Automation Engineer Jobs in Washington
Automation Engineer jobs in Washington are in high demand, concentrated in aerospace and defense manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, and advanced logistics, with openings at every level from entry-level controls technician to senior systems engineer. Seattle, Redmond, and the Tri-Cities corridor around Richland anchor most hiring activity, where employers such as Boeing, Microsoft, and Hanford contractor systems teams maintain large, established automation engineering functions. The most sought-after specialties in Washington include PLC and SCADA programming, robotics integration, and process automation for clean-room and regulated-manufacturing environments. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 61+ Automation Engineer jobs
At Columbia we come to work every day driven by the belief that innovation can transform industries, empower communities, and create a more efficient, sustainable world.
With operations spanning five continents and a commitment to excellence in service and support, our purpose extends beyond engineering advanced equipment. We are pioneering innovation and paving a better tomorrow with factory automation solutions worldwide.
Summary: The Controls Engineer will modify and release new and existing equipment designs. The person in this position typically is responsible to manage a product line that includes maintaining engineering content and improving product line features. The Controls Engineer, supports the Engineering Team to Concept, Design and Develop PLC controlled machinery products and systems for the hardscape and masonry industries using electrical, mechanical, and software technologies. We manufacture our own electrical panels and are focused on using Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Product line guidance and Improvement Projects
- Acts in a support role to other engineers
- Applies electrical and control principles, theories, and concepts independently
- Review equipment performance scopes
- Review, create, and modify electrical schematics
- Review and specify electrical components used in equipment Bill of Materials
- Review, create and modify PLC and HMI programs and support software
- Define requirements and test performance of motion control products and features
- Troubleshoot equipment operation and communication networks
- Work in a multiple project, multiple task, collaborative environment
- Support of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) in accordance with design requirements, company protocols, processes and procedures
- Create and update manuals
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Meet customer expectations by clear and concise two-way communication.
- Design and evaluate systems and products by applying sound principles of power management, system/component control, and human/machine interface.
- Maximize the efficiency of the department by successfully accomplishing projects within the allotment time frame with a focus on avoiding any non-value added word or re-work
- Provide product, service or equipment technical and engineering information by answering questions and requests.
- Determine improvements by analyzing cost-benefit ratios of equipment, supplies, or service applications in customer environment, engineering or proposing changes in equipment, processes or use of materials or services.
- Comply with federal, state and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; advising customer or product, service or equipment adherence to requirements; advising customer or needed actions.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- Contribute to electrical engineering effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues that must be addressed; providing information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommending option and courses of action; implementing directives.
- Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed in a timely fashion and being willing to attempt new assignments or fill in for others as needed; accomplishes other duties as assigned.
- Travel up to 15% to support customer needs.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform their Typical Daily Work and General Responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities of this position.
Software
- Software and programming experience for PLC and HMI
- Microsoft Office Suite (Work, Excel, PPt, Outlook)
- AutoCAD
- Experience with Visual Basic, a plus
- Software and programming experience for PLC and HMI programming.
- Experience with Visual Basic a plus
Equipment
- Rockwell Logix PLC Controls (RS Logix5000)
- Rockwell closed-loop VFD as well as Servo drives and controls
- (Graphical Interfaces) Factory Talk preferred
Skills
- Computer/Technical
- Written and Oral Communication
- Analytical
- Project/Process Management
- Clerical/Secretarial
Abilities
- Ability to deal with abstract and concrete variables, as well as have a high level of creative thinking ability
- Ability to provide a respectful work environment for others
- Ability to work well with others in a team atmosphere.
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree - Required
- 8 to 10 years relevant work experience
- Interest in PC supervisory controls for equipment and/or process controls
- Has a process control background
- Experience with analyzing job results and planning workflow
- Experience with maintain production schedules, on multiple and simultaneous projects
Columbia Machine offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, short and long term disability, 401(k), incentive compensation, paid holidays, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Equal Opportunity Employer - Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Columbia does participate in E-Verify. To apply for this exciting career opportunity today, please apply online at www.columbiamachine.com
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Vancouver, WA 98661: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Vancouver, WA (In person)
The salary range for this position is depending on location, experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role. Starting compensation is determined based on a candidate's skills, relevant experience, and industry expertise. Compensation at the upper end of the range is typically reserved for individuals who bring extensive experience, specialized knowledge, and a demonstrated track record of success in the industry. Employees may also have opportunities for continued growth within the range as they develop in the role and contribute to the organization's success.
Pay: $95,400.00 - $132,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Automation: 3 years (Required)
- PLC Controls/HMIs: 3 years (Required)
- OEM: 3 years (Required)
Location:
- Vancouver, WA 98661 (Required)
Work Location: In person
At Columbia we come to work every day driven by the belief that innovation can transform industries, empower communities, and create a more efficient, sustainable world.
With operations spanning five continents and a commitment to excellence in service and support, our purpose extends beyond engineering advanced equipment. We are pioneering innovation and paving a better tomorrow with factory automation solutions worldwide.
Summary: The Controls Engineer will modify and release new and existing equipment designs. The person in this position typically is responsible to manage a product line that includes maintaining engineering content and improving product line features. The Controls Engineer, supports the Engineering Team to Concept, Design and Develop PLC controlled machinery products and systems for the hardscape and masonry industries using electrical, mechanical, and software technologies. We manufacture our own electrical panels and are focused on using Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Product line guidance and Improvement Projects
- Acts in a support role to other engineers
- Applies electrical and control principles, theories, and concepts independently
- Review equipment performance scopes
- Review, create, and modify electrical schematics
- Review and specify electrical components used in equipment Bill of Materials
- Review, create and modify PLC and HMI programs and support software
- Define requirements and test performance of motion control products and features
- Troubleshoot equipment operation and communication networks
- Work in a multiple project, multiple task, collaborative environment
- Support of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) in accordance with design requirements, company protocols, processes and procedures
- Create and update manuals
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Meet customer expectations by clear and concise two-way communication.
- Design and evaluate systems and products by applying sound principles of power management, system/component control, and human/machine interface.
- Maximize the efficiency of the department by successfully accomplishing projects within the allotment time frame with a focus on avoiding any non-value added word or re-work
- Provide product, service or equipment technical and engineering information by answering questions and requests.
- Determine improvements by analyzing cost-benefit ratios of equipment, supplies, or service applications in customer environment, engineering or proposing changes in equipment, processes or use of materials or services.
- Comply with federal, state and local legal requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; advising customer or product, service or equipment adherence to requirements; advising customer or needed actions.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- Contribute to electrical engineering effectiveness by identifying short-term and long-range issues that must be addressed; providing information and commentary pertinent to deliberations; recommending option and courses of action; implementing directives.
- Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed in a timely fashion and being willing to attempt new assignments or fill in for others as needed; accomplishes other duties as assigned.
- Travel up to 15% to support customer needs.
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform their Typical Daily Work and General Responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities of this position.
Software
- Software and programming experience for PLC and HMI
- Microsoft Office Suite (Work, Excel, PPt, Outlook)
- AutoCAD
- Experience with Visual Basic, a plus
- Software and programming experience for PLC and HMI programming.
- Experience with Visual Basic a plus
Equipment
- Rockwell Logix PLC Controls (RS Logix5000)
- Rockwell closed-loop VFD as well as Servo drives and controls
- (Graphical Interfaces) Factory Talk preferred
Skills
- Computer/Technical
- Written and Oral Communication
- Analytical
- Project/Process Management
- Clerical/Secretarial
Abilities
- Ability to deal with abstract and concrete variables, as well as have a high level of creative thinking ability
- Ability to provide a respectful work environment for others
- Ability to work well with others in a team atmosphere.
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree - Required
- 8 to 10 years relevant work experience
- Interest in PC supervisory controls for equipment and/or process controls
- Has a process control background
- Experience with analyzing job results and planning workflow
- Experience with maintain production schedules, on multiple and simultaneous projects
Columbia Machine offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, short and long term disability, 401(k), incentive compensation, paid holidays, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Equal Opportunity Employer - Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Columbia does participate in E-Verify. To apply for this exciting career opportunity today, please apply online at www.columbiamachine.com
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Vancouver, WA 98661: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Vancouver, WA (In person)
The salary range for this position is depending on location, experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the role. Starting compensation is determined based on a candidate's skills, relevant experience, and industry expertise. Compensation at the upper end of the range is typically reserved for individuals who bring extensive experience, specialized knowledge, and a demonstrated track record of success in the industry. Employees may also have opportunities for continued growth within the range as they develop in the role and contribute to the organization's success.
Pay: $95,400.00 - $132,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Automation: 3 years (Required)
- PLC Controls/HMIs: 3 years (Required)
- OEM: 3 years (Required)
Location:
- Vancouver, WA 98661 (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 61 Automation Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Amazon10
- Blue Origin6
- SpaceX5
- Apple4
- Sargent & Lundy4
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Retail
- Aerospace & Defense
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience with PLC programming platforms such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and industrial communication protocols such as Modbus or EtherNet/IP
- Demonstrated ability to design, test, and commission automated production or process control systems
- Familiarity with robotics integration and motion control in manufacturing or clean-room environments
- Strong documentation skills including functional design specs, P&IDs, and validation protocols
Automation Engineer Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation engineer in Washington?
Automation engineers in Washington typically enter the field with a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from a state institution such as the University of Washington or Washington State University. No state-issued license is required to hold the title, though engineers who sign off on public-works or safety-critical systems must obtain a Professional Engineer license through the Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Employers in aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing strongly prefer candidates with hands-on PLC and controls experience gained through co-ops, internships, or technical certificate programs.
How much do automation engineers make in Washington?
Automation engineers in Washington earn a median of about $134,570 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $81,280 for the lowest 10% to over $196,120 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation engineers in Washington?
Employers hiring automation engineers in Washington right now include Amazon, Blue Origin, and SpaceX, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Washington's dense concentration of aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor fabs, and large-scale logistics operations means consistent demand across both the Puget Sound region and the inland industrial corridor near the Tri-Cities.
Which Washington cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
Seattle, Redmond, and Bellevue lead Washington for automation engineer openings. Seattle and Redmond drive demand through aerospace primes, cloud-infrastructure campuses, and advanced manufacturing facilities, while the Tri-Cities area around Richland sustains a distinct cluster of process-automation roles tied to energy and government-contract industrial operations at and around the Hanford site.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in Washington?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline: commissioning equipment, troubleshooting live systems, and validating production lines all require physical presence. About 42% of automation engineer openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in software-heavy sub-disciplines such as SCADA configuration, simulation modeling, and controls system architecture where bench work can be deferred.
How can I get hired as a automation engineer in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an engineering technician or controls technician role at a Washington manufacturer, which typically requires only an associate degree or technical certificate and provides direct exposure to PLCs and automated systems. Boeing and its Puget Sound supplier network regularly hire entry-level manufacturing engineers and process technicians through campus recruiting at institutions such as Bellingham Technical College and South Puget Sound Community College. Building a portfolio of personal PLC ladder-logic projects and earning a vendor certification from Rockwell Automation or Siemens significantly strengthens a candidate's application before they have professional site experience.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings across Seattle, Redmond, the Tri-Cities, and surrounding areas. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly from each listing.
See All 61 Automation Engineer Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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