Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Controls and Automation Engineer
Career Insights for Manufacturing Automation Engineer
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on California data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Manufacturing Automation Engineer designs, programs and improves automated machinery and processes within a manufacturing environment. Are responsible for the design specifications, documentation and troubleshooting of the equipment. Often work within vehicle manufacturing and food processing plants, where robots or machines are used to perform specific functions.
$129,288 / year median in California
+14% projected growth
Job Description
About the Role We are looking for a skilled Controls and Automation Engineer to drive the efficiency and reliability of our advanced production lines. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining high-performance manufacturing standards by leveraging your expertise in PLC programming and industrial control systems to maximize operational uptime. Responsibilities Drive the optimization and maintenance of complex automated manufacturing systems to ensure peak equipment performance. Design, modify, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and VFD logic to streamline production processes. Lead the successful commissioning and integration of new automation technologies and production machinery. Minimize operational disruptions by rapidly diagnosing and resolving intricate electrical and instrumentation challenges. Enhance system reliability through proactive process improvements and data-driven performance analysis. Interpret and update technical documentation, including electrical schematics and ladder logic, to maintain accurate system records. Manage the configuration of industrial networks, vision systems, and advanced sensors to support seamless production flow. Partner with cross-functional engineering and maintenance teams to champion continuous improvement initiatives. Required Skills Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 3+ years of hands-on experience managing industrial automation in a high-volume manufacturing setting. Proficiency in programming and debugging major PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens. Strong ability to read electrical schematics and resolve complex control system faults. Preferred Skills Experience with industrial robotics integration, including brands like Fanuc or ABB. Working knowledge of SCADA systems and industrial networking protocols. Familiarity with machine vision systems and advanced servo control applications.