Automation Lead / Project Manager

Piper Companies; Concord (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Piper Companies seeks an Automation Lead / Project Manager for a major manufacturing and packaging initiative in Concord, NC. You will act as the primary liaison between automation vendors and site stakeholders, driving simulator activities and delivering on project timelines for a 6-8 month engagement beginning January 2027.

The role demands 7+ years in automation project leadership, strong vendor coordination, and deep knowledge of process automation and clean utilities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience leading automation projects in manufacturing/packaging environments.
• Experience managing automation vendors and third-party engineering firms.
• Strong understanding of process automation, clean utilities, and manufacturing equipment systems.
• Experience coordinating simulator testing, commissioning, qualification, or startup activities.
• Proven project management experience with schedules, resources and deliverables.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Process Controls, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate simulator activities to support project execution and system readiness.
• Oversee automation firms responsible for clean utilities, process equipment, and related automation scopes.
• Partner with site teams to review, approve, and complete project documentation.
• Serve as the primary interface between automation vendors and the project team.
• Manage project schedules, resource planning, action item tracking, and overall automation execution.
• Facilitate communication among engineering, operations, quality, and automation stakeholders.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines.
• Ensure automation activities align with project objectives and site standards.

Skills

Automation leadership

Project management

Vendor management

Simulator testing

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Piper Companies is seeking an Automation Lead / Project Manager to support a major manufacturing and packaging project in Concord, NC. The Automation Lead / Project Manager will serve as the primary liaison between automation vendors and site stakeholders, ensuring successful execution of automation deliverables, simulator activities, and project timelines throughout a critical facility initiative. ** 6-8 month project anticipated to begin in January 2027 **

Responsibilities of the Automation Lead / Project Manager:

• Lead and coordinate simulator activities to support project execution and system readiness.
• Oversee automation firms responsible for clean utilities, process equipment, and related automation scopes.
• Partner closely with site teams to drive timely review, approval, and completion of project documentation.
• Serve as the primary interface between automation vendors and the broader project team.
• Manage project schedules, resource planning, action item tracking, and overall automation execution.
• Facilitate communication among engineering, operations, quality, and automation stakeholders.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines.
• Ensure automation activities align with project objectives, technical requirements, and site standards.

Qualifications of the Automation Lead / Project Manager:

• 7+ years of experience leading automation projects within manufacturing, packaging, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or related industrial environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing automation vendors and third-party engineering firms.
• Strong understanding of process automation, clean utilities, and manufacturing equipment systems.
• Experience coordinating simulator testing, commissioning, qualification, or startup activities.
• Proven project management experience with responsibility for schedules, resources, and deliverables.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Experience supporting document review cycles and approval processes in regulated or technical environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation, Process Controls, or a related field preferred.

Compensation for the Automation Lead / Project Manager includes:

• Salary range: $100,000 - $160,000 depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and PTO
• Onsite work in Concord, NC

This job opens for applications on 11/11/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.