Automation Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Automation Engineer jobs in Virginia are consistently in demand, with strong hiring concentrated in defense contracting, federal systems integration, and advanced manufacturing sectors at levels from entry-level controls technician to senior systems architect. The busiest hiring areas are Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads metro, where established employers like Northrop Grumman, Leidos, and Siemens maintain significant engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties in Virginia right now are PLC programming, SCADA systems, and robotics integration for defense and industrial applications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 96+ Automation Engineer jobs
DESCRIPTION
About the Role:
As the Automation Engineer Manager, you will lead a team in driving equipment reliability and operational excellence across our fulfillment centers. You’ll monitor and support their work in controls automation and technical support while ensuring they effectively troubleshoot complex control systems and analyze performance metrics. You’ll guide their leadership of continuous improvement projects and ensure they provide mentorship to junior engineers. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) devices and programs. Through your technical leadership and design optimization efforts, you'll directly contribute to ensuring our customers receive their orders with Amazon's signature speed and accuracy while building team capabilities and driving operational excellence.
What Do We Offer?
Amazon offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive healthcare benefits starting on Day 1, matching 401(k) program, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. But wait, there’s more: We provide lightweight fire-resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety!
Key job responsibilities
Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- You will apply Subject Matter Expertise (SME) on troubleshooting and dive deeps for engineering issues, supporting automation engineers to investigate the root cause and planning actions to eliminate/mitigate the downtime of critical assets
- You will program and source code for in-house built solutions based in PLC or PC controllers and SCADA/OEE platforms
- You will understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
- You will provide escalation support to automation engineers, during and after business hours, troubleshooting locally and remotely, to ensure that all hardware or controls software within the building is repaired on time
- You will establish training plans and mentor a team of automation engineers
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Automation Engineering, or 7+ years of PLC programming or automation engineering experience
- 7+ years of industrial controls and automation experience
- 7+ years of process/production environment PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis experience
- 7+ years of robotics work cells and control systems experience
- 7+ years of Siemens, Allen-Bradley or Codesys Ladder Logic and structure programming experience
- 7+ years of electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Automation Engineering
- Master's degree, or Six Sigma Black Belt
- Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, programming, and designing HMI and control network components
- Experience programming with RSLogix5000, Studio 5000, FT View, and other controls software platforms
- Experience leading Controls in manufacturing or complex industrial environments
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, VA, Rockville - 162,800.00 - 220,200.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
About the Role:
As the Automation Engineer Manager, you will lead a team in driving equipment reliability and operational excellence across our fulfillment centers. You’ll monitor and support their work in controls automation and technical support while ensuring they effectively troubleshoot complex control systems and analyze performance metrics. You’ll guide their leadership of continuous improvement projects and ensure they provide mentorship to junior engineers. You'll work with state-of-the-art technology, including conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) devices and programs. Through your technical leadership and design optimization efforts, you'll directly contribute to ensuring our customers receive their orders with Amazon's signature speed and accuracy while building team capabilities and driving operational excellence.
What Do We Offer?
Amazon offers competitive compensation packages including comprehensive healthcare benefits starting on Day 1, matching 401(k) program, and up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave. But wait, there’s more: We provide lightweight fire-resistant daily wear and composite toe safety shoes for your safety!
Key job responsibilities
Key job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- You will apply Subject Matter Expertise (SME) on troubleshooting and dive deeps for engineering issues, supporting automation engineers to investigate the root cause and planning actions to eliminate/mitigate the downtime of critical assets
- You will program and source code for in-house built solutions based in PLC or PC controllers and SCADA/OEE platforms
- You will understand, maintain and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems
- You will provide escalation support to automation engineers, during and after business hours, troubleshooting locally and remotely, to ensure that all hardware or controls software within the building is repaired on time
- You will establish training plans and mentor a team of automation engineers
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Automation Engineering, or 7+ years of PLC programming or automation engineering experience
- 7+ years of industrial controls and automation experience
- 7+ years of process/production environment PLC-controlled automation and issue diagnosis experience
- 7+ years of robotics work cells and control systems experience
- 7+ years of Siemens, Allen-Bradley or Codesys Ladder Logic and structure programming experience
- 7+ years of electrical theory, robotics, controls components, and automated equipment experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Automation Engineering
- Master's degree, or Six Sigma Black Belt
- Experience maintaining, troubleshooting, programming, and designing HMI and control network components
- Experience programming with RSLogix5000, Studio 5000, FT View, and other controls software platforms
- Experience leading Controls in manufacturing or complex industrial environments
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, VA, Rockville - 162,800.00 - 220,200.00 USD annually
See All 96 Automation Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Amazon10
- Booz Allen Hamilton6
- Swift3
- TAI Engineering3
- SAIC2
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Energy
- Construction & Real Estate
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across Virginia.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited program
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens
- Proficiency with SCADA systems, HMI design, and industrial communication protocols like Modbus or EtherNet/IP
- Ability to obtain or maintain a U.S. security clearance, common among Virginia defense contractors
- Experience with robotics integration, motion control systems, or automated assembly line design
- Familiarity with industry standards including ISA-18.2 alarm management and IEC 62443 cybersecurity for industrial systems
Automation Engineer Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an automation engineer in Virginia?
Automation engineering in Virginia does not require a state-issued license, but most roles expect a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. Earning a Certified Automation Professional credential through the International Society of Automation strengthens your candidacy significantly. Virginia's large defense and federal contracting sector also places weight on security clearance eligibility, so pursuing clearance early through entry-level contractor roles at firms in Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads is a concrete first step.
How much do automation engineers make in Virginia?
Automation engineers in Virginia earn a median of about $148,160 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $84,590 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 Virginia?
Employers hiring automation engineers in Virginia right now include Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Swift, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Virginia's concentration of defense contractors and federal systems integrators in the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads corridors makes it one of the more active states for automation engineering roles tied to government and industrial programs.
Which Virginia cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
Richmond, Arlington, and Ashburn account for the largest share of automation engineer openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's dense cluster of defense contractors and federal agencies drives the bulk of demand, while Richmond draws manufacturing and industrial automation work, and Hampton Roads benefits from naval and shipbuilding operations that rely heavily on automated systems and controls engineering.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation engineering is fundamentally hands-on work involving physical systems, PLCs, and on-site commissioning, which limits full remote options. About 54% of automation engineer openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be scoped to design, programming, or simulation tasks rather than installation and field support roles.
How can I get hired as an automation engineer in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing an associate or junior controls engineer role at one of Virginia's large defense contractors or industrial manufacturers, where on-the-job training is common. Northrop Grumman and Leidos in Northern Virginia both run new-grad engineering rotational programs that include automation and systems work. A strong starting point is lateral entry from electrical technician or mechatronics roles, combined with an ISA Certified Control Systems Technician credential, which signals hands-on readiness to Virginia hiring managers even before formal engineering experience.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 96 Automation Engineer Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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