Automation Project Manager

Automation Project Manager

This role supports the Automation division by leading the full lifecycle of industrial automation projects, ensuring technical accuracy, strong customer communication, and successful project delivery. You'll be responsible for managing PLC, HMI, SCADA, and network-based automation projects that directly impact customer operations, project performance, and KE's reputation as a trusted automation partner. Success in this role means delivering projects on time and within budget, maintaining strong customer relationships, and driving clear communication across engineering, field teams, and stakeholders—all while upholding KE's commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you take pride in doing things the right way and thrive in a fast-moving environment, this position is built for you.

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 full lifecycle of automation projects from kickoff through execution, testing, and final handover
• Serve as the technical-facing project leader for customer engineers, plant personnel, and decision-makers
• Translate customer requirements and control narratives into actionable scopes and detailed project plans
• Coordinate engineering resources, procurement, and subcontractors to meet project goals
• Conduct internal and customer-facing project reviews to track progress, manage risk, and resolve issues
• Support design reviews, panel builds, software development timelines, and commissioning activities
• Maintain strong customer relationships and act as a trusted advisor throughout the project
• Collaborate with sales and engineering during pre-project planning and post-project lessons learned
• Lead status meetings, track milestones, manage budgets and financials, and process change orders
• Ensure all projects meet quality standards, safety protocols, and customer expectations
• Support onsite commissioning activities as needed, including travel to customer facilities

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:

• 5–7+ years of experience managing automation projects involving PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Strong understanding of industrial control system architecture, panel design, and field instrumentation
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ISA, NFPA, and UL508A
• PMP certification is a plus
• Ability to travel up to 20%

$128,400 - $144,450, plus incentive opportunities, or additional compensation.

As a full-time employee at KE, 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
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Performance-based incentives
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds
• Sufficient vision and hearing to review detailed drawings, communicate effectively, and observe safety hazards
• Regular use of computer, phone, and standard office equipment
• Ability to travel to job sites and customer locations as required

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.