Lead Automation Engineer

A Lead Automation Engineer is an advanced technical leadership role responsible for the design, implementation, and delivery of complex automation projects across multi-system and plant-level environments, often overseeing multiple concurrent projects. This individual serves as the senior technical lead for a project or program, providing architectural direction for control system design, HMI/SCADA development, PLC/DDC programming, and field commissioning.

A Lead Automation Engineer combines deep technical expertise with formal mentorship responsibilities, guiding Automation Engineer and Senior Automation Engineer staff while ensuring all deliverables meet quality, schedule, and financial objectives.

Education

Previous experience as an HBT Senior 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

• 6–12+ years of experience in industrial automation, instrumentation and controls, PLC/DDC programming, and control system architecture.
• Demonstrated leadership experience on multiple medium to large 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: Expert-level understanding of HVAC and building automation systems (BAS), with working knowledge of plant-level and multi-system integration.

Control System Design: Ability to design and oversee control system architecture for multi-system and plant-level projects, and to review and approve control system drawings and documentation produced by less-senior engineering staff.

HMI/SCADA: Ability to architect enterprise-scale HMI and SCADA solutions with minimal oversight. Proficient scripting ability in Python or Java and strong command of SQL/database concepts.

PLC/DDC: Expert-level proficiency in PLC or DDC programming for advanced, multi-system projects, including integration of multiple platforms and third-party equipment.

Networking & Infrastructure: Expert-level understanding of industrial protocols and OT network design, with the ability to architect network solutions for multi-system or plant-level sites.

Testing: Ability to develop testing strategies and review executed test plans for complex, multi-system projects across a program.

Soft Skills

• Problem-Solving: Advanced, cross-system troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for high-complexity technical challenges.
• Accountability: High level of ownership over technical quality, scope, schedule, and financial performance across multiple concurrent projects.
• Communication: Strong ability to communicate technical strategy and risk to internal leadership, clients, and cross-functional teams.
• Leadership: Ability to train and mentor junior engineers, leads structured design and code reviews, and drives collaboration across project teams.

Responsibilities

Control System Design: Design and oversee control system architecture for multi-system and plant-level projects. Review and approve control system drawings and documentation produced by Automation Engineer and Senior Automation Engineer staff.

HMI/SCADA Configuration: Architect enterprise-scale HMI/SCADA solutions with minimal oversight. Review and approve HMI/SCADA deliverables produced by project team members.

PLC/DDC Programming: Lead development of advanced PLC/DDC logic for multi-system and plant-level applications, including integration of multiple platforms and third-party equipment. Review and approve programming deliverables produced by project team members.

Testing & Commissioning: Lead testing strategy and oversee Factory Acceptance Testing and site startup activities across multiple concurrent projects. 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: Review and approve all types of project documentation for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to company standards.

Mentorship & Training: Formally mentor Automation Engineer and Senior Automation Engineer staff and lead structured design and code reviews to build technical proficiency across the team.

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 across assigned projects meet established quality standards; identify and resolve systemic quality issues.

Project Controls: Own project scope, schedule, and financial performance for multiple concurrent projects. Support estimating and proposal development for complex bids.