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Lead Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NOVARES

Automation Engineer

Janesville, WI · On-site

Automation Engineer We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, support, optimize, and improve ... Lead automation projects from concept through implementation, startup, and validation. * Develop ...

Ross Recruiting

Automation Engineer

Morristown, NJ

Lead automation projects involving robotics, machine controls, and production equipment. * Evaluate ... Develop and maintain PLC programming standards. * Assist with machine commissioning, startup, and ...

Mastermold LLC

Automation Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

Lead automation upgrades, process trials, and continuous improvement projects What You Bring * Experience with PLC programming, industrial robotics, controls engineering, or manufacturing automation

Mastermold LLC

Automation Engineer

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

Lead automation upgrades, process trials, and continuous improvement projects What You Bring * Experience with PLC programming, industrial robotics, controls engineering, or manufacturing automation

Inteliblue

QA Automation Test Lead

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

WebEx Required Skills: * 7+ years of experience in Software Quality Assurance, with at least 3+ years in a technical leadership or lead automation engineer role. * Strong working knowledge and hands ...

Smiths Group

Automation Engineer

Elmwood Park, NJ · On-site

The Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting automation ... This role will lead automation projects focused on increasing machine utilization, reducing labor ...

Smiths Group

Automation Engineer

Elmwood Park, NJ · On-site

The Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting automation ... This role will lead automation projects focused on increasing machine utilization, reducing labor ...

L3HHCM20

Lead, Manufacturing Engineer- Automation

Camden, AR · On-site

$73K - $94K/yr

Lead, Automation Engineer Job Code: 41919 Job Location: Huntsville, AL or Camden, AR Job Schedule: Varies The Advanced Operations Technology (AOT) organization is seeking an experienced Automation ...

Flex Tek

Automation Engineer

Elmwood Park, NJ · On-site

The Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting automation ... This role will lead automation projects focused on increasing machine utilization, reducing labor ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsLead Automation Engineer Jobs

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 Aug 9, 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 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.
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Automation Engineer

NOVARES

Janesville, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Novares rating

4.7

Company rating: 4.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Automation Engineer
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, support, optimize, and improve automated manufacturing systems in a fast-paced production environment. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining PLC, robotics, vision, and motion control systems while leading automation projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability. The Automation Engineer will collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and manufacturing teams to implement innovative automation solutions and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, program, and support automated manufacturing systems including PLCs, HMIs, robots, servo systems, and vision systems.
  • Lead automation projects from concept through implementation, startup, and validation.
  • Develop and modify PLC, robot, and HMI programs to improve equipment performance and manufacturing efficiency.
  • Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
  • Support new equipment installations, automation upgrades, and capital improvement projects.
  • Analyze production processes and identify opportunities for automation and process optimization.
  • Develop electrical control system architectures and review electrical schematics and machine designs.
  • Collaborate with maintenance, production, quality, and engineering teams to implement corrective and preventive actions.
  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including control narratives, electrical drawings, programming standards, and operating procedures.
  • Monitor equipment performance and utilize data analysis to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, machine guarding requirements, and applicable industry regulations.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to maintenance and technician personnel.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
  • Associate degree with significant automation engineering experience may be considered.5+ years of experience designing, programming, and supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
  • Strong PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk platforms.
  • Experience with industrial robotics including Fanuc, ABB, Wittmann, or similar systems.
  • Experience with HMI, SCADA, motion control, and vision inspection systems.Strong understanding of industrial networking including Ethernet/IP and related communication protocols.
  • Ability to read and develop electrical schematics, control system layouts, and technical documentation.
  • Project management and capital project experience preferred.
Preferred Experience
  • Plastic injection molding automation.
  • High-speed and high-volume manufacturing environments.
  • Safety PLCs and machine safety systems.
  • Servo motion control systems.
  • Vision-guided robotics.MES, IIoT, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

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