Automation Engineer

Hill International, Inc.; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Hill International, Inc. is seeking an Automation Engineer in Berkeley, California. This role focuses on developing software and control systems for safety-related applications in highly regulated environments. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field and significant experience with Siemens PLCs and safety control system design. The position offers a competitive salary range of $120K-$140K based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• 8 years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree, or 6 years with a master's degree.
• Experience in designing and implementing safety-related control systems.
• Hands-on experience with PLC-based applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test prototypes for safety-related control systems.
• Lead software-focused work packages and provide technical leadership.
• Ensure compliance with safety principles and functional safety standards.

Skills

Designing and implementing safety-related control systems

Siemens PLCs and distributed I/O systems

Automation programming languages (Ladder Logic, Structured Text)

Strong communication skills

Project management skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN

Job description

Job Overview

Hill International is seeking an Automation Engineer in Berkeley, California. The role focuses on software and controls development for mission‑critical protection systems used in highly regulated technical environments. The selected candidate will support the design, development, and implementation of safety‑related control systems, combining software, hardware, and system integration, and will provide technical leadership throughout the system lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Support all phases of software development for safety‑related control systems, including requirements development, design, implementation, testing, commissioning, operation, and long‑term support.
• Select and apply appropriate engineering tools and methods to deliver reliable, maintainable systems.
• Develop and test prototypes, integrate solutions into existing platforms, and perform verification activities to confirm compliance with applicable safety requirements.
• Design and implement complex automation and safety control systems with emphasis on redundancy, reliability, and fail‑safe operation.
• Develop software interfaces to control hardware and prepare detailed design documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues involving automation and safety systems.
• Lead software‑focused work packages and provide guidance to technical staff.
• Prepare documentation and communicate technical work clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Support training, system handoff, and operational readiness activities.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, and external partners on system integration efforts.
• Participate in risk assessments and incorporate safety principles into system and software design.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with applicable functional safety standards, regulations, and engineering best practices.
• Stay current with developments in automation, control systems, and safety engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automation, Electronics, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 6 years with a master’s degree.
• At least 6 years of experience designing and implementing safety‑related control systems.
• Strong experience designing, developing, and implementing PLC‑based applications.
• Hands‑on experience with Siemens PLCs, distributed I/O systems, and Siemens TIA Portal.
• Working knowledge of software development practices aligned with functional safety standards such as IEC 61508, IEC 61511, ISO 13849, or similar.
• Proficiency in automation programming languages such as Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and related control languages.
• Familiarity with safety PLC concepts including redundancy, safety integrity levels, and fail‑safe design.
• Strong understanding of version control, debugging, testing, and software documentation practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Detail‑oriented, proactive, and committed to quality, safety, and problem‑solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Siemens SIMATIC S7‑1500 controllers, PLC‑Sim Advanced, and Simit.
• Experience with Siemens WinCC Comfort or Unified HMI development.
• Familiarity with Siemens libraries and diagnostic tools.
• Knowledge of industrial safety systems and fault‑tolerant automation.
• Familiarity with safety hardware, industrial networking, and protocols such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP, SNMP, Modbus, and OPC UA.
• Familiarity with FPGA‑based applications.
• Experience in highly regulated, technical, industrial, research, or similar mission‑critical environments.
• Knowledge of electrical design tools such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Additional programming experience in C/C++, Python, or Java.
• Relevant Siemens or functional safety training/certifications.
• Certified Functional Safety Engineer or equivalent certification is desirable.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $140,000. The offered salary will be based on the applicant’s qualifications, education, experience and work location.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Hill International is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Veteran, and Disabled.