Automation Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
Automation Engineer jobs in District of Columbia are concentrated in one of the most active federal technology markets in the country, with demand running from entry-level systems integrators to senior controls engineers supporting defense, government IT, and infrastructure sectors. Most hiring is centered in Washington DC proper and the nearby corridors of Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland, where established employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and General Dynamics Information Technology maintain large engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties in this market are industrial control systems, robotic process automation, and SCADA integration tied to federal agency modernization programs. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Looking for a career where hard work is valued, and your ideas and feedback are part of the way we operate daily? Want to bring your skills to a company that encourages teamwork and champions continued education and process improvement? Atlas Tech, a veteran-owned IT company serving multiple DoD customers in support of America’s warfighters, is seeking a passionate, flexible, committed team player to join our group of highly motivated professionals. If you are comfortable in fast-paced environments, can think on your feet, and excel in team-based collaborative efforts, then this may be the right fit for you.
Atlas Tech is seeking a Microsoft Systems Sustainment Engineer to support the systems engineering, automation, and integration of Naval software systems. This role provides critical sustainment support for PMW 110 Tactical Networks, with a focus on designing, building, automating, and maintaining systems and infrastructure across Microsoft- and VMware-based environments. The engineer will support DoD systems by integrating COTS/GOTS components, developing and maintaining automation using Ansible and ADP, troubleshooting complex distributed systems, and ensuring consistent and reliable baseline configurations across mission-critical platforms.
You Will:
- Work with Microsoft-based applications and services, including Windows Server, Active Directory, Group Policy, and virtualized environments
- Troubleshoot complex application, infrastructure, and network issues across distributed systems
- Develop and revise system designs and architectures to improve efficiency, stability, supportability, and sustainability
- Provide technical analysis integral to the maintenance and sustainment of DoD systems
- Integrate COTS and GOTS software into CANES baselines
- Partner with engineering teams to align infrastructure with mission requirements and participate in reviews, sprint planning, and technical design discussions
- Prepare technical documentation and briefs for engineering review teams
- Work with VMware hypervisor-based systems hosting Microsoft Server environments
- Use cybersecurity tools such as STIGs, ACAS, and Nessus to support vulnerability analysis and mitigation
- Support IT enterprise products, monitoring tools, ticketing systems, and configuration management solutions
- Develop solutions to solve problems and implement enhancements
- Apply Ansible automation and the Ansible Delivery Pipeline (ADP) to streamline sustainment workflows, reduce configuration drift, and ensure consistent baselines
- Develop and optimize Ansible playbooks and ADP pipelines for deployment, configuration, and sustainment activities
- Work with Atlassian products for project/issue management tracking, change management, and system version management (JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket)
You Have:
- U.S. Citizenship
- A minimum of a Department of Defense (DoD) Secret level Security Clearance or be able to obtain an interim security clearance prior to hire date
- DoD 8140\8570 Certifications to be qualified as an Information Assurance Technician (IAT) Level II
- 3–5+ years of experience supporting engineering efforts and complex IT infrastructure
- Experience with Ansible Automation Platform and playbook development
- Experience with Windows Domain systems, Active Directory, and Group Policy Objects
- Strong PowerShell experience for automating installation, configuration, maintenance, and hardening tasks
- Demonstrated ability to automate the installation and configuration of applications
- Experience creating and testing virtual environments using VMware, Hyper-V, or similar technologies
- Working knowledge of Agile and DevOps practices
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-team collaboration
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
We'd be Impressed if You Had:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
- Microsoft certifications such as MCITP, MCSA, or MCSE
- 5+ years' experience in data engineering roles
- Experience with CI/CD tools (GitLab CI, Azure DevOps)
- Proficiency with version control systems and collaborative development tools
- Experience with configuration management and automation platforms like Ansible
- Programming/scripting experience (Python, PowerShell, Bash, Go)
- Experience with Microsoft Configuration Manager (MCM) related to configuration items and other deployment-based activities.
- Experience with Microsoft Azure
In addition to a great culture at Atlas Tech, we pride ourselves on our Core Values of Learning; Teaching; Passion; and Flexibility. We have been recognized in the top 25 in both South Carolina and Virginia as one of the Best Places to Work for three straight years. We have also been honored with the US DOL Hire Vets Gold Award since 2020.
Want to hear more? Read on to see what our Team Members say about their experience:
“From day 1, I knew Atlas Tech was where I wanted to be. Atlas’ culture embraces creativeness, community involvement, and taking care of their employees. If you’re looking for a great place to work, come join us!” - Blane
“I could not have asked for a better company to transition from Active-Duty military to civilian life. Atlas not only provides opportunities for professional growth, but it’s also highly encouraged. The passion and appreciation for what we do that is displayed every day, makes it exciting for me to come to work each day.” - Laurence
Atlas Tech is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.
Accessibility & Accommodations
Atlas Tech strives to make our website, www.atlas-tech.com, accessible to all users. If you need assistance completing the application process or require a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at hr.recruiter@atlas-tech.com.
This contact information is designated for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of an application. Atlas Tech is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Atlas Tech offers a competitive salary, generous benefits package, and an opportunity to make a positive impact in your own community.
See All 23 Automation Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find Automation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across District of Columbia.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited institution
- Hands-on experience with PLC programming using platforms such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Schneider Electric
- Proficiency with SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial network protocols
- Active or obtainable federal security clearance, commonly required by DC-area government contractors
- Familiarity with robotic process automation tools such as UiPath, Blue Prism, or Automation Anywhere
- Strong documentation skills for system design, test procedures, and compliance reporting
Automation Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation engineer in District of Columbia?
Automation engineering in the District of Columbia does not require a state-issued occupational license, but most employers require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited program. Many DC-area positions, particularly those with federal contractors, additionally require candidates to obtain or hold a security clearance through the federal adjudication process. Earning certifications such as the Certified Automation Professional from the International Society of Automation strengthens a candidate's standing in this market.
How much do automation engineers make in District of Columbia?
Automation engineers in District of Columbia earn a median of about $151,920 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $101,990 for the lowest 10% to over $195,190 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation engineers in District of Columbia?
Employers hiring automation engineers in District of Columbia right now include eTelligent Group, Atlas Technologies, and Koniag Government Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The DC market is heavily shaped by large federal contractors and defense-focused systems integrators that staff long-term government program offices throughout the district and surrounding suburbs.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
The cities with the most automation engineer openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Washington DC anchors the market because of the high density of federal agencies and prime contractors headquartered there, while adjacent areas in Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland generate additional volume through major defense and intelligence program offices that rely on automation engineering talent.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they are limited. About 85% of automation engineer openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on lab, facility, and systems integration work that defines much of this role. The portions of the work most commonly performed remotely include software configuration, documentation, and process design tasks that do not require physical access to equipment or secure government facilities.
How can I get hired as a automation engineer in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through associate or junior engineer roles at federal contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, or SAIC, which regularly hire recent graduates into rotational engineering programs and entry-level systems integration positions. Candidates with a relevant engineering degree who are actively pursuing their security clearance eligibility have a meaningful advantage in this market. Adjacent roles in IT systems administration, network operations, or technical support within government environments also serve as practical stepping stones toward an automation engineering position.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to this market. Search the roles available, find the ones that fit your background and experience level, and apply directly to the positions that match.
See All 23 Automation Engineer Jobs in District of Columbia
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