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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At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!
What you get to do:
- Monitor, operate, and maintain all controls, instrumentation, and support equipment integral to the animal life support systems and the water treatment facilities.
- Enthusiastically represents SeaWorld by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job.
- Perform inspections and maintenance on a daily basis on instrumentation and support equipment
- Tests, troubleshoots, repairs and performs preventive maintenance on a variety of low and medium voltage industrial electrical systems, components, motors and machinery; rebuilds equipment to manufacturer's specifications.
- Ensure all safety and environmental polices and procedures are followed.
- Ensure general cleanliness of all facilities throughout the park.
- Install and replace instrumentation support equipment.
- Maintain department tools on a daily basis.
- Work in vaults, and other confined spaces utilizing proper safety techniques and equipment in accordance with applicable regulations and departmental safety policies and procedures.
- Maintain cleanliness of equipment and facilities.
- Document maintenance, repairs, and calibration on instrumentation and support equipment in the corresponding maintenance logs.
- Installs conduits, wires, pull boxes required in making additions, extensions or alterations in electrical systems.
- Installs, maintains, repairs and calibrates a wide variety of electronic recording and indicating instruments.
- Maintaining, operating and trouble shooting ozone units and supporting air compressors.
- Troubleshoots and replaces electrical components of valve actuators as well as rebuilding electrical actuators.
- Schedules, coordinates, supervises, inspects and participates in the work of personnel engaged in cleaning, maintaining and repairing of all life support equipment and surrounding areas.
- Uses chemicals and disposes of hazardous waste in accordance with SEA policy and supervisor's directives.
- Utilizes safe handling, storage and disposal practices of toxic substance and hazardous waste in accordance with SeaWorld and department operating procedures.
- Ensure excellent customer service by responding to customer requirements, expectations, and needs.
- Occasionally assist other locations and areas in the park as needed. Other duties as assigned.
What it takes to succeed:
- At least 18 years of age.
- Associate's degree (A.A) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school.
- Minimum of two years experience at a Level II, in addition to three years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Valid state driver's license; visiting students and military must have valid driver's license from state
- of residency and able to provide a copy of the DMV report.
- Able to read and understand electrical/electronic schematics.
- Able to positively interact with guests and co-workers of all ages, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or language, and individuals with special needs.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of guests and team members.
- Strong written/verbal communication skills
- Handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
- Able to regularly lift/move up to 25 lbs and occasionally lift/move up to 50 lbs.
- Regularly required to stand and walk for extended periods of time. Occasionally required to sit, climb, balance and smell. Work weekends, holidays, early mornings and late evenings.
Compensation: $28.00 per hour
The perks of the position:
- Paid Time Off
- Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
- Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401K Retirement plan
- Voluntary Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Disability Benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Legal Assistance Plan
EEO Employer:
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.
See All 17 Automation Specialist Jobs in California
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Find Automation Specialist JobsAutomation Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



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
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