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Principal Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stellix

Principal Automation Engineer

Foxboro, WI · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

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 · On-site

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

Agilent

Principal Automation Engineer

Frederick, CO · On-site

$146K - $229K/yr

Function as Automation Project Lead for a large-scale greenfield manufacturingexpansion * Evaluate and recommendthe preferred automation integration platform for a new facility.

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Principal Automation Engineer information

See salary details

$85.5K

$128.2K

$209K

How much do principal automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 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 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.

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.

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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 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% 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

Stellix

Foxboro, WI • On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Stellix
The Stellix Group of companies share a common mission of providing transformative solutions at the intersection of science and technology that enable our customers to deliver a healthier and more sustainable future. Our unique portfolio of companies is focused on helping life sciences and industry manufacturers build, connect, and transform operations and IT to make real progress in breakthrough therapeutics, food, energy, and more.
About the Team
Our Professional Services team is a cross-functional organization that delivers capital projects, operational support, and custom solution development for complex manufacturing environments. We partner with clients across life sciences, food and beverage, power, specialty chemicals, and consumer products to improve throughput, accelerate technology adoption, contextualize data, and strengthen process and product quality.
Within Professional Services, you will join our Process Automation group supporting both Commercial Life Sciences and Emerging Life Sciences, including mAb, RNA/mRNA, CAR-T, cell therapy, and gene therapy. This team works with clients locally, nationally, and globally in both on-site and remote capacities. As a Northeast based company, we are especially proud of our strong local client partnerships and hands-on project delivery model.
This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of modern manufacturing. Our team partners with both high-growth startups and established manufacturers on greenfield facilities, legacy system upgrades, expansions, and digital transformation initiatives. You will gain exposure to a wide range of DCS, OEM, and integrated manufacturing technologies while helping shape critical production environments.
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 across the full project lifecycle from early concept and design through implementation, commissioning, and site support.
This position is highly focused on the DeltaV platform, including its integration with systems such as Syncade, OSI PI, MATLAB, SQL, servers, virtualization, networking, and reporting tools. You will act as a trusted advisor to clients, lead multi-disciplinary project execution, and mentor developing engineers across the organization.
This role is ideal for a senior automation professional who enjoys solving technically complex problems, guiding project teams, and working directly with life sciences clients in highly regulated environments.
What You'll Do
  • Lead multi-disciplinary automation projects through all phases of the project lifecycle, including concept development, proposals, execution, commissioning, and close-out
  • Serve as a technical lead and advisor for complex process automation initiatives
  • Build strong client relationships through clear, confident, and consultative technical communication
  • Author and review functional specifications, high-level design documents, and other key automation deliverables
  • Identify technical and project risks early and develop practical mitigation strategies
  • Partner closely with Project Management to deliver projects on time, on budget, and at a high standard of quality
  • Provide process and technology expertise across DeltaV-centered manufacturing environments
  • Support implementation of new product technologies and ongoing customer site support
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers, helping elevate technical capability across the team
  • Maintain a strong commitment to quality, with the authority to stop work if quality standards are at risk

What You'll Bring
  • 15+ years of experience in life sciences automation, with deep hands-on expertise in DeltaV implementation and client-facing delivery
  • Proven experience leading project delivery efforts in regulated manufacturing environments
  • Strong knowledge of data collection systems, bus technologies, and OPC communications
  • Solid understanding of cGMP requirements and batch process manufacturing in life sciences
  • Demonstrated ability to apply and communicate automation design best practices and project delivery standards
  • Full lifecycle project execution experience, from early concept through cGMP manufacturing support
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field

Technologies You'll Work With
Primary
  • DeltaV

Secondary
  • Ignition
  • Syncade
  • OSI PI
  • VMware
  • EMC / Dell / Cisco infrastructure
  • MATLAB
  • SQL / SSRS
  • LIMS
  • Reporting systems
  • Kepware / Matrikon OPC or similar platforms

Travel
This role includes travel to client sites primarily within the Greater Boston area, with occasional additional travel across the U.S. and internationally.
Benefits
  • Competitive Medical, Dental & Vison Insurance
  • Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts
  • Unlimited Vacation Time Policy
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • 12 Paid Weeks Birthing Parent Leave
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company Paid STD, LTD, and Life Insurance

Compensation: This position offers a base salary range of $150,000 to $210,000, based on experience and qualifications. The role is also eligible for a variable compensation plan.
The posted salary range represents a good faith estimate of the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs.
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States.
Policy on Third-Party Unsolicited Resume Submissions: Please note that any third-party unsolicited resume submissions will immediately become the property of Stellix Global Services. Stellix Global Services will not pay any fee to a submitting employment agency, person, or entity unless a signed agreement is established.
Please Note: Stellix Global Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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