ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Pharma Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BioPhase Solutions

Automation Engineer

Anaheim, CA

$159K/yr

Experience/Requirements: * 5+ years in industrial automation within pharma/biotech or other ... SCADA/HMI Engineering - Practical configuration/support experience (AVEVA/Wonderware, WinCC other ...

Abzena Inc.

Automation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The Automation Engineer is a technical position that directly supports operations. The role ... Five (5) years systems administrator / IT/ automation experience with three (3) years in pharma ...

PM Group

Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$102K - $120K/yr

Overview The Automation Engineer position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group's quickly ... We are world leaders in the pharma, food, biotech, medical technology and mission critical sectors.

PM Group

Automation Engineer

Irvine, CA

$102K - $120K/yr

Overview The Automation Engineer position is an exciting opportunity to join PM Group's quickly ... We are world leaders in the pharma, food, biotech, medical technology and mission critical sectors.

Bayer

Across Bayer Pharma, PE&T is accountable to enable & support (bio-)process operations and to ... engineers and cross-functional teams;Represent Bayer Automation as technical authority in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPharma Automation Engineer JobsPharma Automation Engineer Jobs in California

Pharma Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$105.7K

$160.9K

How much do pharma automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for pharma automation engineer in California is $105,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,400.00 and $121,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What typical challenges might a Pharma Automation Engineer face in their daily work?

A Pharma Automation Engineer often encounters challenges such as integrating new automation technologies with legacy systems, ensuring compliance with strict FDA and GMP regulations, and minimizing downtime during system upgrades or maintenance. Collaboration across departments like quality assurance, production, and IT is common and often requires excellent communication to align on project requirements and timelines. Adapting quickly to evolving industry technologies while maintaining meticulous documentation and validation are essential parts of the job. Overcoming these challenges not only improves process efficiency but also ensures product quality and compliance in a highly regulated environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Pharma Automation Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pharma Automation Engineer, you need strong knowledge of process automation, pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, and a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS, GAMP guidelines, and often certifications like ISA or Siemens are important technical requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail help in managing projects and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. These qualifications ensure efficient, compliant, and safe automation solutions that support the stringent operational and regulatory demands of the pharmaceutical industry.

What is a Pharma Automation Engineer job?

A Pharma Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems in pharmaceutical manufacturing. They ensure compliance with industry regulations, improve efficiency, and troubleshoot automation-related issues. Their work involves programming PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, and other automation technologies to streamline production. Additionally, they collaborate with quality, validation, and process teams to ensure smooth and compliant operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California? For Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pharma Automation Engineer jobs in California are:
Pharma Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharma Automation Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,723 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Automation Engineer - Pharma Industry

Intellectt INC

San Diego, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer – Pharma Industry

Location: California, United States

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to design, develop, implement, and maintain automation systems in a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. The role ensures compliance with regulatory standards such as GMP, FDA, and data integrity requirements, while improving process efficiency, reliability, and safety.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and implement automation solutions for pharmaceutical production and packaging processes.
  • Maintain and troubleshoot PLC, SCADA, and DCS systems.
  • Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory standards.
  • Support validation activities including IQ, OQ, PQ documentation and execution.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Production, QA, QC, Maintenance).
  • Monitor system performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Manage and update automation documentation, SOPs, and change controls.
  • Provide technical support during audits and inspections.
  • Ensure data integrity and cybersecurity compliance in automation systems.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Instrumentation, or related field.
  • 2–8 years of experience in automation within the pharmaceutical or regulated industry.
  • Strong knowledge of PLC (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley), SCADA, and DCS systems.
  • Familiarity with 21 CFR Part 11, GMP, and validation processes.
  • Experience with HMI design and industrial communication protocols.

Preferred Skills

  • Experience in sterile, API, or formulation plants.
  • Knowledge of MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems).
  • Understanding of Industry 4.0 and digital transformation concepts.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Good communication and documentation abilities.