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Principal Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Evonik

Principal Automation Engineer

Lafayette, IN

The Principle Automation Engineer provides support to Tippecanoe production and support areas through applied control theory and process automation design, implementation, and maintenance. This ...

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All JobsPrincipal Automation Engineer Jobs

Principal Automation Engineer information

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$85.5K

$128.2K

$209K

How much do principal automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 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.

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 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,153 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Principal Automation Engineer

Marotta Controls, Inc.

Parsippany, NJ

$170K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Elevate your career at Marotta Controls, a New Jersey Top Workplace four years running! Dedicated to innovation, quality and excellence, we deliver cutting edge control systems for the Aerospace amp; Defense industry. At Marotta, we value bold thinking and teamwork, and we empower our employees to push boundaries while delivering top-tier solutions to our customers. Our team fosters a fun, collaborative culture where creativity and technical excellence thrive! Your next big opportunity starts here. Be part of a company where your work supports a mission that makes a difference—apply today!

Principal Automation Engineer
(Power amp; Actuation Systems)
Position Profile:
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Automation Engineer to join our team in the Aerospace manufacturing industry. This role is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems and controls that drive production efficiency, consistency, and quality across our manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, and knowledge of electric motor production processes.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in an automation engineering role within a manufacturing environment (preferably electromechanical systems).
  • Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI development, and industrial control systems.
  • Experience with robotic integration (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, UR).
  • Experience in **lean manufacturing** and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Strong understanding of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet).
  • Knowledge of data acquisition, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and SCADA platforms.
  • Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
  • Must be a US Citizen
Essential or Primary / Key Responsibilities:
  • Participate in the selection, specification, and commissioning of automation equipment.
  • Design new automated systems and processes for the introduction of new products or the improvement of existing products.
  • Investigate, assess and resolve production issues effectively.
  • Implement improvements to current operations to improve efficiency.
  • Effectively communicate with suppliers to procure necessary equipment.
  • Assemble and test automation hardware.
  • Analyze layout of equipment, workflow, assembly methods, and workforce utilization to maximize efficiency
  • Create, maintain and refine detailed mfg. documentation (i.e. Operation Sheets, Routers, Set-up/Tooling sheets, etc.) through effective selection of manufacturing methods (inclusive of inspection point selection).
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation including electrical schematics, logic diagrams, and system manuals.
  • Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to tool/fixture design, material selection, facility layout plans, cost estimates, DFM concepts, GD amp;T practices, machine shop documentation (operations/ tooling sheets, routers, etc.), root cause investigations, trouble shooting, performance metrics and machine shop operational activities.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Production) to support new product introductions and process improvements.
  • Perform all practices and activities related to Mfg. Eng. in a manner which supports commonality, standardization (where applicable), First Past Yield and utilization of safe/best industry practices.
  • Generate accurate estimates (i.e. set-up, cycle time, material, etc.) using cost effective mfg. methods.
  • Effectively communicate issues in a timely manner to all affected parties internal/external to the Marotta Organization.
Additional Duties / Responsibilities:
  • Desire to do ‘what it takes’ to accomplish our goals and WIN
  • Speak up! Actively participate in team meetings to provide constructive recommendations and initiate actions to support company initiatives/goals
  • Be proactive, think ahead, and keep the big picture in mind
  • Facilitate training, as needed, to maintain a cross-trained workforce and to support operational goals and objectives.
  • Define, develop, and maintain performance metrics, to achieve targeted manufacturing objectives. Implement appropriate actions to resolve identified issues
  • Lead training of assigned areas to maintain a well-trained workforce
  • Abide by all safety, quality, housekeeping and company policies
  • Consistently demonstrate commitment to company values
  • Ensure that work area(s) are clean, secure, and well maintained
  • Complete special projects and miscellaneous assignments as required
  • Contribute to a positive, cooperative and safe work environment
Work Environment:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to conditions typical of a manufacturing/machine shop environment, including, but not limited to: fluids, fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, noise and vibration.
  • This job interacts both in a professional office environment and a manufacturing/machine shop environment. This role uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines, as well as environments inclusive of the appropriate eye, hearing and foot protection (as required).
  • Temperature of work environment may be affected by outside/external temperatures, machining processes, etc.
  • This is a full-time position. Weekend work may be required, as job duties demand.
  • Some travel may be required for this position (5-20%).
Physical Requirements:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the Automation Engineer is regularly required to talk and hear.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Vision and color vision must pass job-required vision screening.
  • The Automation Engineer is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, and to use hands to finger, handle or feel.
  • The Automation Engineer is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, or crouch, and move about the facility.
  • The Automation Engineer may be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Pay Range: $170,000 - $230,000 per year
This position is at our Parsippany, NJ location.
Many of our contracts require proof that you are a U.S. citizen and/or that an export license has been obtained for employees who are citizens of certain countries. Your employment, both initially and continually thereafter, is conditioned on production of such proof of citizenship and/or any export license that may be required to comply with any and all applicable laws, regulations, or executive orders, or required by Federal, State, or local government contracts.
We offer a highly competitive compensation package for this outstanding position plus a quarterly bonus along with a full range of top-quality benefits and employee services including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, life and disability income insurance programs, 401k retirement plans with company match, generous tuition aid program, paid vacation, sick and personal days, paid holidays and flexible work hours with compressed work week options. We recognize and reward our employee's accomplishments and host several employee engagement events per quarter.
If you are looking to grow or accelerate your career and be part of a best in class organization while enjoying a work-life balance, please visit our website at www.marotta.com to learn more about us and to apply. Check out all our openings at https://marotta.com/job-openings/
We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer M/F/IWD/Veterans
VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
No agencies, please.

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