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Principal Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Bausch+Lomb Companies Inc.

The Principal Automation Systems & Controls Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for the design, development, and implementation of advanced automation systems and manufacturing ...

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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 Jun 9, 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.

Will AI replace automation engineer?

AI is transforming automation engineering by enabling more advanced and efficient systems, but it is unlikely to fully replace automation engineers. Instead, automation engineers will need to develop skills in AI, machine learning, and programming to work alongside AI tools and manage complex automation projects.

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, 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,153 per year, or $61.6 per hour.
Automation Engineer Principal, Biotech

Automation Engineer Principal, Biotech

3 Key Consulting

Thousand Oaks, CA

$68 - $78/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer Principal (JP12201)
Location: Thousand Oaks, CA. 91320
Business Unit: Manufacturing & Clinical Supply (MCS) Automation group.
Employment Type: Contract
Duration: 3+ years (with possible extensions)
Rate: $68 - $78/hour W2
Posting Date:5/1/2024.
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply.
3 Key Consulting is hiring! We are recruiting an Automation Engineer Principal for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biotechnology company.
Job Description:
Global leader in the Biotechnology industry is seeking a professional Principal Automation Engineer for a long-term contracting opportunity. As a member of the client's Manufacturing & Clinical Supply (MCS) - Facilities & Engineering (F&E) Automation team.
The successful candidate will be required to support Clinical & Commercial Plant Automation Programs and Capital Projects for the EPO Manufacturing team, including complex and challenging system automation initiatives that require solid understanding of various automation platforms, integration between different platforms, analytical problem-solving techniques, project management, lifecycle management and operational excellence. This position requires an extensive understanding and background in capital construction projects, design, programming, implementation, and lifecycle management of manufacturing process controls, automation, and field instrumentation technologies. This role is expected to deliver on assigned capital projects and drive accountability.
Top Must Have Skill Sets:
  • Life science experience
  • Rockwell Automation Experience
  • GMP Manufacturing facility experience
  • Onsite position

Day to Day Responsibilities:
  • Manage day-to-day support of ATO Drug substance operations
  • Represent plant automation team in Area WCTs
  • Lead a team of Automation engineers responsible to support and deliver on complex capital construction projects including Global Lifecycle Asset Management (GLAM) projects. Lead the direct reports including External Workers (EWs), onboarding the EWs, and ensuring the direct reports' adherence to client training requirements.
  • Represent Plant Automation team during the development of project plan, business case, and cost estimates in partnership with key customers and stakeholders - ATO MCS Plant Operations, Engineering, Operations Information Systems (OIS), Global Construction Project Management (GCPM), and provide necessary support to obtain funding approval.
  • Based on project scope, work with OIS to estimate manhours and required resources
  • Represent Plant Automation team and participate in the preparation and implementation of detailed design, scope, schedule in partnership with Engineering and GCPM.
  • Represent Plant Automation team during the project implementation of new automation solutions including DeltaV Distributed Control System (DCS), Rockwell Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems (SCADA) related hardware, software, network infrastructure, and electronic Rt-reporting scope across various projects.
  • Represent Plant Automation team during the post-implementation activities including operationalization of the new assets by extending hyper-care support, training the System Owners, and Manufacturing team, revising the SOPs, and training documents, delivering spare parts list, updating Maximo assets and Client CMDB systems.
  • Ensure compliance to Client Engineering and Operational standards, specifications, and procedures as applicable during the project design and implementation.
  • Represent Plant Automation team and support functional area projects focused on improving process equipment/utilities/facilities -to- large/sophisticated capital projects to integrate new drug substance and drug product manufacturing technologies into clinical/commercial facility.
  • As applicable to the capital project scope, represent Plant Automation team and support new continuous improvements by performing automation engineering assessments, implementing automation system configuration changes, and supporting engineering and process qualification runs.
  • 12) Support a safe working environment by complying with all pertinent environmental health/safety practice, rules, and regulations.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Doctorate degree and 2 years of experience OR;
  • Master degree and 6 years of experience OR;
  • Bachelor degree and 8 years of experience OR Associate degree and 10 years of experience OR;
  • High school diploma / GED and 12 years of experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Biotech Engineering, or related life science engineering.
  • Knowledge and experience in capital project lifecycle management including conceptual design, scope, resource estimate & cost estimate development, business case development, detailed design, engineering, commissioning, validation, and project execution, as it relates to Plant Automation and process control systems with GMP biopharmaceutical production facility equipment/systems in support of Drug Substance, Drug Product and Supply chain plant operations.
  • Has five or more years combined experience with the following automation systems:
    • Emerson Delta-V DCS system.
    • Rockwell Automation SCADA and PLC Platform.
    • ABB Robot and Mitsubishi roller bottle machine
    • Emerson Delta-V DCS system.
    • Electronic Batch Reporting Systems Design and implementation experience.
    • Process Control Network design including network segregation.
    • Process Control Systems: Virtual Infrastructure design and implementation.
    • System Integration using OPC, Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, and DeviceNet technologies.
    • Compliance to regulatory requirements such as 21 CFR Part 11, ASTM 2500, S88, S95 and GAMP.
  • Proficient in project management skills.
  • Ability to influence and motivate others outside of direct line of authority.
  • Strong ability to interface effectively with all levels.
  • Effective meeting management.
  • Quick learner; proactive; takes initiative.
  • Results oriented and goal driven.
  • Ability to organize, interpret, communicate, and/or present information.
  • Proficient facilitation, negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrates willingness to put in extra effort when necessary to pursue tasks and conclusion.

Why is the Position Open?
Planned Project.
Red Flags:
  • Lack of GMP Experience
  • Lack of Automation background

Interview Process:
Technical Round, Management round.
We invite qualified candidates to sendyour resume toresumes@3keyconsulting.com. Ifyou decide that you're not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our websitewww.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to sharethis opportunity withanyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.

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