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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
Skills Required
- 2-5+ years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, or PLC/DDC programming
- Previous experience as an HBT Associate Automation Engineer or a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Associate degree in a related technical discipline
- Trade school certificate or equivalent technical training combined with relevant experience
- Intermediate understanding of HVAC and building automation systems
- Ability to design control system drawings, generate IO lists, and produce system documentation
- Ability to design HMI and SCADA graphics, configure alarms, and create trends
- Proficiency in PLC or DDC programming
- Intermediate understanding of Modbus, BACnet, Ethernet/IP, and OT network design
- Ability to develop and execute functional test plans for control panels and building automation systems
- Experience with construction site environments and commissioning HVAC, electrical, or industrial control systems
- Familiarity with IT/OT integration, virtual machines, and industrial networking
- Basic scripting in Python or Java and knowledge of SQL/database concepts
- Ability to travel for client site work, including overnight stays
- OSHA-10 or participation in mandatory safety training
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.
