Automation Engineer Jobs in Arizona
Automation Engineer jobs in Arizona are in strong demand, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced electronics, with openings from entry-level controls technicians through senior systems engineers. Phoenix, Tucson, and Chandler are the primary hiring hubs, home to established employers like Honeywell, Intel, and Raytheon Technologies that maintain large engineering operations in the state. The most sought-after specialties are PLC programming, robotics integration, and SCADA systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Title: Senior Automation Project Engineer
Location: Phoenix, AZ *On-Site*
Pay: $110,000- $135,000/annually *Dependent on experience*
Schedule: Phoenix, AZ
We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation Project Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and deployment of new automation technologies at our Phoenix facility. This role will drive automation projects from concept through commissioning and operational support, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative, reliable, and compliant solutions. The ideal candidate brings strong automation and controls expertise, proven project management experience, and the ability to lead vendors, contractors, and stakeholders to successfully execute complex capital projects.
Responsibilities:
- Lead automation and computerized system projects from concept through startup and support.
- Design, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC, HMI/SCADA, MES, historian, and industrial connectivity systems.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Validation, and IT teams to deliver reliable solutions.
- Coordinate and provide technical guidance to contractors and junior engineers.
- Support system integration, industrial networking, cybersecurity, Active Directory, and IT/OT infrastructure.
- Troubleshoot production and automation issues to minimize downtime and improve system reliability.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, SOPs, specifications, and test protocols.
- Participate in a rotational after-hours on-call support schedule.
Requirements:
- Must have PLC programming and SCADA experience
- Must have experience with large-scale automation projects
- Must have 8+ years of experience in automation engineering, controls engineering, manufacturing systems, or IT/OT environments
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field preferred.
- Experience supporting capital projects, commissioning, startup, and system lifecycle support.
- Experience with Rockwell ControlLogix preferred.
- Knowledge of industrial communications, networking, system integration, and GMP-compliant environments.
- Ability to collaborate cross-functionally, mentor others, manage priorities, and solve complex technical challenges.
Preferred Skills:
- Aveva InTouch, Aveva Historian, COPA-DATA Zenon
- Rockwell PharmaSuite MES
- Kepware KEPServerEX
- Microsoft Active Directory
- OPC-UA and OPC-DA communications
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing or GMP-regulated environments
Pay: $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Bachelor's (Preferred)
Experience:
- Automation Engineering: 8 years (Preferred)
- Manufacturing Systems: 8 years (Preferred)
- IT/OT Engineering: 8 years (Preferred)
- PLC: 3 years (Required)
- SCADA: 3 years (Required)
- leading large-scale automation projects: 3 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
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Where Arizona roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in Arizona
A snapshot from current Arizona openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Telecommunications
- Staffing & Recruiting
What Arizona Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across Arizona.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering from an accredited program
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens
- Proficiency with SCADA systems, HMI configuration, and industrial network protocols
- Familiarity with robotics integration, including FANUC, ABB, or KUKA platforms
- Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Strong troubleshooting skills for automated systems in high-volume production environments
Automation Engineer Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an automation engineer in Arizona?
Automation engineering in Arizona does not require a state-issued license for most industry roles, but employers consistently expect a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Candidates pursuing roles that involve signing off on engineered systems may seek licensure through the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration. Building hands-on skills in PLC programming, robotics, and SCADA through internships or lab work strengthens competitiveness in Arizona's aerospace and semiconductor sectors.
How much do automation engineers make in Arizona?
Automation engineers in Arizona earn a median of about $102,280 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $61,700 for the lowest 10% to over $167,380 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation engineers in Arizona?
Employers hiring automation engineers in Arizona right now include Ryder System, UST, and DEEL, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Arizona's concentration of aerospace, defense, and semiconductor manufacturers means demand is consistent year-round, particularly in the Greater Phoenix area and Tucson's defense corridor.
Which Arizona cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
Phoenix, Chandler, and Mesa have the most automation engineer openings in Arizona. Phoenix dominates due to its dense cluster of semiconductor fabs, aerospace facilities, and electronics manufacturers, while Tucson and Chandler draw significant hiring from defense contractors and chip production operations anchored by major employer campuses in those areas.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in Arizona?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation engineering is fundamentally hands-on work tied to physical equipment and production floors, so most roles require on-site presence. About 52% of automation engineer openings tied to Arizona are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to cover systems design, technical documentation, or integration planning rather than direct equipment commissioning.
How can I get hired as an automation engineer in Arizona with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for controls technician or manufacturing engineer associate roles, which large Arizona employers like Honeywell and Intel use to bring in candidates from engineering technology programs. Community colleges such as Mesa Community College and Pima Community College offer mechatronics and industrial automation certificates that Arizona manufacturers recognize. A capstone project demonstrating PLC or robotics work substitutes for formal experience in many screening conversations at smaller Arizona integrators and contract manufacturers.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Arizona?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Arizona on Migrate Mate, which lists current Arizona openings across industries including aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, and industrial automation. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly without creating a profile or going through additional steps.
See All 34 Automation Engineer Jobs in Arizona
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