Automation Lead

We are seeking a highly skilled Automation Lead to join our team in Newton, KS. This role is a technical leadership position, leading a team of 3 automation engineers, reporting to the Director of Engineering. The Automation Lead is responsible for leading the Automation Division while remaining actively engaged in engineering, programming, project execution, and customer support. This is a player-coach role requiring both technical excellence and leadership capability. Key Responsibilities Position Summary We are seeking a highly skilled Automation Lead to join our team in Newton, KS. This role is a technical leadership position, leading a team of 3 automation engineers, reporting to the Director of Engineering. The Automation Lead is responsible for leading the Automation Division while remaining actively engaged in engineering, programming, project execution, and customer support. This is a player-coach role requiring both technical excellence and leadership capability. Leadership Develop bid strategies and proposals for accuracy, completeness, and competitiveness along with partnering with project managers across both automation and electrical divisions. Maintain strong vendor and subcontractor relationships to support competitive pricing. Oversight and technical guidance of UL508A panel shop (design, build, install, etc.) Evaluate and implement emerging automation technologies that improve customer outcomes and operational efficiency. Lead, coach, mentor, hire, and develop automation engineers and technicians while building the long-term technical capabilities of the Automation Division. Develop and execute the automation business strategy including market positioning, customer development, strategic partnerships, and profitable growth. Assign engineering resources across projects based on workload, priorities, and technical capabilities. Own automation engineering standards, programming standards, documentation standards, reusable code libraries, and design best practices. Review automation designs, PLC programs, HMI applications, and documentation to ensure technical quality and consistency. Accountable for automation project profitability, labor utilization, forecasting, and gross margin performance. Serve as the trusted technical advisor for customers throughout project planning, execution, startup, and ongoing support. Develop annual operating objectives, departmental KPIs, staffing plans, and continuous improvement initiatives to support the long-term growth and performance of the Automation Division. Exercise independent judgment in technical decisions, project execution, staffing priorities, and customer solutions while aligning with company objectives. Execution Design, develop, and implement automation control systems including PLC, HMI, and SCADA solutions. Program and troubleshoot automation hardware and software, including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Scheider Electric, or equivalent platforms. Support the design of process automation systems. Develop system documentation including control logic, schematics, and operation manuals. Ensure compliance with applicable standards (NFPA, NEC, UL 508A, OSHA, etc.). Participate in system commissioning, testing, and field service as required. Own the planning and execution of automation projects by coordinating technical resources, schedules, customer communications, and project deliverables to ensure safe, high-quality, and on-time completion. Qualifications Post secondary education in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls, or related field (or equivalent experience). Demonstrated success leading, coaching, mentoring, and developing multidisciplinary engineering teams while fostering accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence. Experience managing competing priorities across multiple simultaneous projects. Strong decision-making and conflict resolution skills. Experience in automation engineering, controls design, and programming. Proficiency in PLC, HMI and SCADA systems programming and troubleshooting (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, or similar). RSLogix, FactoryTalk View, Ignition, etc. CompactLogix, ControlLogix, MicroLogix, SLC, Modicon, etc Experience with industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, etc.). Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Commissioning and field startup Knowledge of relevant codes and standards (NFPA 70, UL 508A). Experience managing automation or electrical construction projects. Strong understanding of project financials, budgeting, and forecasting. Proficiency with project management tools. Strong business acumen and ability to evaluate risk and profitability. Experience leading technical pursuits, proposal strategy, and customer presentations. Demonstrated ability to identify, develop, and expand customer relationships that drive business growth. Strong understanding of project contracts and scope management. Preferred Skills & Attributes Proficiency with the automation & controls software as well as estimating software (McCormick preferred); and other construction software tools like Bluebeam, etc. Strong understanding of NEC (National Electrical Code), construction sequencing, and industry best practices. Automation and controls experience with a focus on industrial and commercial markets. Experience with design-build or design-assist projects. Knowledge of local labor markets, suppliers, and subcontractors. Rockwell Automation badges Familiarity with SCADA systems, robotics, and motion control is highly desirable. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary Robust employee benefits package (health, dental, vision, etc.) 401(k) with company match Paid time off and holidays Professional development and leadership growth opportunities Join our team and contribute to the success of complex, high-impact automation and controls projects. Your contributions will help shape our competitive advantage in the industrial and commercial sectors. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kansas Electric, Inc