Automation Design Engineer

Our client, an established building automation and controls integrator, is hiring an Automation Engineer to join their Charlotte, NC office. This role blends controls design execution with hands-on programming ownership — producing controls drawings in AutoCAD for Rockwell-based systems, developing and programming DDC/PLC controllers, and supporting field testing and commissioning at customer sites across the region.

What You'll Do

• Produce controls drawings in AutoCAD in accordance with company standards and project requirements.
• Perform product selection for standard controls applications on Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Support development of Sequence of Operations (SoO) documentation.
• Develop and program DDC/PLC controllers for standard applications.
• Create and execute functional test plans, including bench testing and I/O simulation, to validate system behavior.
• Support network architecture documentation and manage I/O lists in coordination with SCADA and project stakeholders.
• Maintain documentation, program repositories, revision logs, and version control.
• Travel to customer sites (up to 30%) to support installation, first-of-kind functional testing, and commissioning.

  What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation) or related technical discipline — equivalent technical training plus relevant experience will also be considered.
• 3–5 years of experience in controls engineering, automation design, or DDC/PLC programming.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for controls drawing development.
• Hands-on PLC programming experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills — this role works closely with engineering, SCADA, and field teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% to support customer site installations.