A Senior Automation Engineer is a technical leadership role responsible for the end-to-end design, implementation, and delivery of complex automation projects across multi-system and plant-level environments. This individual acts as the primary technical point of contact for projects, overseeing full automation packages that include control system design, HMI/SCADA development, PLC/DDC programming, and field commissioning. A Senior Automation Engineer balances high-level strategic planning with hands-on technical execution, ensuring all deliverables meet quality standards and project schedules while mentoring junior engineering staff.
Education- Previous experience as an HBT 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.
- 4–8+ years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, PLC/DDC programming, and control system architecture.
- Demonstrated leadership experience on multiple small scale or medium scale projects.
- Broad exposure to multiple automation platforms, building automation projects, multi-system integration, industrial networking architecture, and field commissioning.
Technical Skills:
- Systems Knowledge: Advanced level understanding of HVAC and building automation systems (BAS).
- Control System Design: Ability to design complex control system projects and review and approve all types of system documentation.
- HMI/SCADA: Ability to design complex HMI and SCADA solutions with minimal direction. Knowledge of SQL/database concepts is required. Basic scripting ability in Python or Java is preferred.
- PLC/DDC: Proficient in PLC or DDC programming for advanced projects.
- Networking & Infrastructure: Advanced level understanding of industrial protocols and OT network design.
- Testing: Ability to review and approve executed functional test plans for control panels and building automation control systems.
Soft Skills:
- Problem-Solving: A proactive mindset for diagnosing high-stakes infrastructure and automation challenges through measured strategic debugging.
- Accountability: High level of ownership over technical quality, project scope of work, project schedule, and project financial awareness.
- Communication: Exceptional skills for coordinating across internal disciplines and presenting complex technical progress to external stakeholders.
- Leadership: Ability to train and mentor junior engineers, perform technical code reviews, and drive team collaboration.
- Control System Design: Design complex control system drawings.
- HMI/SCADA Configuration: Build complex operator graphics using reusable or custom generated components, ensuring data historization and reporting requirements are met.
- PLC/DDC Programming: Develop complex PLC/DDC logic, create custom code elements, and integrate third-party equipment like VFDs and packaged skids.
- Testing & Commissioning: Lead bench testing, Factory Acceptance Testing, and 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 all types of project documentation.
- Peer Review: Provide constructive feedback on control system designs, HMI/SCADA builds, PLC/DDC code, and documentation produced by peers.
- 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.
- Project Controls: Assist in estimating project execution schedules, monitoring project financials, and tracking deficiencies through resolution.
Skills Required
- Previous experience as an HBT Automation Engineer or a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
- Trade school certificate or equivalent technical training combined with relevant experience
- 4–8+ years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, PLC/DDC programming, and control system architecture
- Leadership experience on multiple small- or medium-scale projects
- Experience with multiple automation platforms, building automation projects, multi-system integration, industrial networking architecture, and field commissioning
- Advanced understanding of HVAC and building automation systems
- Ability to design complex control systems and review or approve system documentation
- Ability to design complex HMI and SCADA solutions with minimal direction
- Knowledge of SQL and database concepts
- Proficiency in PLC or DDC programming for advanced projects
- Advanced understanding of industrial protocols and OT network design
- Ability to review and approve functional test plans for control panels and building automation control systems
- Basic scripting ability in Python or Java
- OSHA-10 or equivalent 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.
