1

Trainee Automation Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Trainee Automation Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$35.2K

$101.9K

$155.1K

How much do trainee automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee automation engineer in Indiana is $101,938.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects can a Trainee Automation Engineer expect to work on, and how are tasks typically assigned within the team?

As a Trainee Automation Engineer, you will often be involved in supporting the development, testing, and implementation of automated systems for manufacturing or process environments. Tasks are generally assigned based on current project needs, your technical background, and areas identified for skill development. You can expect to work closely with senior engineers and cross-functional teams, contributing to tasks such as programming PLCs, troubleshooting automation equipment, and assisting with system integration. This collaborative environment helps you build practical experience while gradually taking on more complex responsibilities as you grow within the role.

What are Trainee Automation Engineers?

Trainee Automation Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining automated systems in industries such as manufacturing, IT, and process engineering. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to learn about automation tools, programming, and system integration. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting automation equipment, preparing documentation, and gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard technologies. This role is typically part of a structured training program intended to develop the skills required for a full Automation Engineer position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Automation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Automation Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, basic programming skills (such as Python or PLC languages), and a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with automation tools like Siemens or Allen-Bradley PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking is often expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated systems to ensure efficiency and reliability in industrial processes.

What is the difference between Trainee Automation Engineer vs Junior Automation Engineer?

AspectTrainee Automation EngineerJunior Automation Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant technical education or certificationsCompleted relevant education, some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, supervised tasks, entry-level projectsIndependent task execution, project involvement, team collaboration
Employer & Industry UsageInternships, training programs in manufacturing, software, or industrial sectorsEntry-level roles in automation across various industries

The main difference between a Trainee Automation Engineer and a Junior Automation Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. Trainees are often in training or learning phases, focusing on gaining foundational skills, while Junior Automation Engineers have completed their education and are capable of handling tasks with less supervision. Both roles are essential for career development in automation engineering.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Trainee Automation Engineer jobs in Indiana? For Trainee Automation Engineer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Automation Engineer jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Automation Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Trainee Automation Engineer jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Trainee Automation Engineer job openings:
Scientific Automation Specialist III

Scientific Automation Specialist III

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Greenfield, IN

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Thermo Fisher Scientific rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 414 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

196th of 528 rated manufacturers


Job description

Work Schedule

Standard (Mon-Fri)

Environmental Conditions

Laboratory Setting, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

Role: Automation Specialist III.
This is a fully onsite role based at our Greenfield, IN Laboratory. We welcome applicants from all locations within the US. Please note that relocation assistance is not provided for this position, and any relocation costs will be the responsibility of the candidate.  

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. 

Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening. 

At Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll discover meaningful work that makes a positive impact on a global scale. Join our colleagues in bringing our Mission to life - enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We provide our teams with the resources needed to achieve individual career goals while taking science a step beyond through research, development and delivery of life-changing therapies. With clinical trials conducted in 100+ countries and ongoing development of novel frameworks for clinical research through our PPD clinical research portfolio, our work spans laboratory, digital and decentralized clinical trial services. Your determination to deliver quality and accuracy will improve health outcomes that people and communities depend on – now and in the future. 

Our PPD® Laboratory Services team has a direct impact on improving patient health through the expertise of scientists, industry thought leaders and therapeutic experts. As the world leader in serving science, our laboratory professionals bring their commitment to accuracy and quality to deliver groundbreaking innovations. 

Discover Impactful Work:
Automation Specialist III
Performs a variety of complex activities in support of automated instrumentation. Conducts activities following company SOPs and policies, while also adhering to automation best practices with independence.  Develops and supports initiatives to increase efficiency and productivity of the laboratory.

Essential Functions 

  • Develops and validates scripts/methods. Understands and conforms to methods, and protocols applicable to assigned tasks.

  • Develops liquid classes for liquid handling workstations and trains others to perform liquid class testing.

  • Maintains existing liquid handling workstations through preventative

  • maintenance and complex remedial maintenance (e.g., complex hardware replacements)

  • Implements new scripts/methods through developmental testing without supervision.

  • Supports new hires and trainees in executing scripts/methods.

  • Participates in validation projects and, with minimal supervision, conducts validation experiments. May serve as a Principal Investigator

  • Uses advanced troubleshooting skills (hardware and/or software) to solve complex problems

  • Program scripts with high complexity in support of maintenance activities and/or assay methods on automated instrumentation

  • Possesses excellent documentation skills and adheres to relevant SOPs and laboratory automation best practices.  Trains others on documentation and SOPs/laboratory automation best practices.

  • Performs programming and/or process mapping for fully automated workflows

  • Designs and implements data integrity processes

  • Provides team coaching/mentorship

Qualifications:   
Education and Experience:   

Bachelor's degree or equivalent and relevant formal academic / vocational qualification.
Previous experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job (comparable to 5+ years).
Minimum of 2 years required Hamilton/Venus experience

In some cases, an equivalency, consisting of a combination of appropriate education, training and/or directly related experience, will be considered sufficient for an individual to meet the requirements of the role.   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Instrumentation:

  • Scinomix VXL (×3, identical configurations for filling and labeling) – RS fills

  • Hamilton STARlet - CE buffer vial prep; volumetric sample prep, etc.

  • Biotage Extrahera – ProA/L capture

  • Direct experience with automation instrumentation required; vendor service certification preferred

  • Experience with programming (Hamilton Venus, TECAN EVOware or Fluent Control, Thermo Momentum, VB, Python, etc.) required; vendor programming certification (or equivalent)

    • Hamilton Venus- 2 years minimum required

  • Prior experience working within a lab, where you will interface with lab technical leads

  • Ability to operate and troubleshoot a wide variety of analytical instrumentation and data acquisition systems

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities

  • Proven ability to work in a collaborative work environment with a team

  • Proven understanding of GxP requirements, SOPs, ICH guidelines, USP requirements and FDA

  • Proven troubleshooting and critical thinking skills

  • Proficient in complex automated platform software use and programming

  • Proven ability to train other automation staff for programming, liquid class testing, labware testing, etc.

  • Knowledge of data generation and statistical programs

  • Knowledge of general chemistry, separation science, immunochemistry, molecular genomics, biomarker, and/or vaccine science related concepts and/or technologies (as applicable) systems

  • Technical writing skills

  • Effective communication (written and oral) and organizational skills

Benefits 

We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation! 

Working Conditions and Environment: 

Thermo Fisher Scientific values the health and wellbeing of our employees. We support and encourage individuals to create a healthy and balanced environment where they can thrive. Below is listed the working environment/requirements for this role: 

  • Able to communicate, receive, and understand information and ideas with diverse groups of people in a comprehensible and reasonable manner. 

  • Able to work upright and stationary and/or standing for typical working hours. 

  • Able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds. 

  • Able to work in non-traditional work environments. 

  • Able to use and learn standard office equipment and technology with proficiency. 

  • May have exposure to potentially hazardous elements, including infectious agents, typically found in healthcare or laboratory environments. 

  • Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities. 

  • May have exposure to potentially hazardous elements, including infectious agents, typically found in healthcare or laboratory environments. 

  • Able to perform successfully under pressure while prioritizing and handling multiple projects or activities. 

 
Why Join Us? 
When you join Thermo Fisher Scientific, you become part of a global team that values passion, innovation, and a commitment to scientific excellence. You’ll work in an environment where collaboration and development are part of the everyday experience—and where your contributions truly make a difference. 
 
Apply today to help us deliver tomorrow’s breakthroughs. 

Thermo Fisher Scientific is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. 
 

Accessibility/Disability Access 

Job Seekers with a Disability: Thermo Fisher Scientific offers accessibility service for job seekers requiring accommodations in the job application process. For example, this may include individuals requiring assistance because of hearing, vision, mobility, or cognitive impairments. If you are a job seeker with a disability, or assisting a person with a disability, and require accessibility assistance or an accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, please submit a request by telephone at 1-855-471-2255*. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process. 

This telephone line is reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages 


What Thermo Fisher Scientific employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom