Automation Project Engineer

Southco is seeking a dynamic and experienced Automation Project Leader to drive our global portfolio of manufacturing automation and equipment projects. In this role, you will manage 3 to 5 concurrent capital equipment initiatives across our Americas and European regions (including sites in New York, Pennsylvania, Mexico, Brazil, the UK, and Poland).

Do you have the following skills, experience and drive to succeed in this role Find out below.

You will own the complete project lifecycle—from scoping and international supplier sourcing (with a strong emphasis on China-based partners) to budget control, regulatory compliance, and final on-site commissioning. Typical capital values range from $50K to $500K per project, with an active portfolio representing $500K to $3M in combined capital spend.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Portfolio Management: Lead 3–5 concurrent global automation and manufacturing equipment projects from concept through start-up, ensuring technical, cost, and schedule alignment.
• Financial & Schedule Control: Develop scopes, budgets, and timelines, actively tracking performance targets and reporting variances to plant and regional leadership.
• Global Sourcing & Supplier Management: Source, evaluate, and manage automation equipment suppliers—including international and low-cost region partners—to secure optimal capability and value.
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Ensure automation and controls systems comply with regional standards (such as UL/NFPA 79, CE Machinery Directive, UKCA, NOM, and NR-12/INMETRO) prior to destination shipment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Regional Operations Directors, plant engineering, and manufacturing teams across global regions to align priorities and installation readiness.
• Risk Management & Reporting: Communicate project statuses, technical risks, and roadmaps through structured reporting, escalating issues and executing mitigation plans as needed.
• International Travel: Travel internationally approximately 20% of the time to lead factory acceptance testing (FAT), supplier qualifications, and on-site commissioning.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in manufacturing/automation engineering, controls, or capital project management, with a proven track record of managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, and industrial controls to effectively evaluate supplier proposals and machine designs. Proficiency with tools like MS Project, SAP, and CAD/PLM systems (NX, SolidWorks).
• Global Perspective: Excellent cross-cultural communication skills with the ability to collaborate smoothly across international time zones and diverse regional teams.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel internationally (~20%), including trips to Asia/China and global plant locations.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• PMP certification or formal project management training.
• Experience sourcing and qualifying international equipment suppliers (particularly in Asia/China).
• Working knowledge of machine safety compliance frameworks (UL/NFPA 79, CE, UKCA, NOM, INMETRO).

Core Competencies

• Priority Setting: Sequences and balances simultaneous projects, easily identifying critical demands.
• Managing & Measuring Work: Sets clear goals, tracks progress, and keeps multi-project portfolios on time and on budget.
• Global/Cross-Cultural Perspective: Thrives working across diverse international cultures and regions.
• Building Effective Teams: Fosters collaboration and aligns stakeholders across functions without formal authority.
• Technical Learning: Grasps technical concepts quickly, maintaining strong fluency in modern automation and equipment technology.

A few quick facts about Southco that set it apart from other companies.

• Health Insurance benefits (for all jobs) start on day one **
• 84% retention rate of Employees
• Stable & growing Family and Employee owned Company
• Stellar Benefits—Bonus, Employee Stock, 401k matching, Great Health insurance, PTO plus other Health & Wellness programs,
• Southco employees participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving them an ownership stake in the company as part of their retirement benefits
• 1000+ patents in 150 categories

Why lead with this benefit? Because it says something about how we operate. xhyhwjd While many companies make new hires wait 30, 60, or even 90 days for health coverage, Southco's starts on day one — a reflection of how much we value our people, and how confident we are that they'll want to stay.