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Trainee Automation Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Trainee Automation Engineer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$35.3K

$102.3K

$155.7K

How much do trainee automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee automation engineer in Houston, TX is $102,303.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,600.00 and $117,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a trainee automation engineer?

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?

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 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 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 Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Automation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX?

For Trainee Automation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Automation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Automation Engineer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Trainee Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Trainee Automation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Automation Engineer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,303 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Technical Sales Spring 2027 Co-op (Houston, TX)

Lincoln Electric

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Lincoln Electric rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric’s innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in their operations. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is the essential ‘Linc’ that keeps the economy running. The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company’s website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com.

Job Title: Technical Sales Spring 2027 Co-Op 
Location: Houston, TX
Target Program Dates: January 12th – April 16th, 2027
Relocation: While local candidates are preferred, a temporary housing stipend is available for co-op's residing more than 50 miles from the co-op location 
Req ID: 29773 

Are You the Missing Linc?

Lincoln Electric is looking for bright, driven individuals to join our Technical Sales Co-Op Program—designed to connect your academic foundation with real-world, hands-on experience. As a participant, you’ll Be the Linc between your education and a future in advanced manufacturing, innovation, and leadership.

What Sets Us Apart
  • LincPal Program: Get paired with a Lincoln Electric employee to guide your experience. 
  • Professional Development: Frequent workshops and leadership exposure. 
  • Career Pathway: Those eligible may be considered for full-time opportunities, including our Trainee Development Program.
Overview of the Program

Lincoln Electric's Technical Sales Co-Op Program offers hands-on experience in a fast-paced, technology-driven sales environment. Co-ops gain exposure to the full sales cycle through customer engagement, technical product demonstrations, opportunity management, and sales strategy. Working alongside Technical Sales Representatives across the region, co-ops will lead impactful projects, support customer and distributor development activities, and help identify solutions for customer applications. Co-ops will be responsible for driving two to three key sales projects as determined by the Regional Sales Manager while developing technical, commercial, and relationship-building skills.

What You'll Work On
  • Visit end users and distributors to identify opportunities, evaluate applications, and recommend solutions 
  • Participate in customer visits, distributor open houses, Lunch & Learns, and training events 
  • Lead 2-3 key sales projects that deliver value to customers and the sales organization 
  • Utilize CRM tools to support opportunity management, quoting, and sales strategy development 
  • Conduct hands-on welding demonstrations 
  • Promote products at distributor open houses 
  • Update customers on new products 
  • Assist Technical Sales Representatives with training end users
Basic Qualifications
  • Pursuing or having achieved a bachelor’s degree in a STEM or Business field   
  • Eligible to work in the U.S. on a full-time, permanent basis without sponsorship
Preferred Qualifications
  • A degree in business administration, marketing, engineering, communication, or any related fields 
  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.8 
  • Sophomore status or higher 
  • Ability to travel for training and field visits 
  • Interest in sales, technical/field service, and customer support 
  • Willingness to collaborate across departments (engineering, product management, sales)

Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.


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