Automation Engineer job description.
An Automation Engineer designs, builds, and maintains automated systems and processes for manufacturing, software, or industrial operations. They program controllers and automation software, troubleshoot performance issues, and partner with engineering and operations teams to improve efficiency, documenting designs and supporting integration with existing production or IT systems.
The Automation Engineer job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 9 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Automation Engineer Reports to: Engineering Manager or Automation Manager
An Automation Engineer designs, builds, and maintains automated systems and processes for manufacturing, software, or industrial operations. They program controllers and automation software, troubleshoot performance issues, and partner with engineering and operations teams to improve efficiency, documenting designs and supporting integration with existing production or IT systems.
- Design and develop automated systems, tools, and processes to improve efficiency
- Program and configure PLCs, robotics, or automation software
- Test and troubleshoot automated systems to resolve performance issues
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
9 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
5 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Engineering Manager or Automation Manager
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Design and develop automated systems, tools, and processes to improve efficiency
- Program and configure PLCs, robotics, or automation software
- Test and troubleshoot automated systems to resolve performance issues
- Collaborate with engineering and operations teams on automation projects
- Document system designs, configurations, and standard operating procedures
- Monitor automated processes and implement continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure automation systems comply with safety and quality standards
- Support integration of automation with existing production or IT systems
- Provide training and technical support to end users of automated systems
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related field
- 2+ years of experience in automation, controls, or systems engineering
- Proficiency with PLC programming or automation software (e.g., Python, SCADA)
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Understanding of industrial or software automation principles
- Experience with robotics or industrial control systems
- Familiarity with Six Sigma or Lean manufacturing principles
- Certification in relevant automation platforms
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Automation Engineer job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Automation Engineer job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Engineering Manager or Automation Manager) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- What programming skills are important for an Automation Engineer?
- Familiarity with PLC programming languages and scripting languages such as Python is commonly expected, along with knowledge of automation or SCADA software.
- Does this role require an engineering degree?
- Most employers prefer a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field, though equivalent hands-on experience is sometimes accepted.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
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A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and tests robotic systems and automation solutions for manufacturing, research, or product applications.
Manufacturing Engineer
A manufacturing engineer designs, implements, and improves production processes to increase efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
Process Engineer
A process engineer designs, monitors, and improves manufacturing or chemical processes to increase efficiency, quality, and safety.
This Automation Engineer job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.