A Chief Automation Engineer is a senior technical expert responsible for leading the design, implementation, and optimization of complex automation solutions across multi-system and plant-level environments. This role provides strategic oversight and technical authority, serving as the primary point of contact for project stakeholders and the final escalation point for complex technical issues. A Principal Automation Engineer establishes and governs organizational engineering standards, mentors junior staff, and bridges the gap between engineering execution and high-level organizational strategy.
Education- Previous experience as an HBT Principal 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.
- Professional Engineering (PE) License is preferred.
- 15-20+ years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, PLC/DDC programming, and control system architecture.
- Demonstrated leadership experience on multiple large scale projects.
- Broad exposure to multiple automation platforms, building automation projects, multi-system integration, industrial networking architecture, and field commissioning.
Technical Skills:
- Systems Knowledge: SME level expertise in HVAC systems, Building Automation Systems (BAS), and the integration of building controls within plant-level environments.
- Control System Design: Demonstrates mastery of all competencies required of a Principal Automation Engineer, with the ability to review and approve control system designs, system architecture, and project scope to ensure alignment with technical and operational requirements.
- HMI/SCADA: Possesses advanced expertise in HMI and SCADA systems (e.g. Rockwell, Ignition, Wonderware). Capable of reviewing and approving project scope for system architecture, graphics standards, and operational functionality.
- PLC/DDC: Demonstrates mastery of PLC/DDC programming, including programming standards, platforms (e.g. Allen Bradley, Siemens), system integration, troubleshooting, and project execution. Responsible for reviewing and approving technical scope and deliverables.
- Networking & Infrastructure: SME level understanding of various industrial protocols (e.g. Modbus, BACnet, Ethernet/IP) and OT network design.
- Testing: Demonstrates advanced expertise in testing, startup, commissioning, and validation activities required of a Principal Automation Engineer. Responsible for reviewing and approving testing strategies, acceptance criteria, and project scope to ensure quality and performance objectives are achieved.
Soft Skills:
- Problem Solving: Track record of solving complex technical problems and clearly explaining methodologies.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to align engineering execution with long-term organizational goals and industry trends.
- Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication skills for managing client expectations and cross-functional coordination.
- Leadership: Proven ability to train and mentor junior engineers and drive team collaboration.
- Technical Acumen: Ability to perform the tasks of all lower Automation Engineer levels. Own enterprise-wide engineering standards, reference designs, and reusable code libraries. Develop and deliver regular technical training for the engineering team on new technologies and best practices.
- Business Acumen: Collaborate with sales and management to support client presentations and proposals.
- Project Controls: Full ownership of project scope, schedule, and financials.
- 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. Perform periodic quality reviews of PLC programs, system architectures, and approve engineering submittals.
Skills Required
- 15–20+ years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, PLC/DDC programming, and control system architecture
- Demonstrated leadership experience on multiple large-scale projects
- Broad experience with multiple automation platforms, building automation projects, multi-system integration, industrial networking architecture, and field commissioning
- SME-level expertise in HVAC systems, Building Automation Systems, and plant-level building-controls integration
- Mastery of control system design, system architecture, project scope review, and technical approval
- Advanced expertise with HMI and SCADA systems, including Rockwell, Ignition, or Wonderware
- Mastery of PLC/DDC programming, Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms, system integration, troubleshooting, and project execution
- SME-level understanding of industrial protocols and OT network design, including Modbus, BACnet, or Ethernet/IP
- Advanced expertise in testing, startup, commissioning, and validation
- 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
- Professional Engineering license
- Ability to solve complex technical problems and explain methodologies clearly
- Strategic thinking and ability to align engineering execution with organizational goals
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to train and mentor junior engineers and drive team collaboration
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.
