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Lead Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CyberX Info System

Automation Engineer

Morgantown, KY · On-site

Working alongside the Lead Automation Engineer and partnering daily with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations, this engineer will write PLC and HMI code, troubleshoot live production issues, lead ...

Value Driven Solutions

Senior Automation Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$102.40K - $134.40K/yr

Automation strategy - Lead automation strategy and roadmap definition for client sites. Develop ... Coach client engineering teams and document everything for sustained operation. Requirements: * 10+ ...

LHH US

Automation Engineer

Schererville, IN · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

LHH is seeking a highly motivated Automation Engineer to support and enhance production operations ... Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning, including coordination with vendors ...

Apple

Software Automation Engineer

Cupertino, CA · On-site

If you are a highly motivated engineer with aspirations to build powerful automation, cultivate learning, and lead automation efforts across teams at Apple, we want to talk to you! This position ...

LHH US

Automation Engineer

Schererville, IN · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

LHH is seeking a highly motivated Automation Engineer to support and enhance production operations ... Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning, including coordination with vendors ...

VDS Consulting Group

Senior Automation Engineer

Greer, SC · On-site

$100K - $131.20K/yr

Automation strategy - Lead automation strategy and roadmap definition for client sites. Develop ... Coach client engineering teams and document everything for sustained operation. Requirements: * 10+ ...

VDS Consulting Group

Senior Automation Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$102.40K - $134.40K/yr

Automation strategy - Lead automation strategy and roadmap definition for client sites. Develop ... Coach client engineering teams and document everything for sustained operation. Requirements: * 10+ ...

TEEMA

Senior Automation Engineer

Richmond, VA · Remote

$72.50/hr

In this role, you will act as a lead developer and lead Automation Solution design. You will be responsible for analyzing complex business workflows in Clinical, Enrollment, Provider, IT operations ...

Confidental

Be Seen First

Lead Automation & Controls Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$115K - $145K/yr

Lead automation and controls projects including planning, budgeting, scheduling, commissioning, and ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation ...

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Lead Automation Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 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:
Lead Automation Engineer jobs near you
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.

Automation Engineer

CyberX Info System

Morgantown, KY • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Automation Engineer

Manufacturing Operations | Controls & Automation

About the Role

The Automation Engineer plays a key role in designing, implementing, and sustaining the automation systems that keep our manufacturing operations running. Working alongside the Lead Automation Engineer and partnering daily with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations, this engineer will write PLC and HMI code, troubleshoot live production issues, lead smaller capital projects, and help drive the next generation of automation, robotics, and data-integration improvements on the plant floor.

This is a hands-on, growth-oriented position—an excellent fit for an engineer with a couple of years of controls experience who is ready to take on more ownership, learn from senior automation talent, and build a career around modern manufacturing technology.

What You'll Do

Automation Design & Implementation

  • Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI screens, safety circuits, and industrial network configurations to support production needs.
  • Specify and install automation hardware—PLCs, drives, sensors, safety devices, and networking components.
  • Support new equipment installations, line upgrades, and retrofits from concept through commissioning, startup, and validation.
  • Maintain accurate electrical schematics, network diagrams, and software backups; follow established automation standards and change-management practices.

Troubleshooting & Reliability

  • Troubleshoot day-to-day controls and automation issues on production equipment, working alongside maintenance and operations to restore equipment safely and quickly.
  • Lead and support root-cause analysis on controls-, software-, and network-related failures, and implement durable fixes.
  • Partner with the maintenance team to strengthen their first-line troubleshooting capability and ownership of automated systems.

Project Execution

  • Manage automation-focused capital and continuous-improvement projects from scope definition through handoff, including timelines, budgets, and risk assessments.
  • Coordinate cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Safety, IT, and outside vendors.
  • Review vendor designs and FAT/SAT documentation; ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to specification.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

  • Identify opportunities to apply automation, robotics, and vision systems to improve throughput, quality, safety, and ergonomics.
  • Support data-collection initiatives and OEE improvements that turn machine data into actionable insight.
  • Continuously build your technical skills in PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, and industrial networking, and bring new ideas to the team.

What You Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • 2+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or manufacturing engineering.
  • Working knowledge of PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or similar).
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
  • Comfort working in a live manufacturing environment—on the floor, in the control cabinet, and across shifts when projects require it.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, organized project habits, and a bias toward owning outcomes.

Nice to Have

  • Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley platforms (Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View).
  • Experience with industrial robotics (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or similar) and machine-vision systems.
  • Familiarity with data-integration tools, historians, MES, or OEE platforms.
  • Exposure to 3D modeling or layout tools (AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks, Inventor) for fixture and panel design.
  • Prior experience in a regulated or high-mix manufacturing environment.

  • Apply