Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

Job Description

An Automation Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of industrial control systems for building automation projects. This role balances control system design, HMI/SCADA development, and PLC/DDC programming, while ensuring system performance through bench testing and field commissioning. An Automation Engineer serves as a technical bridge between design and operations, managing project priorities, coordinating equipment procurement, and ensuring all deliverables adhere to quality standards.

Education

• Previous experience as an HBT Associate Automation Engineer or Bachelor's degree (preferred) or Associate degree in any of the following fields: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Trade school certificates or equivalent technical training combined with relevant experience may also be considered.

Experience

• 2-5+ years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, or PLC/DDC programming.
• Experience with construction site environments, delivery and commissioning of HVAC equipment, electrical, or industrial control systems is preferred.
• Familiarity in IT/OT integration, virtual machines, and industrial networking is preferred.

Skills

Technical Skills:

• Systems Knowledge: Intermediate level understanding of HVAC and building automation systems (BAS).
• Control System Design: Ability to design simple control system drawings, generate IO lists, and draft system documentation such as Sequence of Operations, Functional Specification, and Design Specifications.
• HMI/SCADA: Ability to design HMI and SCADA graphics, configure alarms, and create trends with some direction. Basic scripting ability in Python or Java and knowledge of SQL/database concepts is preferred.
• PLC/DDC: Proficient in PLC (e.g. Allen-Bradley, Siemens) or DDC programming for standard projects.
• Networking & Infrastructure: Intermediate level understanding of industrial protocols (Modbus, BACnet, Ethernet/IP) and OT network design.
• Testing: Ability to develop and execute functional test plans for control panels and building automation control systems.

Soft Skills:

• Learning Mindset: A strong eagerness to learn new technologies and adapt to evolving engineering standards.
• Problem-Solving: Advanced troubleshooting and analytical thinking to resolve infrastructure, connectivity, and logic bugs.
• Organization: Strong focus on documentation standards, repository management, and adhering to strict project timelines.
• Communication: Clear coordination with project leads, site teams, and clients regarding technical decisions and project risks.
• Leadership: Capable of delegating tasks to teammates, mentoring junior staff, and taking ownership of project design packages.

Responsibilities

• Control System Design: Review plans, specs, and mechanical submittals to produce complete control system drawings.
• HMI/SCADA Configuration: Build operator graphics using reusable components and themes, ensuring data historization and reporting requirements are met.
• PLC/DDC Programming: Develop PLC/DDC logic, create custom code elements, and integrate third-party equipment like VFDs and packaged skids.
• Testing & Commissioning: Support bench testing, Factory Acceptance Testing, and assist with site startup activities. Travel may be required. Expect up to 30% travel, including regular overnight stays for non-local client sites and up to 100% travel to local client sites.
• Documentation: Develop project documentation, including IO lists, Sequence of Operations, Functional Specifications, test protocols, and redline markups.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow all office and site safety procedures and participate in mandatory safety training (e.g., OSHA-10).
• Quality Control: Ensure all document and code deliverables meet established quality standards.