Senior Strategic Automation Project Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Iowa, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Create and implement a long-term automation engineering strategy that supports facility growth, equipment upgrades, advanced manufacturing projects, and the assessment of new technologies.

• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, IT, OEMs, system integrators, and external partners to outline requirements, define project scope, and deploy automation solutions.

• Spearhead initiatives for automation and controls modernization that involve PLCs, robotics, motion control, machine vision, industrial software platforms, and integrated manufacturing systems.

• Manage automation and capital engineering projects from initial concept through to commissioning and closeout, overseeing budgets, timelines, resources, procurement, risks, and overall project outcomes.

• Supervise controls architecture, electrical systems, instrumentation, networking, SCADA, HMI, design of automation systems, testing, validation, and standardization processes.

• Coordinate with engineering consultants, OEMs, contractors, system integrators, and internal project teams.

• Create business cases, capital requests, ROI analyses, project justifications, and updates for executive stakeholders.

• Track performance in relation to scope, budget, safety, quality, and scheduling goals.

• Promote employee growth through coaching, mentoring, and leadership initiatives.

• Perform additional duties as required.

⛳️ Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Controls Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field, along with 8+ years of relevant experience, or a comparable combination of education and experience is mandatory.

• A minimum of 2+ years of proven experience in team management or project leadership is required.

• Comprehensive knowledge of industrial automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, instrumentation, VFDs, motion control, robotics, and industrial networks.

• Basic coding and scripting proficiency, particularly in software integration, databases, data collection systems, APIs, and industrial communication protocols.

• Experience in executing automation projects, encompassing controls design, equipment procurement, installation management, commissioning, and startup assistance.

• Capable of reading and interpreting electrical schematics, P&IDs, control narratives, and documentation related to automation architecture.

• Strong grasp of capital project management principles, engineering design reviews, budgeting, scheduling, and risk assessment.

• Willingness to travel up to 50% to support engineering projects.

• PMP certification, PE license, or equivalent project management and engineering qualifications are preferred.

• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and Siemens TIA Portal.

• Experience with SCADA platforms such as Ignition, Wonderware, FactoryTalk, or similar systems.

• Proficiency in robotics integration with brands like Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, or Yaskawa.

• Knowledge of machine vision and inspection systems.

• Experience in designing Industrial Ethernet and OT networks.

• Oversight of equipment OEM management and system integration.

• Exposure to electrical power distribution and control panel design.

• Understanding of manufacturing data systems and Industrial IoT platforms.

• Experience in capital planning and managing engineering portfolios.

• Working knowledge of PLC programming and controls logic development in systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, or equivalent automation systems.

🏝️ Benefits

• Relocation Package Available

• Comprehensive total rewards package

• Opportunities for learning, collaboration, and innovation

• Employee development, mentoring, and coaching