Hire Automation Engineers

Updated November 9, 2026

To hire an automation engineer, name the robot and controls platforms on your line, post the contract with the scope and the rate, or search automation engineers and request one by name.

Why does platform experience matter so much?

Because automation work is platform-specific. An engineer fluent in your robot brand and controls family ramps up fast and commissions cleanly; one learning your stack on your dime does not. Match hands-on PLC, robotics, and integration history to the gear on your line.

What does an automation engineer do?

They design, program, and integrate the robotics, controls, and IIoT systems that run a modern factory — from PLC and robot programming through commissioning and predictive-maintenance setup — keeping automated production efficient and reliable.

What does a contract automation engineer cost?

Rates track platform expertise, robot brands, and integration scope. As a benchmark, the industrial-engineering category carries a median near $101,140 a year. Each profile shows the engineer's rate openly, so you can compare before you reach out.

Which certification carries weight here?

The ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) is the recognized signal, and a mechatronics or automation/robotics certificate backs it up. None of it replaces proven commissioning experience on platforms like yours, but together they mark a serious automation engineer.

Is there a marketplace for automation contractors?

Yes: Automate America is a marketplace for automation contractors, where companies post hourly contracts, direct-hire jobs and RFQs free and hire the professionals who apply. Controls engineers, PLC and robot programmers, automation technicians, industrial electricians and the other trades keep profiles there showing their finished contracts, ratings, customer reviews and endorsements, and every contract shows its rate before anyone applies. Posting, applying and hiring are free.

What are the options for hiring automation engineers on contract?

On Automate America you can hire automation engineers on contract two ways, both free to post: an hourly contract for time-based work, or an RFQ when you want a quote for a fixed scope. On an hourly contract Automate America can run the timesheets, approvals and payment for you, or the engineer bills you directly; either way the rate shows on the posting before anyone applies. You can also search automation engineers' profiles and invite the ones whose finished contracts and reviews fit, and if the role should become permanent, post a direct-hire job the same way.

The market for automation engineers right now

Demand for automation engineers is strong and growing as manufacturers race to deploy robotics, AI-driven predictive maintenance, and smart-factory (IIoT) systems. The broader industrial automation market is projected to more than double this decade, and engineering roles that design and maintain these systems are growing faster than average. Skilled controls and automation professionals remain in short supply relative to the capex flowing into U.S. manufacturing.

Training, apprenticeships & certifications

Programs and credentials that build automation engineer skills — useful whether you're hiring one or becoming one.

• ISA — Certified Automation Professional (CAP) ↗
• Clovis Community College — Automation, Robotics & Mechatronics ↗
• College of Lake County — Mechatronics Technology Certificate ↗
• ISA — Automation Professional Training Courses ↗

What's moving the automation engineer market — workforce shifts, pay, and demand. We rotate these as new reporting lands.

• Industrial Automation & Control Systems Market, 2026-2033 ↗
• Latest Automation Mergers: Controls, Robotics, Integration ↗
• Industrial Automation in 2026: Why PLC Programming Still Matters ↗
• Five Manufacturing & Industrial Automation Trends for 2026 ↗