Automation Specialist Jobs in California

Automation Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, food and beverage production, and life sciences from entry-level technician roles through senior controls engineers. The largest hiring concentrations are in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where employers such as Applied Materials, Tesla, and Northrop Grumman maintain significant operations and ongoing demand for automation talent. Sub-specialties drawing the most consistent interest include PLC programming, robotics integration, and SCADA systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles17
Top employerSeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Top citySan Diego, CA
Cities hiring13
Work type45% On-site
Top industryTechnology

Showing 5 of 17+ Automation Specialist jobs

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Automation Specialist | Full Time | SeaWorld San Diego
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SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Added 1d ago
Automation Specialist | Full Time | SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
San Diego, California
Automation QA
Cloud & DevOps
DevOps
Associate's degree
10,000+

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Scripps Research
Building Automation Specialist
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Scripps Research
Added 2d ago
Building Automation Specialist
Scripps Research
San Diego, California
Program Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$97k - $116k/yr
High school diploma or GED

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Abbott
Automation Technical Specialist
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Abbott
Added 3d ago
Automation Technical Specialist
Abbott
Pleasanton, California
Business Operations
Business Strategy
Project Management
$78k - $156k/yr
Remote (US)
Associate's degree in engineering
10,000+

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Linda Werner & Associates, Inc.
Marketing Automation Specialist V
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Linda Werner & Associates, Inc.
Added 1w ago
Marketing Automation Specialist V
Linda Werner & Associates, Inc.
Menlo Park, California
Business Operations
Project & Program Management
Project Management
2-10

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Nakupuna Companies
Business Process Automation and Visualization Specialist
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Nakupuna Companies
Added 1w ago
Business Process Automation and Visualization Specialist
Nakupuna Companies
San Diego, California
Business Strategy
Consulting & Professional Services
Strategy & Corporate Development
$94k - $141k/yr
On-Site
501-1,000

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Automation Specialist Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Diego
4 jobs
Sunnyvale
2 jobs
Irvine
1 job
Rialto
1 job
Cypress
1 job
San Jose
1 job
Temecula
1 job
Buena Park
1 job
Long Beach
1 job

Automation Specialist Job Market in California

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

Who's Hiring

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment2 open roles
UNIS
UNIS1 open role
PIMCO
PIMCO1 open role

Top Industries Hiring

  • Technology & Software
  • Cybersecurity
  • Construction & Real Estate
  • Investment & Asset Management

What California Employers Look For

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

  • Proficiency in PLC programming platforms such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens S7
  • Hands-on experience with robotics integration and industrial automation systems
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronics engineering preferred
  • Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI configuration, and industrial networking protocols
  • Experience reading and interpreting technical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs
  • Knowledge of California workplace safety regulations and OSHA lockout/tagout procedures

Automation Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a automation specialist in California?

Most automation specialists in California enter the field with a degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related discipline, though associate degrees combined with hands-on technical training are a realistic path into entry-level roles. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for automation specialists, but roles in certain regulated sectors such as medical device manufacturing or the electrical trades may require a California Electrical Certification through the Department of Industrial Relations. Employers consistently prioritize demonstrated PLC and robotics experience alongside relevant coursework.

Which companies hire automation specialists in California?

Employers hiring automation specialists in California right now include SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, UNIS, and PIMCO, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's concentration of semiconductor, aerospace, biotech, and advanced manufacturing facilities means demand comes from a wide range of established industry players with year-round hiring needs.

Which California cities have the most automation specialist jobs?

The cities with the most automation specialist openings in California are San Diego, Sunnyvale, and Irvine. The distribution reflects the state's major industrial and technology corridors, with the Bay Area anchored by semiconductor and clean-energy manufacturers, Los Angeles drawing from aerospace and defense contractors, and San Diego driven by life sciences and defense electronics employers that maintain large engineering workforces.

Are there remote automation specialist jobs in California?

Yes, but they're rare. Automation specialist work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring on-site commissioning, equipment troubleshooting, and floor-level integration that cannot be performed remotely. About 55% of automation specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those postings typically cover project management, controls software development, or systems design tasks that don't require a physical presence on the production floor.

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

The most realistic entry path is securing a controls technician or automation technician associate role, which California manufacturers such as those in the Bay Area semiconductor corridor and Southern California aerospace sector regularly post as stepping stones into full specialist positions. Community colleges within the California Community Colleges system offer CNC, robotics, and industrial automation certificates that California employers recognize. Candidates who build a portfolio of PLC ladder logic projects or complete an apprenticeship through the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards gain a measurable edge when competing for their first role.

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

You can find and apply to automation specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 17 Automation Specialist Jobs in California

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

Find Automation Specialist Jobs