Automation Engineer - PLC

Hoffman & Hoffman, Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hoffman & Hoffman, Inc. in Charlotte, NC is seeking an Automation Engineer-PLC to design and program PLC-based control systems for building automation projects, from design through commissioning.

You will develop system sequences, draft SoO documents, perform bench testing and travel to project sites for on-site commissioning, collaborating with SCADA teams. Candidates should have a BS in engineering and 2–5 years in controls or PLC programming, with strong communication and problem-solving

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field required.
• 2–5 years of experience in controls engineering, automation design, or PLC programming.
• Experience with PLC programming and controls system design.

Responsibilities

• Develop controls drawings in alignment with company standards.
• Program PLC controllers for building automation systems.
• Draft portions of Sequence of Operations (SoO) documentation.
• Collaborate with SCADA teams to develop and manage I/O lists.
• Travel to project sites for commissioning and field testing.

Skills

PLC programming

Controls system design

Sequence of Operations

Documentation & revision logs

Field commissioning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation) or related field

Job description

Automation Engineer (AE) – PLC

About The Role

We are seeking a motivated Automation Engineer-PLC to join our growing team. In this role, you will design and program PLC-based control systems for building automation projects while contributing to the development of system sequences and supporting successful project delivery from design through commissioning.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a solid foundation in controls engineering who is ready to take ownership of standard system designs and grow into more advanced automation responsibilities.

What You’ll Do

• Develop controls drawings in alignment with company standards
• Perform product selection for standard automation applications
• Support and draft portions of Sequence of Operations (SoO) documentation
• Program PLC controllers for building automation systems
• Create and execute functional test plans for both bench testing and field validation
• Collaborate with SCADA teams to develop and manage I/O lists
• Maintain organized documentation, including revision logs and program backups
• Support network architecture documentation
• Conduct bench testing by simulating real-world operating conditions
• Ensure all deliverables meet internal quality standards and project requirements
• Travel to project sites for system commissioning and first-of-kind functional testing

Required Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls, Automation) or related field, or equivalent experience
• 2–5 years of experience in controls engineering, automation design, or PLC programming

Technical Skills

• Strong experience with PLC programming and controls system design
• Ability to independently produce controls drawings and perform product selection
• Familiarity with developing Sequence of Operations (with guidance)
• Basic understanding of network architecture for automation systems

Soft Skills

• Clear and effective communication within project teams
• Strong collaboration across engineering and field teams
• Problem-solving mindset with structured troubleshooting skills
• Ownership mentality with a drive to deliver high-quality work

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to grow your technical and professional skills
• Hands-on involvement in real-world automation projects
• Collaborative team environment with strong technical support
• Exposure to cutting-edge building automation systems