Automation Design Engineer

Gilder Search Group; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilder Search Group is seeking an Automation Engineer for our Charlotte, NC client, a building automation and controls integrator. The role blends controls design execution with hands-on programming ownership—producing drawings in AutoCAD for Rockwell-based systems and supporting field testing and commissioning across the region.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor's in engineering and 3–5 years of controls experience, with AutoCAD proficiency and Rockwell PLC programming.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation) or related discipline.
• 3–5 years of controls engineering, automation design, or DDC/PLC programming.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for controls drawing development.
• Hands-on PLC programming with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Produce controls drawings in AutoCAD per standards and project requirements.
• Perform product selection for Rockwell/Allen-Bradley controls.
• Develop SoO documentation.
• Develop and program DDC/PLC controllers for standard applications.
• Create functional test plans and perform bench testing and I/O simulation.
• Document network architecture and manage I/O lists with SCADA and project stakeholders.
• Maintain program repositories, revision logs, and version control.
• Travel to customer sites up to 30% to support installation and commissioning.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC

Job description

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.