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Lead Automation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

DARCEO Inc

Automation Controls Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Automation Controls Engineer POSITION DESCRIPTION NUMBER: HR-097-MN DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS ... Depending on their specific assignment, he/she may be a stand-alone contributor who can lead small ...

nVent

Manufacturing Automation Engineer V

Blaine, MN · On-site

$105K - $195K/yr

Lead, drive and scale automation projects across multiple sites globally * Research new ... YOU HAVE: * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or other ...

nVent

Manufacturing Automation Engineer V

Blaine, MN · On-site

$105K - $195K/yr

Lead, drive and scale automation projects across multiple sites globally * Research new ... YOU HAVE: * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or other ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsLead Automation Engineer JobsLead Automation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Lead Automation Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$41.6K

$121.2K

$176.8K

How much do lead automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead automation engineer in Minnesota is $121,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,400.00 and $132,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead automation engineer?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Automation Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

For Lead Automation Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Automation Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Automation Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

Lead Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Automation Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,236 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Automation Controls Engineer

DARCEO Inc

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement

TITLE OF POSITION:  Automation Controls EngineerPOSITION DESCRIPTION NUMBER:  HR-097-MN
DEPARTMENT:  Engineering
REPORTS TO:  Engineering Manager, Project Manager
 
If you are an Automation Engineer with PLC Controller and Robotics experience, please read on!
 We are a rapidly growing, Integrator doing machine design and automation integration in the medical, mil/aero and high-end industrial spaces. Work is exciting and challenging every day.  Our customers range from fortune 50 companies to startups and across many projects. You can work on small custom machines to full automated assembly lines.  We are a small team accomplishing great things and are looking for experienced engineers to join our expansion office in MSP.
The Position:
The Automation Controls Engineer is a professional 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 electrical and software control systems, instrumentation, hardware, utilities, or qualification testing. The Automation Controls Engineer meets customer needs in support of business goals. In addition, he/she supports and collaborates with junior level engineers. We are looking for an expert in Allen Bradly PLC’s and Rockwell programming tools such as FactoryTalk View and Studio 5000. 
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. This would be electrical design, schematic and cabinet design in Autocad electrical, PLC and HMI programming in Optix, Studio 5000 and Factory Talk View. Programming will extend from machine level to SCADA and Factory System Integration. 
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.
Additional duties as assigned/required
System Technical Skills
Allen Bradley PLC/HMI - Design, Configuration, Programming, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Administration; Studio 5000, Optix Core, FactoryTalk View, Ignition SCADA - Fanuc Robots- PLC/PC Based Electrical Control Panel Design; Industrial Network, IO link , Smart IO.
Requirements 
Bachelor’s degree - Engineering, Automation, Computer, Industrial, Manufacturing.
Related and 5 years of direct experience in automation engineering, programming and validation.