Senior Automation Engineer

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.