1

Principal Automation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Principal Engineer, Automation will serve as an Automation Process-specific Subject Matter Expert (SME) for one or more aspects of the aseptic manufacturing process System Integration ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Automation Engineer information

See salary details

$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.
More about Principal Automation Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Principal Automation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Automation Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Automation Engineer jobs? The top employers for Principal Automation Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Automation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Automation Engineer jobs include:
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.
Associate Principal Bioprocess Automation Engineer

Associate Principal Bioprocess Automation Engineer

Bayer Inc.

Berkeley, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Bayer rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 71 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Bayer we're visionaries, driven to solve the world's toughest challenges and striving for a world where 'Health for all Hunger for none' is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We're doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining 'impossible'. There are so many reasons to join us. If you're hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there's only one choice.

Associate Principal Bioprocess Automation Engineer 

PURPOSE:

The Associate Principal Automation Engineer is responsible for defining & applying automation strategies for equipment and facilities within the Biotech-Product Supply network globally. Customers include internal parties, acquired assets and in-licensed assets. Responsibility includes the execution of capital projects across the biotech network and support of existing deployed technologies.

 

This position is part of the global organization, Process Engineering & Technologies (PE&T), that is positioned within Bayer Pharma Product Supply Division. This position is part of Process Eng & Technologies Implementation (PE&TI) group located in Berkeley, CA as well as in Germany (Wuppertal, Leverkusen & Berlin). PE&TI consists of process and automation engineers.

Across Bayer Pharma, PE&T is accountable to enable & support (bio-)process operations and to develop Bayer's cell and gene therapy NextGen processing platforms. This position will support the delivery of bioprocess equipment technologies to Bayer's global Network.

 

This role will be located at our Berkeley, CA site.  Relocation assistance may be offered. 

 

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Define, deploy, implement, start-up, and qualify process platform equipment and automation solutions across Cell Therapy, mAb, rFVIII, and other biologics modalities;
  • Act as a recognized internal Automation SME and technical authority for equipment platforms, covering installed systems and emerging market technologies;
  • Lead hands-on automation project delivery across all phases (feasibility, concept, detailed design, implementation, start-up, qualification);
  • Responsible as technical system owner for automation packages, control systems, and user interfaces, translating user requirements into compliant technical solutions;
  • Directly support the realization of automation for Bayer's next-generation Cell Therapy manufacturing platforms and facilities;
  • Drive continuity and standardization of automation technologies across the Biotech / Product Supply network while supporting site-based execution;
  • Support the implementation and integration of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) in new and existing GMP facilities;
  • Lead mid-size projects and provide functional leadership and technical guidance to engineers and cross-functional teams;
  • Represent Bayer Automation as technical authority in collaboration with external vendors, OEMs, partners, and acquired assets;
  • Ensure compliance with GMP, CSV, 21 CFR Part 11, and internal engineering standards and good engineering practices.

WHO YOU ARE:

Bayer seeks an incumbent who possesses the following:

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Must have one of the following:
  • Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and 8+ years of relevant experience within Biopharma industry; OR
  • Minimum of a Master's Degree and 6+ years of relevant experience within Biopharma industry; OR
  • PhD and 4+ of relevant experience within Biopharma industry;
  • Extensive experience in the Automation industry with experience in Design, Construction, and Commissioning;
  • Significant and relevant experience with capital projects;
  • Extensive amount of experience with standard industrial automation technologies, DCSs, PLCs, SCADAs, and HMI programming;
  • Strong knowledge of control system philosophy, control system standards, instrumentation configuration, programming, and design in a cGMP environment;
  • Strong knowledge of Industrial networks including Ethernet networks, Profibus and OPC communication;
  • Strong working experience in working with ISA 88 and ISA 95 levels;
  • Technical expert in DeltaV DCS.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Professional registration and/or certifications as appropriate;
  • 12+ years of experience in the Automation industry with experience in Design, Construction, and Commissioning;
  • 8+ Years of relevant experience in capital projects;
  • 12+ Years of experience with standard industrial automation technologies, DCSs, PLCs, SCADAs, and HMI programming;

Essential Skills/Characteristics for Success in this Role:

  • Entrepreneurial mindset;
  • Mastery of English language, written and oral;
  • Good analytical and problem solving (decision making) skills;
  • Collaborative team player capable of working well with people across all hierarchies;
  • Good organizational and presentation skills;
  • Good interpersonal skills such as communication, listening, verbal and assertiveness;
  • Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, multi-task and support several projects simultaneously;
  • Result driven and able to deal with ambiguity;
  • Ability to work in different geographic locations;
  • Willingness to execute projects at remote locations with up to 25% travel.

This posting will be available for application until at least 6/4/2026.

Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $114,560.00 - $171,840.00.  Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). 

Other benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. If selected for this role, the offer may vary based on market data/ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors.

#LI-US

    YOUR APPLICATION      

Bayer offers a wide variety of competitive compensation and benefits programs. If you meet the requirements of this unique opportunity, and want to impact our mission Health for all, Hunger for none, we encourage you to apply now. Be part of something bigger. Be you. Be Bayer. 
To all recruitment agencies: Bayer does not accept unsolicited third party resumes.
Bayer is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
Bayer is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below. 

  Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Notice for U.S. Visitors: All information on this site is subject to compliance with local rule and regulations as they may vary from time to time and across different geographies, including, without limitation, U.S. Executive Orders.       Bayer is an E-Verify Employer.               Location: United States : California : Berkeley      Division: Pharmaceuticals     Reference Code: 870127          Contact Us     Email: hrop_usa@bayer.com 

What Bayer employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Bayer logo

About Bayer

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and nutrition. We design our products and services to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to address the unprecedented global challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At Bayer, we’re committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with our businesses. Through bold ideas and unprecedented insights, we’re pioneering new possibilities that advance life for all of us. That means reimagining how we care for ourselves and one another by empowering everyday health, improving approaches to patient care, and finding better ways to nourish our communities around the world.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Whippany, NJ, US