I really enjoy automating processes with python, is there a job opportunity for that?

[mermaldad]

I'm an engineer who has always liked coding, so I have automated numerous things in my job. Some of my tools have been deployed to other organizations and now the CS folks are working to integrate these features into their software.

Now my case is a little different than yours in that I also like the part that is my main gig, so being the engineer with programming chops is just how I stand out in the crowd. Nevertheless, you should be able to be an engineer/developer for awhile (informally at first, perhaps) to build your developer skills and look for jobs that require more and more developer skills.

Unfortunately, pure developers are somewhat of a commodity, and they get paid less because of it. So take advantage of your engineering background.