Automation Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Automation Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are in strong demand, concentrated in advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy, and logistics sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level controls technician to senior systems engineer. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown are the three largest hiring metros, anchored by major employers like Siemens, Johnson & Johnson, and Air Products. The most sought-after specialties include PLC programming, robotics integration, and process control for continuous manufacturing environments. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Automation Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 87+ Automation Engineer jobs
Be Part of the Future of Sleep!
At Serta Simmons Bedding (SSB), we're more than a mattress company, we're a leading global sleep company with a mission to help people sleep better so they can live healthier lives. With a 150-year heritage in delivering industry-leading sleep solutions, we own iconic brands including Serta®, Beautyrest®, Simmons® and Tuft & Needle®.
What You'll Do:
Manufacturing Technology Strategy
- Develop and execute a manufacturing technology aligned with technology roadmap, growth, cost, and service objectives
- Lead standardization of equipment, controls, and manufacturing systems across all mattress plants
- Identify and deploy technologies that improve flexibility, labor efficiency, and uptime in high-mix environments
Automation & Equipment Enablement
- Oversee automation implementation across core mattress processes, including:
- Quilting and panel cutting
- Mattress assembly and tape-edge operations
- Packaging, compression/roll-pack, and palletizing
- Conveyance and material handling systems
- Drive reduction of manual labor through automation, robotics, and ergonomic system design
- Partner with Engineering and Operations on new line design, capacity expansions, and greenfield projects
Manufacturing Systems & Digital Tools
- Lead implementation and optimization of manufacturing systems (MES or equivalent) to enable:
- Real-time production tracking
- Labor and efficiency reporting
- Scrap, rework, and first-pass quality visibility
- SKU-level performance analysis
- Integrate production systems with ERP, planning, and warehouse systems
- Partner with IT to ensure secure, reliable OT/IT integration across plants
Performance Improvement & Standardization
- Improve OEE, throughput, changeover time, and first-pass quality using technology and data
- Standardize KPIs, dashboards, and reporting across all manufacturing sites
- Support Lean manufacturing initiatives with enabling technology and automation
- Identify and scale best-performing equipment and systems enterprise-wide
What You'll Do Cont'd:
Quality, Safety & Reliability
- Ensure manufacturing technologies support consistent product quality and specification adherence
- Improve equipment reliability through predictive maintenance and condition monitoring
- Ensure systems are designed with safety, ergonomics, and regulatory compliance in mind
- Support internal and external audits related to manufacturing systems and processes
Capital Planning & Vendor Management
- Maintain the capital planning process for manufacturing technology and automation investments
- Develop business cases and ROI justification for new equipment and systems
- Manage relationships with OEMs, integrators, and technology vendors
- Ensure on-time, on-budget execution of large-scale deployments
Talent & Leadership
- Build and develop high-performing teams in manufacturing technology, automation, and systems
- Establish training standards for operators, technicians, and engineers
- Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational discipline
How You'll Do It:
Technical Expertise
- Industrial automation, controls, and material handling systems
- Manufacturing execution or production management systems
- Lean manufacturing tools and methods to integrate with technology
- Equipment standardization and line balancing
- Data analytics for labor, throughput, and quality performance
- Integration of shop-floor systems with ERP
- Hands-on, pragmatic approach to technology deployment
- Strong financial and capital management skills
Leadership Competencies
- This position does not have direct reports
- Strong cross-functional influence
- Ability to balance standardization with site-level flexibility
What You'll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field required
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial technology
- Experience in high-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments strongly preferred
- Experience in mattress, furniture, textiles, or consumer goods manufacturing is a plus
Job Factors/Work Environments
- Estimated 50-75% travel
- Reports to: Sr Dir. Manufacturing Technology
Why work at Serta Simmons Bedding?
When you join SSB, you become part of a winning and diverse team that is excited and committed to helping people get better sleep. We provide inspiring career opportunities, competitive benefits, employee perks, and the chance to be part of the future of sleep.
Benefits and Perks (USA, Salary non-union- optional):
Health, Dental, and Vision
Annual employee contribution to HSA
401K with company match
Paid Time Off / Vacation
12 company holidays
Sick days
Company paid short- and long-term disability
Paid parental leave
Discount programs including Friends and family discounts
Referral Bonus
Tuition Reimbursement
Employees are required to comply with COVID policies established by a vendor or customer.
It is our policy to abide by all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination, with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, based solely on a person’s race, color, religious creed/religion, sex (including sexual orientation, or gender identity), pregnancy, childbirth or other related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, age, military status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping or expression), genetic information (including family medical history), or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists.
SSB will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees who need them, as required by law.
The hiring salary range for this position applies to where legally required, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable, as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia
Nearest Secondary Market: Harrisburg
Be Part of the Future of Sleep!
At Serta Simmons Bedding (SSB), we're more than a mattress company, we're a leading global sleep company with a mission to help people sleep better so they can live healthier lives. With a 150-year heritage in delivering industry-leading sleep solutions, we own iconic brands including Serta®, Beautyrest®, Simmons® and Tuft & Needle®.
What You'll Do:
Manufacturing Technology Strategy
- Develop and execute a manufacturing technology aligned with technology roadmap, growth, cost, and service objectives
- Lead standardization of equipment, controls, and manufacturing systems across all mattress plants
- Identify and deploy technologies that improve flexibility, labor efficiency, and uptime in high-mix environments
Automation & Equipment Enablement
- Oversee automation implementation across core mattress processes, including:
- Quilting and panel cutting
- Mattress assembly and tape-edge operations
- Packaging, compression/roll-pack, and palletizing
- Conveyance and material handling systems
- Drive reduction of manual labor through automation, robotics, and ergonomic system design
- Partner with Engineering and Operations on new line design, capacity expansions, and greenfield projects
Manufacturing Systems & Digital Tools
- Lead implementation and optimization of manufacturing systems (MES or equivalent) to enable:
- Real-time production tracking
- Labor and efficiency reporting
- Scrap, rework, and first-pass quality visibility
- SKU-level performance analysis
- Integrate production systems with ERP, planning, and warehouse systems
- Partner with IT to ensure secure, reliable OT/IT integration across plants
Performance Improvement & Standardization
- Improve OEE, throughput, changeover time, and first-pass quality using technology and data
- Standardize KPIs, dashboards, and reporting across all manufacturing sites
- Support Lean manufacturing initiatives with enabling technology and automation
- Identify and scale best-performing equipment and systems enterprise-wide
What You'll Do Cont'd:
Quality, Safety & Reliability
- Ensure manufacturing technologies support consistent product quality and specification adherence
- Improve equipment reliability through predictive maintenance and condition monitoring
- Ensure systems are designed with safety, ergonomics, and regulatory compliance in mind
- Support internal and external audits related to manufacturing systems and processes
Capital Planning & Vendor Management
- Maintain the capital planning process for manufacturing technology and automation investments
- Develop business cases and ROI justification for new equipment and systems
- Manage relationships with OEMs, integrators, and technology vendors
- Ensure on-time, on-budget execution of large-scale deployments
Talent & Leadership
- Build and develop high-performing teams in manufacturing technology, automation, and systems
- Establish training standards for operators, technicians, and engineers
- Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational discipline
How You'll Do It:
Technical Expertise
- Industrial automation, controls, and material handling systems
- Manufacturing execution or production management systems
- Lean manufacturing tools and methods to integrate with technology
- Equipment standardization and line balancing
- Data analytics for labor, throughput, and quality performance
- Integration of shop-floor systems with ERP
- Hands-on, pragmatic approach to technology deployment
- Strong financial and capital management skills
Leadership Competencies
- This position does not have direct reports
- Strong cross-functional influence
- Ability to balance standardization with site-level flexibility
What You'll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field required
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial technology
- Experience in high-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments strongly preferred
- Experience in mattress, furniture, textiles, or consumer goods manufacturing is a plus
Job Factors/Work Environments
- Estimated 50-75% travel
- Reports to: Sr Dir. Manufacturing Technology
Why work at Serta Simmons Bedding?
When you join SSB, you become part of a winning and diverse team that is excited and committed to helping people get better sleep. We provide inspiring career opportunities, competitive benefits, employee perks, and the chance to be part of the future of sleep.
Benefits and Perks (USA, Salary non-union- optional):
Health, Dental, and Vision
Annual employee contribution to HSA
401K with company match
Paid Time Off / Vacation
12 company holidays
Sick days
Company paid short- and long-term disability
Paid parental leave
Discount programs including Friends and family discounts
Referral Bonus
Tuition Reimbursement
Employees are required to comply with COVID policies established by a vendor or customer.
It is our policy to abide by all federal, state, and local laws prohibiting employment discrimination, with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, based solely on a person’s race, color, religious creed/religion, sex (including sexual orientation, or gender identity), pregnancy, childbirth or other related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, age, military status, or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping or expression), genetic information (including family medical history), or any other protected status except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists.
SSB will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees who need them, as required by law.
The hiring salary range for this position applies to where legally required, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable, as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Nearest Major Market: Philadelphia
Nearest Secondary Market: Harrisburg
See All 87 Automation Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- Consumer Goods
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited program
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and HMI configuration in industrial environments
- Experience designing or commissioning automated systems in manufacturing or pharmaceutical settings
- Familiarity with industry standards including ISA, NFPA 79, and NEC electrical codes
- Strong troubleshooting skills for electromechanical systems and process instrumentation
Automation Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation engineer in Pennsylvania?
Automation engineers in Pennsylvania typically start with a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, mechatronics, or systems engineering. Pennsylvania does not require a state-issued license specifically for automation engineers, but candidates pursuing roles that involve signing off on electrical designs may pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers. Most employers expect hands-on PLC and controls experience, which candidates build through co-op programs at universities like Penn State, Drexel, or Carnegie Mellon.
How much do automation engineers make in Pennsylvania?
Automation engineers in Pennsylvania earn a median of about $108,950 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $61,390 for the lowest 10% to over $164,650 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation engineers in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring automation engineers in Pennsylvania right now include PNC Financial Services, SMS group, and Sargent & Lundy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Pennsylvania's dense concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers, specialty chemical producers, and advanced manufacturing plants generates consistent year-round demand for controls and automation talent.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
Pittsburgh, Conshohocken, and Cranberry Township have the most automation engineer openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia anchors hiring through its large pharmaceutical and life sciences corridor, Pittsburgh draws demand from robotics, energy, and heavy industry, and Allentown benefits from its concentration of manufacturing and distribution facilities in the Lehigh Valley, which has grown into one of the state's most active industrial regions.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline requiring physical presence to program, commission, and troubleshoot equipment on the plant floor. About 47% of automation engineer openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically cover project management, system design, or engineering support roles that do not require direct equipment access.
How can I get hired as a automation engineer in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a co-op or internship while completing an engineering degree, since Pennsylvania employers like Siemens, Air Products, and regional system integrators actively recruit through programs at Penn State, Carnegie Mellon, and Drexel. Candidates can also move laterally from maintenance technician or electrical technician roles into entry-level automation positions. Earning a Certified Control Systems Technician credential from ISA or completing hands-on PLC training gives candidates a measurable edge over other new applicants.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings across industries including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to each one.
See All 87 Automation Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Engineer Jobs