Automation Project Manager Jobs in California
Automation Project Manager jobs in California are in high demand, concentrated in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, life sciences, and industrial robotics across a market that ranges from entry-level coordinator roles through senior program director positions. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Northrop Grumman, Teradyne, and Flex Ltd. maintain large engineering and operations footprints. California's push in EV manufacturing, biotech automation, and smart infrastructure has made controls integration and industrial IoT among the most sought-after specialties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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- Fully responsible for the successful completion of all aspects of the project.
- Prepares monthly financial forecasts and updates. Ensures that the contract is managed in a manner that meets all contractual requirements and financial goals.
- Manages the overall operations of the contract, including coordination of turnover meetings, scope of work, construction schedule, customer relations, job cost management, cost control of project, purchasing guidelines, project staffing, schedule of values, change order management, value decisions, scope management, attendance at project meetings, compliance of project specifications, foreman coordination of project, and the performance of daily operations.
- Evaluate and ensure the efficient operation of the project, controlling operational expenses at a minimum level consistent with sound industry practices and contractual requirements.
- Provides administrative and technical direction and supervision to staff in completing work assignments.
- Discuss, plan, and delegate major project assignments to supervisory staff; determine building and maintenance priorities that are of significant scope.
- In consultation with the branch manager, make recommendations concerning the hiring, promotion, and termination of field staff.
- Advise, discuss, and inform Client Staff members on construction matters and problem areas.
- Advises project coordinator to purchase materials, consumable supplies, rentals, and services.
- Maintains liaison with owner, architects, engineers, and contractors/ subcontractors engaged in new or renovation projects.
- Maintains sufficient records, files, controls, and procedures to ensure management and work production.
- Enforces safety program and coordinates with Safety Director to ensure field forces receive proper training and site safety practices and procedures are followed.
- Provides adequate and complete information to administration staff to ensure proper processing of all project correspondence, records, reports, etc., is complete and timely submitted, and proper document control is maintained.
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a background in construction
- 5+ years of demonstrated experience in HVAC, Controls, and Plumbing Project Management.
- 5+ years of mechanical/controls experience managing large retrofit projects is preferred.
- Knowledge of submitting written proposals, scopes of work, scheduling, and coordinating site contractors and other assigned personnel; a thorough understanding of construction schedules and operations and the ability to meet demanding customer requirements.
- Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, direct, and control all aspects of a new or renovation project.
- Ability to work with the customer to find mutually satisfactory solutions to difficult issues.
- Skilled in collaborating with management systems, as well as diverse groups of professionals, administrators, and industry personnel.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Products such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as capable of learning and managing internal proprietary systems, LMS systems, and other multimedia programs as required.
- Demonstrated skill at developing and nurturing client relationships.
- Excellent communication skills – verbal and written.
- Skilled in organizing and leading groups of people
- Capable of working independently or as part of a team and adapting to changing priorities.
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Benefits: We are committed to providing employees a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with health savings and flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, a 401(k) Savings Plan, College Coach and employee assistance program.
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Project Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation project manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, industrial technology, or a related technical discipline
- PMP certification or equivalent project management credential preferred by most California employers
- Hands-on experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, or industrial automation platforms
- Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, and vendor partners
- Familiarity with California-specific safety regulations including Cal/OSHA standards for automated systems
- Experience with Agile or Lean methodologies applied to automation deployment and continuous improvement
Automation Project Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation project manager in California?
The typical path starts with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related field, followed by hands-on experience in automation or controls. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for automation project managers, but many employers expect a PMP credential from the Project Management Institute or a Certified Automation Professional designation from the International Society of Automation. Building experience on the shop floor or in systems integration before moving into project management is the most common California career trajectory.
How much do automation project managers make in California?
Automation project managers in California earn a median of about $120,910 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,180 for the lowest 10% to over $188,560 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation project managers in California?
Employers hiring automation project managers in California right now include Siemens, EMCOR, and Jobot, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of defense contractors, semiconductor manufacturers, and biotech firms means demand stays consistent even outside traditional industrial corridors.
Which California cities have the most automation project manager jobs?
Irvine, Fremont, and San Diego have the most automation project manager openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its density of semiconductor, robotics, and advanced manufacturing companies, while Los Angeles draws heavily from aerospace and defense employers, and San Diego's biotech and medical device sector generates steady demand for automation project leadership.
Are there remote automation project manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since the role often requires direct oversight of equipment commissioning, site walkthroughs, and vendor coordination on the factory floor. About 67% of automation project manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote work most feasible during planning, procurement, and documentation phases rather than installation or commissioning.
How can I get hired as a automation project manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a controls technician, automation engineer associate, or manufacturing engineer role at a California employer and moving laterally into project coordination from there. Large California employers in aerospace and life sciences, including defense primes and Bay Area biotech companies, often run structured rotational or associate engineer programs that expose early-career candidates to project management workflows. Earning a CAPM credential from the Project Management Institute while still in a technical role signals PM readiness and gives candidates an edge when applying to California's competitive openings.
Where can I find and apply to automation project manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to automation project manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and target location, and apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 8 Automation Project Manager Jobs in California
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