Technical Project Manager - Automation Systems

Job Description

Job Description

We are RED Group. And We're Thinking Ahead.

RED Group is an Industrial Control Systems (ICS) technology development and integration firm specializing in Process Automation, IT/OT Consulting, and Industrial Cybersecurity. We stand out in experience and expertise. We are committed to an employee-centric culture of success where we put our people first and give our staff the opportunities and push that they need to succeed and improve. As a result, they give their utmost to help our clients and get better at what they do each day.

Our mission is to add value to our clients' organizations by selecting and deploying the proper resources and technology to ensure their goals are realized. Our team of Engineers, Consultants, Programmers, and Technicians provide the valuable expertise necessary for efficient and secure ICS/OT environments.

About the Role

RED Group is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Technical Project Manager – Automation Systems to support the successful execution of automation and controls infrastructure for a major hyperscale data center development in Abilene, Texas. This role will be a critical contributor in delivering automation systems that support mission-critical operations, commissioning, and long-term facility reliability across one of our clients flagship developments.

The Technical Project Manager will lead coordination between Automation Systems, Instrumentation, low voltage systems, Design Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Operations, and external integration partners to ensure seamless delivery of controls and monitoring systems throughout the project lifecycle.

This individual will serve as the primary automation engineering interface for regional construction activities and will provide leadership in automation design execution, controls integration, commissioning support, and operational readiness.

The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise in mission-critical controls environments, large infrastructure projects, BMS/EPMS integration, and construction-phase project management.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Project Leadership

• Lead automation and controls execution activities for large-scale data center projects from design through commissioning and turnover.
• Support pre-construction planning, technical coordination, and execution strategies to ensure quality engineering and project deliverables.
• Manage automation project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and stakeholder communications across regional deployments.
• Facilitate cross-functional alignment between:
  • Automation Systems
  • Design Engineering
  • Construction
  • Commissioning
  • Operations
  • Controls Integrators
  • OEM Vendors
  • General Contractor
  • Owner
• Drive issue resolution and escalation management throughout the project lifecycle.

Controls & Systems Integration

• Serve as the primary automation engineering resource interfacing with construction and commissioning teams.
• Oversee implementation and integration of:
  • Building Management Systems (BMS)
  • Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS)
  • SCADA platforms
  • HVAC controls
  • Chiller plant automation
  • Generator and switchgear monitoring
  • Environmental monitoring systems
  • PLC-based controls systems
• Coordinate controls architecture and network integration across mechanical, electrical, and operational technology systems.
• Review and validate:
  • Controls sequences of operation
  • I/O schedules
  • Points lists
  • Functional testing procedures
  • Network topology diagrams
  • Controls submittals and shop drawings
• Ensure controls systems comply with our clients operational standards, reliability requirements, and commissioning objectives.

Engineering & Design Coordination

• Lead automation project design activities in collaboration with:
  • Engineer of Record (EOR)
  • Design Engineering teams
  • Controls Systems Integrators
  • Construction partners
• Manage automation deliverable packages and ensure adherence to project milestones.
• Support development of project requirements based on operational standards, customer needs, and market demands.
• Coordinate factory acceptance testing (FAT), software validation, and controls startup activities.
• Provide technical leadership regarding automation issue mitigation during design, construction, and commissioning phases.

Construction & Commissioning Support

• Partner with construction and commissioning teams to support Level 1–5 commissioning activities.
• Manage and support commissioning scripts, startup procedures, and integrated systems testing.
• Manage the validation alarms, graphics, trending, redundancy logic, and failover sequences.
• Ensure all automation systems meet uptime, resiliency, and operational readiness requirements.
• Track and drive punch-list resolution and turnover documentation completion.
• Support operator training and transition to facility operations teams.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships and coordination activities with automation vendors, contractors, and systems integrators.
• Monitor vendor performance, procurement schedules, and technical deliverables.
• Participate in technical reviews, design workshops, and project status meetings.
• Provide executive-level reporting regarding automation project health, schedule risks, and mitigation plans.
• Foster strong collaboration across regional and global RED Group teams.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead and manage the automation design and engineering initiatives aligned with RED Group's business strategy and deployment objectives.
• Assist in defining automation project scope, objectives, and execution strategies while ensuring technical feasibility.
• Manage multiple concurrent automation projects and stakeholders across regional deployments.
• Drive automation activities throughout design, engineering, construction, commissioning, and operational turnover phases.
• Coordinate technical responsibilities with the Engineer of Record and Design & Controls Systems Integrators.
• Maintain quality assurance and adherence to RED Group engineering and operational standards.
• Provide leadership and insight regarding system integration, commissioning execution, and operational risk mitigation.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Controls Engineering; Industrial Engineering; Construction Management or equivalent industry experience
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience managing automation, controls, or mission-critical infrastructure projects is required.
• Experience supporting hyperscale or enterprise data center developments preferred.
• Strong background in:
  • BMS/EPMS/PLC/SCADA systems
  • Industrial automation
  • HVAC controls
  • Commissioning and startup
  • Construction coordination
  • Technical Project Management
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams in complex construction environments.
• Experience working within hyperscale data center environments preferred.
• Familiarity with Rockwell Automation PLCs and Ignition SCADA Systems
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including BACnet; Modbus; OPC; SNMP and Ethernet/IP; MQTT
• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.
• OSHA certification preferred.
• Experience with integrated systems testing and mission-critical commissioning.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Ability to partner with clients, vendors, and other team members to deliver projects
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, verbal and written communication skills .
• Foster a collaborative and engaging environment by upholding and embodying our Core Values:
  • Be Dependable
  • Cultivate Relationships
  • Strive for Excellence
• Foster and promote a strong safety culture and follow company safety protocols.

Key Competencies

• Technical leadership
• Automation systems integration management
• Construction coordination
• Project execution and scheduling
• Risk mitigation and issue resolution
• Stakeholder communication
• Vendor management
• Commissioning leadership
• Operational readiness planning

Work Environment

• Primarily onsite in Abilene, Texas supporting active construction operations.
• Ability to work within mission-critical and fast-paced construction environments.
• Periodic travel to vendor sites, FAT locations, and regional offices may be required.
• Ability to walk construction sites, climb ladders, and access equipment areas as needed.

Why RED Group?

Culture. Growth. Opportunity.

At RED Group, we believe that a thriving workplace starts with a strong, employee-centric culture. Our focus on our people ensures they have the resources, support and opportunities needed to excel. Our commitment to success drives outstanding results in our client engagements, with our team always striving for excellence.

If you join RED Group, you'll enjoy:

• A collaborative team environment that values your contribution.
• Competitive benefits
• The stability of a well-established company poised for exciting growth.
• A fun and rewarding career that challenges you while offering opportunities for you to grow and excel.

If you're a self-starter looking for a fulfilling career filled with unique growth opportunities where you can challenge yourself, RED Group is the place for you.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Agency Submissions:

RED Group does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting or staffing agencies. Agencies must have a current, signed agreement in place prior to submitting any candidate - resumes submitted without one will be considered the property of RED Group and no fees will be paid. Please do not forward resumes directly to employees or hiring managers.