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Senior Automation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Automation Specialist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$92K - $138K/yr

Engineering and Designing Reliable, Responsive, Solutions. SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative ... JOIN CANNON as a Senior Automation Specialist in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful ...

Engineering and Designing Reliable, Responsive, Solutions. SINCE 1976, CANNON has provided creative ... JOIN CANNON as a Senior Automation Specialist in IRVINE. Irvine offers warm weather, beautiful ...

About the Role The Senior Automation Engineer has a thorough understanding of the development and field implementation of documents through all project phases, sizes and levels of complexity. Their ...

$110K - $144K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Robotics Automation Engineer is a highly experienced technical leader responsible for advancing the design, integration, optimization, and long-term operational strategy of ...

About the Role The Senior Automation Engineer has a thorough understanding of the development and field implementation of documents through all project phases, sizes and levels of complexity. Their ...

About the Role The Senior Automation Engineer has a thorough understanding of the development and field implementation of documents through all project phases, sizes and levels of complexity. Their ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Automation Engineer information

See California salary details

$50.8K

$120.3K

$165.8K

How much do senior automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior automation engineer in California is $120,258.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $134,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior automation engineer?

The duties of a senior automation engineer are to develop, design, and configure systems that automate processes, such as manufacturing or software processes. Some people in this position work exclusively with software design while others work with hardware design and production. Some may provide both digital and physical solutions to automation problems. Regardless of the field, the responsibilities of a senior automation engineer are to improve efficiency while reducing the number of people it takes to complete a given process. Qualifications typically include a bachelor’s or master’s degree, experience in the industry, and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior automation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Automation Engineer, you need a deep understanding of 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, along with certifications like ISTQB or Certified Automation Professional (CAP), is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, effective communication, and collaboration skills help you excel in guiding teams and managing complex projects. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of automated systems in fast-paced technical environments.

What is the difference between Senior Automation Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectSenior Automation EngineerAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; often some certifications in automation toolsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications in automation tools are common
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and overseeing automation systems; leading projectsImplementing automation solutions; supporting existing systems
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, software, automotive, and industrial sectorsManufacturing, software development, and industrial sectors

Senior Automation Engineers typically have more experience, lead projects, and handle complex automation systems, while Automation Engineers focus on implementing and supporting automation solutions. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across various industries, but senior roles involve more leadership and strategic responsibilities.

How does a senior automation engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

Senior Automation Engineers frequently work alongside software developers, QA specialists, and operations teams to design and implement robust automated testing frameworks or process automation solutions. They often lead discussions to identify automation opportunities, define requirements, and ensure that automation integrates smoothly into existing workflows. Effective communication and documentation skills are essential, as they must translate complex technical needs for non-technical stakeholders and align efforts across departments. Collaboration may also involve mentoring junior engineers and conducting code reviews to maintain high standards and consistency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Senior Automation Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Automation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Automation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,258 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Senior Automation Engineer, Propulsion

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

$111K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,061 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Design, build, and commission automated manufacturing systems to improve production throughput, product quality, and operator safety
  • Work with product-specific design & manufacturing teams to scope the appropriate level of automation
  • Own the design and integration of automation cells including robot / cobot applications, conveyance, bespoke electromechanical systems, and automated inspection  
  • Work with IE and Facilities teams to lay out production lines in new and existing Anduril factories
  • Generate 2D and 3D CAD files for automation lines and their systems / components
  • Enforce and contribute to Anduril's internal processes & standards, including requirements definition, vendor solicitation, commissioning sequences, and safety buyoffs
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot equipment issues, reduce downtime, and drive continuous improvement initiatives
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 
  • Bachelor's degree in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering,
    Electrical Engineering, or similar
  • 6+ years of experience designing and commissioning automated production equipment
  • Proficient CAD modeling in NX, Solidworks or AutoCAD
  • Proficient in Robot / Cobot selection and integration, including path planning, EOAT design, dresspacks, and safety
  • Experience with at least one major conveyance system (fixed/palletized, AGV/AMR, slat, overhead carrier, etc)
  • Experience integrating various control components including PLCs, HMIs, pushbuttons, stack lights, safety scanners, etc
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 
  • 9+ years of experience designing and commissioning automated production equipment
  • Strong 3D CAD in NX
  • Experience with automated dispense systems (adhesives, TIMs, paint, coatings, etc)
  • Experience with multiple conveyance systems (fixed/palletized, AGV/AMR, slat, overhead carrier, etc)
  • Experience with control panel layout, electrical component selection, and cable routing
  • Experience integrating with MES and QMS

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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