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Lead Automation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Controls Engineer

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

... and engineering environment. This is a high-impact role offering strong autonomy, where you'll ... lead automation initiatives, and help shape the long-term strategy for electrical and control ...

... driven analysis, engineering judgment, and calculated risk assessment. * Define and review ... Lead or support the development of automation solutions such as case erectors, product feeding ...

... driven analysis, engineering judgment, and calculated risk assessment. * Define and review ... Lead or support the development of automation solutions such as case erectors, product feeding ...

Director of Manufacturing Automation

Saint Louis Park, MN

$172K - $256K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead the design, programming, and implementation of automation systems incorporating PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and visual solutions. Secure seamless blending of automation with ERP, MES, and quality ...

Manager, Automation Engineering

Henderson, MN ยท On-site

$90K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We're looking for a highly organized, execution-driven Manager, Automation Engineering to lead the implementation and launch of a large-scale automated warehouse facility for Walmart.

Manager, Automation Engineering

La Salle, MN ยท On-site

$90K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We're looking for a highly organized, execution-driven Manager, Automation Engineering to lead the implementation and launch of a large-scale automated warehouse facility for Walmart.

Manager, Automation Engineering

Minnesota Lake, MN ยท On-site

$90K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We're looking for a highly organized, execution-driven Manager, Automation Engineering to lead the implementation and launch of a large-scale automated warehouse facility for Walmart.

Manager, Automation Engineering

Saint Clair, MN ยท On-site

$90K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We're looking for a highly organized, execution-driven Manager, Automation Engineering to lead the implementation and launch of a large-scale automated warehouse facility for Walmart.

Manager, Automation Engineering

Vernon Center, MN ยท On-site

$90K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We're looking for a highly organized, execution-driven Manager, Automation Engineering to lead the implementation and launch of a large-scale automated warehouse facility for Walmart.

Manager, Automation Engineering

Mankato, MN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role We're looking for a highly organized, execution-driven Manager, Automation Engineering to lead the implementation and launch of a large-scale automated warehouse facility for Walmart.

Showing results 41-60

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 14, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Lead Automation Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,236 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Electrical Controls Engineer

Automationtechies

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$83K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

We are looking for an Electrical Controls Engineer to serve as a key technical expert within a highly automated testing and engineering environment. This is a high-impact role offering strong autonomy, where youโ€™ll support operations, lead automation initiatives, and help shape the long-term strategy for electrical and control systems infrastructure.

Youโ€™ll act as a system owner for automation and electrical systems, while also providing mentorship and guidance to technicians, contractors, and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operations & Technical Support
    Troubleshoot and support electrical/automation systems (PLCs, VFDs, MCCs, instrumentation). Train technicians, review drawings, and support design, installation, and maintenance of facility systems. Partner cross-functionally to reduce downtime, ensure code compliance, and support capital projects. Lead root cause analysis and maintain documentation.
  • System Ownership & Reliability
    Drive reliability of electrical and automation systems and develop improvement roadmaps.
  • Project Management
    Lead mediumโ€“large projects, including scope, budget, timelines, and vendor coordination.
  • Strategy & Leadership
    Mentor team members and support long-term automation and facility strategy.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience
  • 7+ years of electrical and control systems experience
  • Knowledge of medium- and low-voltage power distribution
  • PLC programming and HMI design experience
  • Strong understanding of electrical codes and safety standards
  • Hands-on troubleshooting experience with automation systems
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills