Automation Project Manager

Company Description

Working at Knobelsdorff 

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions. 

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core value. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work. 

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, Knobelsdorff (KE) is the place for you. 

Job Description

Job Purpose 

This role supports the Automation division by managing technical projects from kickoff to completion with a focus on control systems, customer engagement, and on-time delivery. You’ll be responsible for leading engineering coordination, managing milestones, and serving as the go-to contact for all project stakeholders. Success in this role means driving results across all phases of the project while upholding KE’s commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you're someone who takes pride in doing things the right way and thrives in a fast-moving environment, this position is built for you. 

What You’ll Do 

You’ll be part of a team that gets things done, works with purpose, and takes pride in the results. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include: 

• Lead the complete lifecycle of automation projects—from kickoff through execution, testing, and final handover 
• Serve as the technical-facing project leader, engaging with customer engineers, plant personnel, and decision-makers 
• Translate customer requirements and control narratives into actionable project scopes and detailed plans 
• Coordinate engineering resources, procurement, and subcontractors to meet project objectives on time and within budget 
• Conduct regular internal and customer-facing project reviews to track progress, manage risk, and resolve issues proactively 
• Support design reviews, panel builds, software development timelines, and commissioning activities 
• Own the customer relationship throughout the project, acting as a trusted advisor on both project-level and conceptual automation discussions 
• Collaborate with sales and engineering during pre-project planning and post-project lessons learned 
• Conduct regular status meetings, track milestones, budgets, financials and manage change orders as needed 
• Ensure all projects adhere to quality standards, safety protocols, and customer expectations 
• Support commissioning activities, with site travel as required to support project completion 

Qualifications

What You Bring 

You’re someone who shows up ready to work hard, learn fast, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field (or equivalent experience) 
• 5–7+ years of experience managing automation projects involving PLC, HMI, SCADA systems 
• Solid understanding of industrial control systems architecture, panel design, and field instrumentation 
• Proven ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both engineers and non-technical stakeholders 
• Strong organizational and project tracking skills – able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously 
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., ISA, NFPA, UL508A) and safety compliance requirements 
• PMP certification is a plus but not required 
• Ability to travel up to 30% 

Additional Information

Pay Range

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

Pay Range: $129,000 – $161,000 per year plus per diem and discretionary incentive opportunities

Total Rewards 

As a full-time employee at Knobelsdorff, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future. 

• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees 
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses 
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage