripts and processes. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and leadership responsibilities.

More about Lead Automation Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Automation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Automation Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Lead Automation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Automation Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lead Automation Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Automation Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lead Automation Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

$105.70K - $139.20K/yr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Lead Automation Engineer

Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field with 8–12+ years of relevant industry experience


About the Role:

We're looking for a Lead Automation Engineer to join a dynamic engineering team in Denver, CO. This individual will serve as the technical lead on automation projects, with responsibility for delivering results aligned with scope, budget, and schedule. You’ll play a key role in DCS/PLC programming and SCADA/HMI development, while also mentoring junior engineers and driving high-impact projects.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design and implementation of automation systems including DCS, PLC, and SCADA/HMI

  • Serve as the discipline lead on engineering projects, ensuring alignment with project objectives and deadlines

  • Interface with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders to drive technical excellence

  • Apply industry standards, best practices, and engineering methodologies to solve complex technical challenges

  • Conduct in-depth evaluations of project requirements, material acceptability, and contractor deliverables

  • Coordinate and monitor testing activities, including development of automated testing strategies

  • Mentor and oversee junior engineers in testing and project execution

  • Contribute to engineering and construction cost estimates

  • Collaborate across departments to discuss design and performance considerations

  • Maintain working knowledge of relevant codes, regulations, and engineering specifications

  • Apply advanced knowledge of control panel wiring, layout, and control system design

  • Drive innovation through new testability techniques and automation tools

Preferred Skills:

  • Strong proficiency in DCS/PLC/SCADA systems

  • Experience in visual basic programming

  • Familiarity with automation testing frameworks and methodologies

  • Advanced knowledge of control panel design and layout

  • Effective communication and leadership skills

  • Ability to manage complex problems with minimal supervision