Design Associate I - Automation

About the role

At Haskell you’ll join a nationally recognized Top Workplace where diverse perspectives and inclusive thinking drive stronger outcomes. The culture is grounded in trust, driven by excellence, and built to support your goals, offering flexibility, a sense of belonging, and the chance to make a real impact.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of automation deliverables defined within proposals (Conceptual Design).
• Design low‑voltage (≤ 480 VAC) power and control systems for automated process or packaging applications, including control panels, motor control centers, safety systems, and automation network design.
• Prepare scopes of work, bills of material, specifications, and other necessary project documents.
• Review, check, modify, and develop control‑system drawings using design software.
• Develop PLC programs in accordance with company or client standards.
• Develop HMI programs in accordance with company or client standards.
• Develop data‑collection and reporting software for process applications.
• Review equipment specifications and line layouts for packaging applications.
• Collaborate with the simulation team to develop emulations for packaging applications.
• Support the development and implementation of acceptance test plans at vendor facilities and at the customer site.
• Participate in design reviews and vendor coordination meetings; present design and technical information.
• Incorporate all internal and external comments and mark‑ups into project deliverables and specifications.
• Work with the Project Lead Associate to meet schedule milestones and provide complete deliverables for each submission.
• Develop projects within the provided design budget.
• Answer RFIs (Requests for Information).
• Supervise construction and checkout of control‑system panels and components in client facilities.
• Provide informal control‑system operation and maintenance training to client personnel.
• Commission control systems: conduct point‑to‑point checks, trial performance runs, and full performance runs under senior‑level automation‑engineer supervision.
• Document and maintain records of all design changes made during installation and startup for as‑installed drawings.
• Update and maintain an installation punch list to track contractor progress and issues.
• Provide ongoing technical and troubleshooting support to clients after startup.

Professional Development

Pursuit of a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is encouraged.

Leadership

Engages the entire team while working with all members, and remains flexible and willing to move quickly between projects to meet schedules.

Travel

Flexibility for travel to installations and onsite startups is required. Average travel expectation is up to 30%, with occasional periods of heavy travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant discipline (required).
• Degree from an accredited curriculum (NCARB or ABET) preferred.

Skills

• Ability to develop drawings using appropriate design software and convey design requirements verbally.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office/365.
• Experience in PLC and HMI programming.
• Ability to safely use basic electrical tools for troubleshooting circuits.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing timelines.
• Understanding and adherence to company and client design standards.
• Excellent time‑management, organization, and analytical skills.
• Strong oral and written communication with supervisors, project managers, engineers, suppliers, and clients.
• Sound interpersonal skills and professional relationship building.
• Self‑motivation to complete assigned tasks and seek new work.
• Basic understanding of hydraulics, fluid flow, pneumatics, and electric circuits (process automation discipline).

Benefits

• Comprehensive health‑insurance coverage.
• Retirement plans.
• Professional‑development opportunities.
• Additional benefits supporting employee well‑being.

Physical Requirements

The role requires ordinary ambulatory ability to visit multiple locations, and the capacity to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift or carry light to medium weights (10‑50 lb). Good hand‑eye coordination, dexterity, and visual acuity are needed for keyboard use, equipment operation, and reading documentation. The associate will frequently sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.