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Principal Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AprilAire

Principal Automation Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

Overview The Principal Automation Engineer is responsible for executing the integration, commissioning, and stabilization of advanced automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic and vision ...

AprilAire

Principal Automation Engineer

Madison, WI

Overview The Principal Automation Engineer is responsible for executing the integration, commissioning, and stabilization of advanced automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic and vision ...

AprilAire

Principal Automation Engineer

Madison, WI

Overview The Principal Automation Engineer is responsible for executing the integration, commissioning, and stabilization of advanced automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic and vision ...

AirPay

Principal Automation Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

About the Role We are seeking a seasoned Principal Automation Engineer to join our team and help pioneer a new type of healthcare platform. You will be responsible for automating complex healthcare ...

Plugpower

Principal Automation Engineer

Albemarle, NC · On-site

Principal Automation Engineer Status: Exempt (salaried) Department: Engineering - Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls Position Summary The Automation Engineer is a key member of the Electrolyzer ...

Stellix

Principal Automation Engineer

Foxboro, MA · On-site +1

The Opportunity We are seeking a Principal Automation Engineer to join our Project Services group. In this role, you will serve as a technical leader on complex automation projects, contributing ...

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Stellix

Principal Automation Engineer

Foxboro, MA · On-site

The Opportunity We are seeking a Principal Automation Engineer to join our Project Services group. In this role, you will serve as a technical leader on complex automation projects, contributing ...

Agilent

Principal Automation Engineer

Frederick, CO · On-site

$146K - $229K/yr

Join a growing team with this exciting new opportunity for a Principal Automation Engineer in our Automation group supporting design, construction, and operation of pharmaceutical facilities. Work in ...

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All JobsPrincipal Automation Engineer Jobs

Principal Automation Engineer information

See salary details

$85.5K

$128.2K

$209K

How much do principal automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal automation engineer in the United States is $128,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Principal Automation Engineer do?

A Principal Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing automated systems and processes within an organization. They lead automation projects, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and ensure that automation solutions align with business goals. Additionally, they mentor junior engineers, establish best practices, and stay current with emerging automation technologies to enhance efficiency and productivity.

What is a principal automation engineer?

A principal automation engineer is a senior technical professional responsible for designing, developing, and implementing automated testing and deployment processes to improve software quality and efficiency. They often lead automation teams, utilize tools like Selenium or Jenkins, and require strong programming skills and experience in software development lifecycle management.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Principal Automation Engineers and other senior engineering roles in fields like software, aerospace, and oil and gas can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and advanced certifications. High compensation often involves leadership responsibilities, complex projects, and working in industries with high technical demands.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Principal Automation Engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, or high-frequency trading can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting the high level of expertise and impact on critical systems.

How does a Principal Automation Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Principal Automation Engineer often serves as a technical leader, working closely with software developers, QA engineers, project managers, and operations teams to design and implement robust automation frameworks. They facilitate regular meetings to align project goals, share automation best practices, and resolve technical roadblocks. Additionally, they mentor junior team members, ensuring consistent automation standards and driving continuous improvement across departments. This collaborative approach enables efficient delivery of scalable and reliable automation solutions.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Principal Automation Engineers and other senior engineering roles in fields like software, electrical, or systems engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications. High salaries are often associated with leadership positions, working in industries such as technology, aerospace, or manufacturing, and may include bonuses or stock options.

What is the difference between Principal Automation Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Automation EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications like ISTQB, automation tools expertiseBachelor's in Engineering or related field, automation tools knowledge
Work EnvironmentLead automation projects, strategic planning, cross-team collaborationDevelop and execute automation scripts, testing, and implementation
Industry UsageUsed in software, manufacturing, and engineering sectors for high-level automationCommon in software testing, manufacturing, and IT industries

The Principal Automation Engineer typically holds a senior, strategic role overseeing automation initiatives, while the Automation Engineer focuses on executing automation tasks. Both roles require similar technical skills, but the Principal position involves leadership and planning responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Automation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Automation Engineer, you need deep expertise in automation frameworks, scripting languages (such as Python or Java), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Docker, and CI/CD systems, as well as industry certifications in automation or DevOps, are typically required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills set top candidates apart in guiding teams and collaborating across functions. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing scalable automation solutions, ensuring software reliability, and driving innovation in complex technical environments.
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Principal Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Automation Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,153 per year, or $61.6 per hour.
Principal Automation Engineer

Principal Automation Engineer

AprilAire

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Overview
The Principal Automation Engineer is responsible for executing the integration, commissioning, and stabilization of advanced automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic and vision-based systems. This role serves as a lead system-level integrator, ensuring mechanical, controls, and process elements function together to achieve safe, reliable, and production-ready performance.
The role contributes to the development and conceptualization of automation solutions by working across mechanical and controls disciplines to ensure designs are practical, integrated, and executable in a production environment. The Principal Automation Engineer leads projects from early design review through implementation and ramp-up, ensuring systems transition effectively from concept to stable production.
This is a hands-on execution role supporting critical capital equipment projects. The position focuses on system design, system startup, debugging, and performance stabilization while working within established mechanical and control system standards.
This role will take on increasing responsibility in robotics, vision systems, and system-level integration strategy development.
This will be an onsite position that requires travel to both our Madison and Poynette facilities.
Responsibilities
  • In alignment with direct Manager, develop Automation strategies for the Company.
  • Lead execution of equipment startup, commissioning, and ramp-up activities
  • Perform I/O checkout, system bring-up, and sequence validation
  • Debug system-level issues across PLC controls, mechanical systems, and process conditions
  • Support integration and troubleshooting of robotic and vision systems
  • Modify PLC and HMI logic to resolve issues and support functionality
  • Assist with motion tuning and sequence optimization
  • Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and controls issues
  • Drive improvements in throughput, uptime, and quality during ramp
  • Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors during execution phases
  • Support documentation updates and system turnover to Production and Maintenance
  • Strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems and machine integration
  • Experience with PLC programming platforms (Rockwell, Mitsubishi preferred)
  • Working knowledge of mechanical systems, fixturing, and equipment functionality
  • Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability
  • Ability to diagnose issues across controls, mechanical, and process interactions
  • Experience with robotics and vision systems with interest in developing expertise
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or controls engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, equipment integration, or controls engineering required.
  • Hands-on experience with equipment commissioning and production startup is required.
  • Strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems and machine integration
  • Experience with PLC programming platforms (Rockwell, Mitsubishi preferred)
  • Working knowledge of mechanical systems, fixturing, and equipment functionality
  • Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability
  • Ability to diagnose issues across controls, mechanical, and process interactions
  • Experience with robotics and vision systems with interest in developing expertise
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings

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Keyan Stremikis #LI-KS1

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