Automation Technician Jobs in Virginia
Automation Technician jobs in Virginia are in strong and consistent demand, with concentrations in defense electronics, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor fabrication, and federal contractor facilities from the Northern Virginia corridor down through Hampton Roads and the Richmond metro. Employers with established Virginia footprints that regularly hire automation technicians include Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and Raytheon Technologies. The most sought-after specialties are PLC programming, robotic cell maintenance, and controls integration across these sectors. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 13+ Automation Technician jobs
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be certified from vocational school or accredited college in instrumentation, journeyman or Master Electrician, certified machinist, HVAC Technician.
- Completion of a journeyman apprenticeship through trade union will also be accepted as education. Must have verification of completion and two (2) years of work experience in that trade.
- Must have experience with electrical wiring: 110V, 220V, 480V, 3-phase and be able to read electrical diagrams and schematics.
- Must have general knowledge of Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulations especially in regard to Lockout/Tagout, Hot work Permits and machine guarding.
- Must have understanding of the hazards of explosives materials.
- Have basic carpentry skills.
- Must have ability to learn to weld, cut and fabricate metal.
- Must complete Lockout/Tagout training.
- Must be able to receive clearance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (BATFE).
- Must have basic and industrial plumbing experience.
- Must be able to learn programmable logic-controlled equipment.
- Must be able to operate forklift effectively and safely.
- Must be able to read, write, understand, and speak the English language.
- Must have basic computer experience (i.e., Word, Excel, etc.)
- Must possess valid driver’s license and vehicle.
- Must be able to perform job functions at various locations of facility which may require use of personal or Company vehicle.
- Must have own tools.
- Have a general knowledge of all safety work rules and practices.
- Have the ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
- Have the ability to communicate effectively with fellow associates and management personnel.
- Must establish and maintain a clean, organized workshop.
- Must be willing to work any shift and do weekend repairs as required.
- Must have telephone and be available to answer for phone assistance and call-in, as needed.
- Be able to work overtime as required.
JOB DUTIES:
- Install, inspect, test, dismantle, and make mechanical and electrical repairs to all types of equipment and auxiliary mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
- Perform established Preventive Maintenance on equipment and complete necessary documentation.
- Perform various Work Order Requests in an efficient and timely manner; complete necessary documentation and distribution of paperwork.
- Performs HVAC, sewing machine repair and dehumidification repairs as needed
- Receive general oral and written instructions including simple sketches, blueprints, and drawings from Maintenance Supervisor or Facility Maintenance Manager.
- Uses standard mechanics tools and a variety of hand tools to make machine adjustments and/or repairs.
- Determines parts needed and makes necessary approved purchases.
- Assist in all facilities repair and maintenance (grass cutting, weed eating , painting , road repair , inclement weather preparation (snow removal , spreading salt ) etc.
- Must be committed to ISO and the company's Quality Management System using process approach and risk based thinking methodologies.
- Share accountability for the effectiveness of the Quality Management System.
- Perform all other duties as directed by Maintenance Supervisor.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. on a continuous basis, unassisted.
- Must be able to lift more than 50 lbs., with assistance.
- Must be able to stand, bend, walk, and move about the plant facilities throughout an 8-12 hour period.
- Must be able to work on higher elevations via-man-lifts or ladders.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be certified from vocational school or accredited college in instrumentation, journeyman or Master Electrician, certified machinist, HVAC Technician.
- Completion of a journeyman apprenticeship through trade union will also be accepted as education. Must have verification of completion and two (2) years of work experience in that trade.
- Must have experience with electrical wiring: 110V, 220V, 480V, 3-phase and be able to read electrical diagrams and schematics.
- Must have general knowledge of Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulations especially in regard to Lockout/Tagout, Hot work Permits and machine guarding.
- Must have understanding of the hazards of explosives materials.
- Have basic carpentry skills.
- Must have ability to learn to weld, cut and fabricate metal.
- Must complete Lockout/Tagout training.
- Must be able to receive clearance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (BATFE).
- Must have basic and industrial plumbing experience.
- Must be able to learn programmable logic-controlled equipment.
- Must be able to operate forklift effectively and safely.
- Must be able to read, write, understand, and speak the English language.
- Must have basic computer experience (i.e., Word, Excel, etc.)
- Must possess valid driver’s license and vehicle.
- Must be able to perform job functions at various locations of facility which may require use of personal or Company vehicle.
- Must have own tools.
- Have a general knowledge of all safety work rules and practices.
- Have the ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
- Have the ability to communicate effectively with fellow associates and management personnel.
- Must establish and maintain a clean, organized workshop.
- Must be willing to work any shift and do weekend repairs as required.
- Must have telephone and be available to answer for phone assistance and call-in, as needed.
- Be able to work overtime as required.
JOB DUTIES:
- Install, inspect, test, dismantle, and make mechanical and electrical repairs to all types of equipment and auxiliary mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
- Perform established Preventive Maintenance on equipment and complete necessary documentation.
- Perform various Work Order Requests in an efficient and timely manner; complete necessary documentation and distribution of paperwork.
- Performs HVAC, sewing machine repair and dehumidification repairs as needed
- Receive general oral and written instructions including simple sketches, blueprints, and drawings from Maintenance Supervisor or Facility Maintenance Manager.
- Uses standard mechanics tools and a variety of hand tools to make machine adjustments and/or repairs.
- Determines parts needed and makes necessary approved purchases.
- Assist in all facilities repair and maintenance (grass cutting, weed eating , painting , road repair , inclement weather preparation (snow removal , spreading salt ) etc.
- Must be committed to ISO and the company's Quality Management System using process approach and risk based thinking methodologies.
- Share accountability for the effectiveness of the Quality Management System.
- Perform all other duties as directed by Maintenance Supervisor.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. on a continuous basis, unassisted.
- Must be able to lift more than 50 lbs., with assistance.
- Must be able to stand, bend, walk, and move about the plant facilities throughout an 8-12 hour period.
- Must be able to work on higher elevations via-man-lifts or ladders.
See All 13 Automation Technician Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Technician JobsAutomation Technician Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Technician Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation technician jobs across Virginia.
- Associate degree or technical certificate in automation, mechatronics, or industrial electronics
- Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and mechanical drawings
- Familiarity with robotics platforms including FANUC, ABB, or KUKA industrial arms
- Experience with SCADA systems, HMIs, and industrial network protocols such as EtherNet/IP
- Willingness to obtain a security clearance for defense and federal contractor roles in Virginia
Automation Technician Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation technician in Virginia?
Virginia does not require a state-issued license specifically for automation technicians, so the path runs through education and industry credentials. Most employers expect an associate degree or technical certificate in mechatronics, industrial automation, or electrical technology, available through programs at Northern Virginia Community College, Germanna Community College, and Tidewater Community College. Earning certifications such as the PMMI Mechatronics Level credentials or Siemens SITRAIN PLC training strengthens a candidacy considerably in the Virginia market.
How much do automation technicians make in Virginia?
Automation technicians in Virginia earn a median of about $74,880 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $48,700 for the lowest 10% to over $105,130 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation technicians in Virginia?
Employers hiring automation technicians in Virginia right now include Amentum, Southern Air, and ABM Industries, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Virginia's heavy concentration of defense contractors and federal facilities means many openings come with security clearance requirements, which candidates who already hold clearances can use as a meaningful differentiator.
Which Virginia cities have the most automation technician jobs?
The cities with the most automation technician openings in Virginia are Williamsburg, Chester, and Hampton. Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads area drive the bulk of demand because of their density of defense contractors, naval facilities, and federal agency operations, while the Richmond corridor adds openings through pharmaceutical manufacturing and consumer goods production tied to the I-95 industrial corridor.
Are there remote automation technician jobs in Virginia?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical presence on factory floors, in robotic cells, or at control panels, so most roles are fully on-site. About 33% of automation technician openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve controls engineering design, remote PLC diagnostics, or technical documentation rather than live equipment maintenance.
How can I get hired as a automation technician in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is enrolling in a paid apprenticeship or co-op program before completing your credential. Virginia's community college system, particularly Northern Virginia Community College and New River Community College, runs workforce partnerships with local manufacturers and defense suppliers that place students in paid automation roles before graduation. Candidates coming from adjacent trades such as electrician helper, HVAC controls installer, or maintenance mechanic have a strong lateral path, and completing a Siemens or Rockwell Automation fundamentals certification gives a first-time candidate a concrete technical credential to point to in interviews.
Where can I find and apply to automation technician jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to automation technician jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings across the state's defense, manufacturing, and federal contractor sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employer.
See All 13 Automation Technician Jobs in Virginia
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