Lead Automation Engineer

Job Description

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.