Automation Project Manager

Knobelsdorff Enterprises; Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 128,400 - 144,450; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Education reimbursement

Competitive weekly pay

Job summary

Knobelsdorff Enterprises seeks an experienced Automation Project Leader to manage PLC, HMI, and SCADA projects from kickoff to handover. You will coordinate engineering resources, procurement, and subcontractors while maintaining strong customer relationships and delivering on-time, on-budget results.

The role requires 5–7+ years in automation project management, a relevant degree, and the ability to travel up to 20%.

Qualifications

• 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).
• 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 ISA, NFPA, and UL508A standards.
• PMP certification is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Automation project management

PLC, HMI, SCADA

Communication with customers

Travel up to 20%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field

Job description

Job Description

Job Purpose

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.

What You’ll Do

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

Qualifications:

Qualifications

What You Bring

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%

Additional Information

Pay Range

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

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

Total Rewards Statement

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

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

• 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

Accessibility:

If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

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.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.

Compensation:

$128,400-$128,400 per year