Senior Automation Engineer

Senior Automation Engineer

Job Description

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.

Experience

• 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.

Skills

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.