Automation Engineer

Hill International is seeking an Automation Engineer in Berkeley, California

Hill is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support the design, development, and implementation of safety-related control systems used in complex technical environments. This role focuses on software and controls development for mission-critical protection systems that support safe operations in highly regulated settings. This is an opportunity to contribute to advanced engineering programs involving integrated control systems, automation platforms, and modern safety architectures. The selected candidate will support the development of control solutions that combine software, hardware, and system integration, while also providing technical leadership across the full system lifecycle.

• 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.

• 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.
• Must be local to Berkeley, CA; Full time on-site role Monday - Friday.

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.

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

Depending upon your employment status, Hill’s comprehensive benefits may include, Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurances, Business Travel Accident Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Commuter Benefits, Legal Assistance, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Auto & Home Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Voluntary Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance. Paid Time Off (PTO), Holidays, 401(K) Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Referral Program, Professional Certification Incentive Program, Hill University Learning and Development, Tuition Reimbursement, EAP, Years of Service Awards Program.