Automation Jobs in California

Automation jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in manufacturing, semiconductors, logistics, life sciences, and clean energy across a seniority range from entry-level technician to senior systems engineer. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Intuitive Surgical, Tesla, and Northrop Grumman maintain large engineering and operations teams. The most in-demand specialties are robotics integration, PLC programming, and industrial control systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

Find Automation Jobs

Overview

Open roles571+
Top employerApple
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring86
Work type85% On-site
Top industryTechnology

Showing 5 of 571+ Automation jobs

Apple
QA Tools & Automation Engineer
We won't show you this job again
Apple
Added 1d ago
QA Tools & Automation Engineer
Apple
Sunnyvale, California
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Software Engineering
Automation QA
$121k - $214k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Apple
Sr. ML Production Model Automation Engineer
We won't show you this job again
Apple
Added 1d ago
Sr. ML Production Model Automation Engineer
Apple
Cupertino, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Data Science
$181k - $318k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

42dot
Senior Test Automation Engineer
We won't show you this job again
42dot
Added 2d ago
Senior Test Automation Engineer
42dot
Sunnyvale, California
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Software Engineering
Automation QA
On-Site
Bachelor's

Have you applied for this role?

Apple
ML Compute Efficiency Automation Engineer
We won't show you this job again
Apple
Added 3d ago
ML Compute Efficiency Automation Engineer
Apple
Cupertino, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
Cloud & DevOps
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Data Science
Cloud Engineering
Automation QA
$181k - $318k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Commure
Senior Operations Manager, Automation Development
We won't show you this job again
Commure
Added 3d ago
Senior Operations Manager, Automation Development
Commure
Mountain View, California
Business Operations
Project & Program Management
Business Analysis
Data Science & Analytics
Consulting & Professional Services
Project Management
$120k - $160k/yr
On-Site
None

Have you applied for this role?

See All 571+ Automation Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Automation Jobs

Automation Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Francisco
65 jobs
Santa Clara
56 jobs
San Jose
41 jobs
Cupertino
38 jobs
Sunnyvale
35 jobs
San Diego
32 jobs
Oxnard
19 jobs
San Mateo
16 jobs
Los Angeles
14 jobs

Automation Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Apple
    Apple52
  • AutoNation
    AutoNation28
  • NVIDIA
    NVIDIA17
  • PlayStation
    PlayStation15
  • Fortinet
    Fortinet12

Top Industries Hiring

  • Technology & Software214
  • Electronics & Hardware102
  • Manufacturing48
  • Automotive38
  • Consulting & Professional Services31

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in automation jobs across California.

  • Proficiency with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi in California industrial settings
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related technical field
  • Experience programming and commissioning robotic systems from manufacturers such as FANUC, ABB, or KUKA
  • Familiarity with SCADA, HMI, and distributed control systems used in California manufacturing or utilities
  • Knowledge of California OSHA safety standards and machine guarding requirements for automated equipment
  • Ability to read and develop electrical schematics, ladder logic, and functional design specifications

Automation Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a automation in California?

Most automation roles in California require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering, though some positions accept an associate degree combined with substantial hands-on experience. California does not issue a state-specific license solely for automation engineers, but roles involving electrical work may require coordination with licensed electricians under California's Contractors State License Board rules. Building proficiency with industry-standard PLC platforms and earning vendor certifications from companies like Rockwell Automation or Siemens significantly strengthens a candidate's profile for California employers.

Which companies hire automations in California?

Employers hiring automations in California right now include Apple, AutoNation, and NVIDIA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of semiconductor fabs, aerospace primes, and biotech manufacturers means demand is spread across a wider range of industries than most other states.

Which California cities have the most automation jobs?

San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Jose account for the largest share of automation openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its dense cluster of semiconductor, robotics, and advanced manufacturing firms, while Los Angeles draws demand from aerospace and defense primes, and San Diego's life sciences and defense sectors sustain a steady pipeline of controls and systems engineering roles.

Are there remote automation jobs in California?

Yes, but they're rare. Automation work is largely hands-on, requiring physical access to equipment, production lines, or lab environments that can't be replicated remotely. About 15% of automation openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to be concentrated in software-side specialties such as simulation, controls architecture review, or SCADA configuration rather than commissioning or field integration.

How can I get hired as a automation in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is a controls technician or automation technician role, which typically requires a two-year technical degree or vocational certificate rather than a four-year engineering degree. California community colleges such as those in the Los Rios and Foothill-De Anza districts offer mechatronics and industrial automation programs that lead directly to technician openings. Large California manufacturers and logistics operators often bring on apprentices or co-op students through partnerships with local colleges, and a Rockwell Automation or Siemens PLC certification can substitute for direct experience in early screening.

Where can I find and apply to automation jobs in California?

You can find and apply to automation jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state's major hiring metros and industries. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 571+ Automation Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Automation Jobs