Chief Automation Engineer

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.

Experience

• 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.

Skills

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.

Responsibilities

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.