10 of the Best Types of Automation Engineer Jobs in 2026

Discover some great types of Automation Engineer jobs that are hiring now.

High Paying Automation Engineer Jobs

• Senior Automation Engineer

  Salary range: $104,000 - $136,500

  To become a senior automation engineer, you need a background in computer, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Qualifications typically include a bachelor’s or master’s degree as well as engineering experience in the industry. In addition to educational qualifications, you need experience using CAD software, a working knowledge of how hardware and software applications interact, and leadership skills. 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.

• Entry Level Automation Engineer

  Salary range: $86,500 - $123,500

  Entry-level jobs are positions that do not require any previous experience in the role. Most entry-level jobs are aimed at high school or college graduates as a starting point for a future career goal. A college student may have majored in their ideal career field, but will still need to start in an entry-level position to train in a real-world environment. Some students move from internships into entry-level jobs, but most entry-level jobs do not expect a candidate to have any prior employment or on-site training.

• Internship Automation Engineer

  Salary range: $86,500 - $123,500

  An Internship is a position within your desired field that pays little or no money but offers you the opportunity to gain real-world experience. This may set you apart for your future job search. Generally, Internships are almost expected by employers on an entry-level candidate’s resume. You are much more of an asset to an employer if you have some work experience.

• Trainee Automation Engineer

  Salary range: $86,500 - $123,500

  The requirements to get a trainee job vary by industry. In some, such as architecture or accounting, you must graduate from an accredited college program before you can begin work. Other industries, such as retail, manufacturing, or telemarketing, may require only a high school diploma or a GED certificate to begin a training program. No matter what profession you are interested in, you should have strong verbal and written communication and an interest in continuing the career.

• Virtual Automation Engineer

  Salary range: $86,500 - $123,500

  A virtual job refers to a job that can be performed outside of an employer’s office. Also known as remote, work from home, or telecommuting jobs, these positions have become increasingly common because of technology like telephones, internet, email, and video conference calls, which help to facilitate employer-employee communication.

• Freelance Automation Engineer

  Salary range: $86,500 - $123,500

  Freelancers are self-employed. As a freelancer, you provide work to clients and invoice them for it. The type of clients you have depends on what kind of services you offer. Your clients can be individuals or companies. A full-time freelancer often has assignments from multiple clients at once. Some common services that people provide as freelancers are: writing, editing, graphic design, web design, marketing, programming, accounting, and bookkeeping. Freelancing is ideal for those who prefer to be their own boss and are willing to market themselves to meet their income goals.

• Automation Engineer Manager

  Salary range: $86,500 - $123,500

  Managers supervise a team of people; they establish goals, assign tasks, and measure progress. The specific responsibilities of someone in a management position will vary based on the company and industry they work in, but their primary responsibilities remain largely the same. Managers monitor the accomplishments of their staff, focusing on the overall goals of the department. They work with Human Resources to determine and address staffing needs, coordinate and delegate responsibilities, check employee performance, and provide additional training and direction when necessary.

• Temporary Automation Engineer

  Salary range: $86,500 - $123,500

  A Temporary job is an employment arrangement in which both parties, the employee and employer, agree in advance that the position will be filled for a set period. Temporary jobs often are based on employers’ seasonal or specific project needs. Occasionally, Temporary employees will be offered ongoing, full-time positions if their performance is excellent and a position is available. However, you should not assume this will be the case.

• Per Diem Automation Engineer

  Salary range: $86,500 - $123,500

  Per diem jobs are short-term positions which are paid by the day. The most common per diem job opportunities are in the medical field, including positions in nursing, hospice, pediatrics, and midwifery. Phlebotomists, operating (OR) assistants, and pharmacists may also work on a per diem basis. Per diem employees are often contracted to work as admissions coordinators, recreation coordinators, and assistants.

• Junior Automation Engineer

  Salary range: $57,000 - $88,000

  A junior automation engineer role, which is an entry-level position, could develop into that of a QA tester. A QA tester, also known as a quality assurance engineer, tests software and provides stakeholders with information on the quality of the product or service. Once a junior automation engineer gains essential experience over about three years, they can then move into this role. Another potential career path is becoming a QA manager, the qualifications for which typically include about ten years of experience working in a QA environment.