Automation & Controls Project Manager

Automation & Controls Project Manager

The Automation & Controls Project Manager leads complex industrial automation and control systems projects from Front-End Engineering & Design (FEED) through detailed design, panel integration, commissioning, and start-up. This role combines deep technical expertise in control and safety systems with strong commercial and execution leadership to ensure projects are delivered safely, profitably, and in full alignment with client expectations. The position serves as the primary technical and commercial authority on assigned projects, guiding multidisciplinary teams and maintaining strong, long-term client relationships across a variety of industrial sectors.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and own all phases of automation and controls projects, including FEED, detailed engineering, panel integration, factory acceptance testing (FAT), site commissioning, and start-up.
• Serve as the technical authority for control, safety, and information system solutions across industrial process applications.
• Ensure automation architectures, control philosophies, and system designs align with project scope, client standards, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve complex technical challenges during project execution and commissioning.
• Manage projects with a strong focus on contract value growth, margin protection, and revenue realization.
• Actively manage client scope, identify changes and impacts early, and develop change orders to prevent margin erosion.
• Maintain responsibility for project budgets, cost forecasting, earned value tracking, and financial reporting.
• Balance technical decisions with commercial outcomes to deliver profitable and sustainable projects.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules that cover engineering, panel fabrication, procurement, and field execution activities.
• Clearly communicate scope, schedule, and budget expectations to project team members and ensure accountability for meeting milestones.
• Prepare and present project status reports, forecasts, and progress updates to clients and internal leadership.
• Proactively identify execution risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Lead and manage automation engineers, designers, panel shop resources, commissioning and start-up personnel, and MCC fabrication partners.
• Plan and optimize resource allocation to ensure high utilization and billability of project teams.
• Provide direction, mentorship, and technical guidance to junior engineers and project management staff.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance project team culture.
• Serve as the primary client interface for assigned projects, building trust through strong technical leadership and proactive communication.
• Maintain and grow long-term client relationships by consistently delivering high-quality automation solutions.
• Represent the organization in a professional, solutions-oriented manner during project meetings, design reviews, and site activities.
• Support proposal and business development efforts by reviewing RFQs, technical specifications, and commercial terms.
• Provide input on execution strategies, staffing plans, schedules, and technical approaches for new opportunities.
• Assist in defining project execution plans that align with internal capabilities and client requirements.
• Take a proactive role in corporate Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) programs.
• Ensure project execution complies with company standards, client safety requirements, and applicable regulatory expectations.
• Promote a culture of safety excellence throughout engineering, fabrication, and field activities.
• Collaborate with project teams across offices to share expertise, standardize execution practices, and support multi-office projects.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of project delivery processes and technical standards.
• Manage automation teams onsite and guide projects from initiation through completion.

Essential

Skills:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
• 10+ years of proven project management experience managing control system and automation projects in one…