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Project Automation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Digital Plant Engineers are embedded into Project Automation Teams and are responsible for understanding the product manufacturing processes and ensuring that digital solutions align with product ...

Digital Plant Engineers are embedded into Project Automation Teams and are responsible for understanding the product manufacturing processes and ensuring that digital solutions align with product ...

Automation Sr. RPA Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Should have experience in leading and solutioning for automation projects. Exposure to Cloud Platforms would be an advantage. Client management: Be able to lead conversations with the client and ...

Automation Project Manager

Rockville, MD · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Automation Project Manager Job Summary We are seeking a Automation Project Manager to support an Automation Resilience Program in Rockville, MD. The selected candidate will lead and coordinate ...

Automation Project Manager

Rockville, MD · On-site

$96K - $126K/yr

Automation Project Manager Job Summary We are seeking a Automation Project Manager to support an Automation Resilience Program in Rockville, MD. The selected candidate will lead and coordinate ...

Showing results 41-60

Project Automation information

See salary details

$46K

$112.7K

$164.5K

How much do project automation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for project automation in the United States is $112,681.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is project automation?

Project automation refers to the use of technology and software tools to automate repetitive tasks and processes within a project. This can include scheduling, reporting, workflow management, and document control, helping to increase efficiency and reduce human error. Automation allows teams to focus on higher-value tasks by streamlining routine activities. It is especially valuable in complex projects with many moving parts, as it ensures consistency and improves project delivery timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project automation engineer?

To thrive as a Project Automation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, automation processes, and project management, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and automation software such as Siemens or Rockwell, along with certifications like PMP or ISA, is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting issues. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient project delivery, system reliability, and seamless integration of automated solutions.

What are some typical challenges faced when implementing automation in project management roles?

Professionals in Project Automation often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation tools with existing systems, ensuring team members are properly trained, and maintaining data accuracy throughout automated processes. Balancing the need for customization with standardized workflows can also require careful planning. Additionally, change management is crucial, as team members may initially be resistant to adopting new technologies, making effective communication and support essential for successful implementation.

What is the difference between Project Automation vs Business Analyst?

AspectProject AutomationBusiness Analyst
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications (e.g., RPA, scripting)Business analysis certifications (e.g., CBAP, PMI-PBA)
Work EnvironmentIT teams, automation tools, software developmentBusiness units, process analysis, stakeholder communication
Employer & Industry UsageIT departments, tech companies, automation service providersConsulting firms, finance, healthcare, corporate sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding automation roles, tools, and skillsAnalyzing business processes, requirements gathering

While Project Automation focuses on implementing automation tools and scripting to streamline processes, Business Analysts concentrate on analyzing business needs and defining requirements. Both roles often collaborate but serve different functions within projects, with Project Automation handling technical execution and Business Analysts ensuring solutions meet business goals.

Are project automation jobs in demand?

Project automation jobs are in high demand as organizations seek to improve efficiency through tools like robotic process automation (RPA) and workflow automation software. These roles often require skills in scripting, process analysis, and familiarity with automation platforms, and employment growth is expected to continue as companies prioritize digital transformation.
More about Project Automation jobs
Infographic showing various Project Automation job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,681 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Senior Automation/Controls Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Viavi Solutions
Telecommunications • 1 - 5K employees

$106K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.
We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Role

VIAVI Solutions manufactures advanced optical thin-film and pigment coating products across a 24/7 production environment in Santa Rosa, CA, with additional sites in China and Arizona. This Controls Engineer position balances two priorities: keeping automation running in an active manufacturing operation, and leading new capital project work - machine installations, system upgrades, and next-generation automation platforms. For the right candidate, this role has a clear path into engineering leadership and management of VIAVI's Automation Controls group.

Manufacturing Support

  • Resolve PLC/HMI faults rapidly to restore production

  • Support planned maintenance windows and change deployments

  • Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions

  • Improve control logic, alarming, and system reliability

  • Partner closely with maintenance and operations teams

🔧 New Capital Projects

  • Own automation scope on new machine installations

  • Define PLC/HMI/network architecture for new systems

  • Manage vendors, FAT/SAT, and project documentation

  • Commission and validate systems into Operations

Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain PLC and HMI systems for manufacturing equipment

  • Commission new automation hardware and software; integrate with existing infrastructure

  • Configure and commission motor drives, motion systems, and closed-loop control systems

  • Design and administer SQL databases; manage industrial networks (Profibus, Ethernet/IP, OPC)

  • Maintain source control, documentation, and change records for all control system work

  • Lead or contribute to capital project scoping, scheduling, and execution

  • Mentor junior engineers; collaborate across Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams

  • Demonstrate communication and leadership skills aligned with future management growth

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, or equivalent experience

  • 5+ years in industrial controls/automation in a manufacturing environment

  • PLC programming: Siemens Step 7 / TIA Portal or Mitsubishi GX Developer

  • Experience supporting automation in 24/7 or continuous production environments

  • Programming with Visual Studio, C#

  • End-to-end ownership of capital project automation scope

  • HMI development, industrial networking, SQL databases, source code management

  • Strong troubleshooting skills; ability to read electrical schematics and P&IDs

  • Excellent communication skills; occasional international travel required

Preferred Skills

  • Allen-Bradley / Rockwell or Honeywell PLC platforms

  • LabVIEW, Wonderware System Platform, Oracle, Linux, Windows administration

  • Vision systems, vacuum coating processes, optics knowledge

  • Prior team-lead experience

Leadership & Management Growth Path - High performers will have the opportunity to eventually lead the Controls team technically and move into formal management of VIAVI's Automation Controls Engineering group. Growth is supported through stretch assignments, leadership visibility, and formal development planning.

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

Job Posting Pay Range:

134,400

to

249,600

Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary. VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.