Automation Engineer Jobs in Texas
Automation Engineer jobs in Texas are among the most active in the country, concentrated in manufacturing, oil and gas, semiconductors, and aerospace across a seniority range from entry-level controls technicians through principal systems engineers. Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin account for the bulk of openings, with major employers like ExxonMobil, Texas Instruments, and Lockheed Martin consistently hiring in this space. PLC programming, SCADA integration, and industrial robotics are the specialties drawing the most sustained demand across Texas facilities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting-edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster. As a Power Systems Automation Engineer, you’ll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.
In this role, you will assist numerous customers, just as demonstrated in the video below. You will be helping our customers to successfully automate tasks in the power system environment and beyond! SCADA in West Texas - YouTube
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This job might be for you if you:
- Have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science (or equivalent engineering degree)
- Have 3+ years of experience in power systems automation and communication.
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Have relevant experience with utility/industrial power systems, focusing on automation, communications, and control, including:
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SCADA fundamentals and protocols (DNP3, Modbus, SEL, IEC 61850, Ethernet/IP, OPC UA).
- RTUs, RTACs, IEDs, SEL Relays (3XX-8XX series).
- PLCs, HMIs.
- Serial (EIA-232, EIA-485) and Ethernet (TCP/IP, UDP) communications.
- Firewalls, Security Gateways (SEL-362X).
- Terminal Servers (SEL-3610), Cellular Routers (SEL-3061 or equivalent), Managed Network Switches, SDN.
- IEC 61131-3 programming (Structured Text, Continuous Function Chart, Ladder Diagram).
- Troubleshooting with Wireshark.
- Can listen attentively and provide positive, helpful, and professional communication to both internal and external customers. You maintain composure and professionalism under challenging circumstances.
- Can take on the challenge of unfamiliar tasks and experiment to find new solutions.
- Can create a positive and motivating working environment for all and the ability to cooperatively work in a team.
- Are a strong communicator with excellent technical training, speaking, writing, and customer service skills.
- Can direct daily work activities with general supervision.
- Model high standards of honesty and integrity.
- Have the ability to travel up to 30%.
A typical day might include the following:
- Maintaining and improving your knowledge of power systems, SCADA, integration system automation, and all related SEL products.
- Helping customers apply SEL products through visits, demonstrations, training courses and phone contact.
- Applying principles, theories, standard techniques, and concepts to provide solutions to a variety of problems.
- Contributing to product specifications, application and testing software, and literature.
- Participating in SEL marketing and sales activities, industry technical meetings, and conferences.
- Teaching SEL University courses within core area.
- Contributing to and reviewing white papers, application guides, industry journals, and technical papers.
- Interacting with a diverse range of customers, solving technical problems and teaching the best solutions through various channels.
LOCATION
We are open to this position being located in one of the following locations:
- Fairview Heights, IL
- Lakewood, CO
- Boerne, TX
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
SALARY RANGE DATA
We anticipate filling this position as an Application Engineer at $84,000 - $144,000 per year. We are open to reviewing candidates with more or less experience and the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.
COMMUNICATION WITH APPLICANTS
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
See All 258+ Automation Engineer Jobs in Texas
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Find Automation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs by City in Texas
Where Texas roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in Texas
A snapshot from current Texas openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple27

- Amazon18

- Goldman Sachs8

- Tetra Tech8

- Photon7

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software71
- Electronics & Hardware45
- Consulting & Professional Services32
- Energy15
- Manufacturing15
What Texas Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across Texas.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited program
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Modicon platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA systems, HMI configuration, and industrial network protocols
- Experience designing or commissioning automated systems in manufacturing or process industries
- Familiarity with robotic integration using platforms such as FANUC, KUKA, or ABB
- Strong documentation skills covering control narratives, loop diagrams, and P&IDs
Automation Engineer Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation engineer in Texas?
Most automation engineers in Texas enter through a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering, then build hands-on controls experience on the job. Texas does not require a state-issued license for the automation engineer title itself, though a Professional Engineer license issued through the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is valuable for senior design roles. Industry certifications such as Certified Automation Professional from ISA strengthen candidacy significantly with Texas manufacturers and refineries.
How much do automation engineers make in Texas?
Automation engineers in Texas earn a median of about $115,810 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $64,430 for the lowest 10% to over $177,780 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation engineers in Texas?
Employers hiring automation engineers in Texas right now include Apple, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. Texas's concentration of petrochemical plants along the Gulf Coast, semiconductor fabs in the Dallas-Austin corridor, and defense contractors in the Fort Worth area means the employer base is unusually broad and consistently active.
Which Texas cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
Austin, Dallas, and Plano lead Texas for automation engineer openings. Houston dominates due to its dense concentration of refining, petrochemical, and energy infrastructure that requires continuous process automation support, while Dallas-Fort Worth draws demand from semiconductor manufacturing, logistics, and aerospace defense contractors, and Austin's growing semiconductor and advanced manufacturing base rounds out the top markets.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in Texas?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation engineering is inherently hands-on, requiring on-site commissioning, equipment programming, and facility integration that cannot be done remotely. About 13% of automation engineer openings tied to Texas are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those postings typically cover design, documentation, or project management phases rather than active commissioning or maintenance roles.
How can I get hired as a automation engineer in Texas with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a controls technician or junior automation role at a Texas manufacturing facility, where on-the-job exposure to PLCs and SCADA systems builds the foundation employers expect. Large Texas petrochemical operators and system integrators regularly hire associate engineers and recent graduates into rotational or apprenticeship-style programs. Earning an ISA Certified Control Systems Technician credential and building a portfolio of PLC ladder logic projects or simulated SCADA configurations gives entry-level candidates a concrete advantage in Texas interviews.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Texas?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Texas on Migrate Mate, which lists current Texas openings across industries including energy, manufacturing, semiconductors, and aerospace. Find a role that fits and apply directly from the listing.
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