Associate Automation Engineer
About the Role
We are seeking an Associate Automation Engineer to support the design and delivery of building automation and controls projects. This entry-level role is responsible for producing accurate controls and automation design documentation while supporting sequence of operations development and basic DDC programming activities under close supervision. The Associate Automation Engineer will focus on learning company standards, tools, and automation workflows while contributing to project execution.
What You’ll Do
- Produce controls drawings in accordance with company standards, templates, and project requirements.
- Assist with product selection for common building automation and controls applications.
- Support the development and documentation of network architecture for BAS projects.
- Contribute to sequence of operations development for assigned systems and applications.
- Support basic DDC programming tasks using standard templates, established sequences, and engineering guidance.
- Maintain accurate design and programming documentation, including revision logs and project records.
- Drive code through bench testing by setting up test environments and forcing tags to execute required test plan scenarios.
- Travel to job sites as needed to support first-of-kind functional testing of BAS systems.
- Coordinate with EPMs and DETLs when tasks are blocked, require clarification, or are ready for closure.
- Communicate design challenges, status updates, and technical decisions clearly within the immediate project team.
- Collaborate with other engineering disciplines and site operations teams to support successful project delivery.
- Investigate technical issues, apply measured debugging approaches, and escalate concerns when appropriate.
- Demonstrate ownership of assigned work and a commitment to quality, learning, and client outcomes.
What You’ll Bring
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, including Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation, or a related technical discipline.
- Equivalent technical training combined with relevant experience may be considered.
- 0–3 years of experience in controls design, automation, HVAC, or a related engineering field.
Skills & Capabilities
- Strong communication skills with the ability to provide concise updates and explain technical decisions within the project team.
- Collaborative mindset and willingness to support cross-functional teams and evolving standards.
- Solution-oriented approach with sound judgment on troubleshooting versus escalation.
- Ownership mentality with confidence to make decisions, take on challenges, and grow professionally.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to build a strong foundation in building automation, controls design, DDC programming, and BAS testing.
- Hands-on experience with real projects, company standards, and automation workflows in a collaborative engineering environment.
- Exposure to sequence development, network architecture documentation, bench testing, and field functional testing.
- Ongoing professional growth through mentorship, technical development, and increasing project responsibility.
- A team-oriented environment that values quality, learning, ownership, and client outcomes.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, including Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation, or a related technical discipline
- 0-3 years of experience in controls design, automation, HVAC, or a related engineering field
- Equivalent technical training combined with relevant experience
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Troubleshooting and sound escalation judgment
What We Do
Since 1947, Hoffman & Hoffman, Inc. has served the Carolinas and Virginia in the selection and application of commercial and industrial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, filtration and direct digital control (DDC) systems. In Fall 2009, Hoffman & Hoffman, Inc. opened branch offices in Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hoffman & Hoffman represents manufacturers of the highest quality HVAC equipment and controls available on the market today. Through one of our (14) fourteen regional branch offices, our professional sales engineers can assist you in most commercial/industrial HVAC and filtration projects. We employ Certified Energy Managers (CEM), LEED accredited professionals and professional sales engineers dedicated to meeting the heating, filtration, ventilation and air conditioning needs of engineers, owners and contractors. Delivering engineered, flexible, economical and environmentally responsible solutions for commercial, industrial and institutional heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration requirements is our top priority.
