Automation Project Manager (ETO) – Design to Commissioning Lead

Clinton Machine, Inc.; Ovid Township (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401k Pension Plan

Company paid Life Insurance

Continuing Education Credit

Paid Holidays

Vacation Plan

Job summary

A leading automation solutions provider in Michigan seeks an experienced Project Manager to oversee Engineer-to-Order projects. This role involves managing the entire project life cycle, acting as the key customer liaison, and ensuring project budgets and timelines are met. Candidates should hold a B.S. in Engineering and have over 5 years of experience in project management within industrial automation. The position offers competitive compensation and benefits including insurance and retirement plans, with travel requirements of up to 40%.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Project Management experience in heavy industrial automation or capital equipment.
• Proficiency in MS Project or equivalent PM software.
• Ability to read and interpret complex technical contracts and legal terms.

Responsibilities

• Act as the key customer liaison for the company.
• Maintain records of all project documentation.
• Facilitate internal Kick-off meetings to align the teams.
• Oversee the fabrication, assembly & systems control process.
• Rigorously manage project costs and maintain margins.
• Lead customers through the Factory Acceptance Test and manage on-site Site Acceptance.

Skills

Project Management

Customer Liaison

Budget Management

Risk Mitigation

Education

B.S. in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred)

Tools

MS Project

SAP

SolidWorks

Job description

The Opportunity:

Clinton Machine is a global leader in providing innovative automation solutions for the metal processing industries. We are looking for a Project Manager to lead the execution of million dollar "Engineer-to-Order" projects-from initial design, through manufacturing build, to on-site commissioning and final acceptance at customers.

Who is Clinton Machine. Inc.; an Inductotherm Group company.

Clinton Machine Inc. is a High-Technology manufacturer with over 60 years of machine building expertise in the areas of Automated Work Centers, Robotics & Material Handling Systems. Our company works’ closely with customers serving the Automotive, Induction Heating, Bar & Tube and Forging Industries. We offer an exciting, and diversified product mix that provides engineering challenges and creative solutions as a dynamic team of people. Due to the recent growth of our company; we are seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the “Project Manager - Customer Liaison” position listed below.

PROJECT MANAGER /CUSTOMER LIAISON - JOB DESCRIPTION:

What You Will Do: As a Project Manager, you are the "CEO of projects". You will be responsible for managing the entire life cycle of manufacturing Automated Equipment Solutions & Material Handling systems.

• Customer Liaison: You will act as the key customer liaison for the company and provide weekly status reports, updated Gantt charts, and photo/video progress updates to keep the customer informed. You will also be responsible for negotiating difficult conversations regarding changes, lead times, technical constraints, or site delays with full transparency and with a solution-oriented mindset.
• Document Control: Maintain records of all project documentation (ie. conversations, emails, Teams Meetings, Customer approvals, Engineering design changes, etc.)
• Project Launch Coordinator: Facilitate internal "Kick-off" meetings to align Mechanical, Electrical, and Software engineering teams with the customer’s required Specifications & Equipment Design criteria.
• Manage the Build: Oversee the fabrication, assembly & systems control process on our shop floor, working closely with purchasing ensuring materials & long-lead items (PLCs, gearboxes, robotics) arrive on schedule.
• Guard the Budget: Rigorously manage project costs to maintain margins, address changes orders, or additions impacting project cost/delivery due to Scope-Creep.
• Drive Acceptance: Lead customers through the (FAT) Factory Acceptance test on our floor and manage the on-site (SAT) Site Acceptance during final installation and commissioning.
• Mitigate Risk: Identify potential problems or bottlenecks in the supply chain or technical design issues before they drive costs or impact the critical schedules.

Technical Skills:

• Software: Proficiency in MS Project or equivalent PM software; familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, JobBoss, etc.) and CAD viewers (SolidWorks/AutoCAD).
• Domain Knowledge: Understanding of PLC logic (Allen Bradley/Siemens), robotics (FANUC/ABB), and safety standards (OSHA/RIA).
• Contractual Acumen: Ability to read and interpret complex technical contracts and legal terms.

What We’re Looking For:

• Education: B.S. in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred) or a technical field with equivalent experience.
• Experience: 5+ years of Project Management experience in heavy industrial automation or capital equipment.
• Technical Literacy: You can "speak the language" of Mechanical Designers and PLC programmers. You should be knowledgeable in reading CAD layouts and electrical schematics.

Relationship Builder: Capability to develop strong working relationships with customers, and the ability to collaborate & unify with your peers to accomplish successful projects.

Travel: Ability to travel up to 30-40% of time to customer sites for project line-ups, customer reviews, and final commissioning and project acceptance.

WAGES & BENEFITS: Compensation commensurate with candidate’s skill level & experience.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance available.
• 401k Pension Plan.
• Company paid Life Insurance.
• $2500/Year Continuing Education Credit.
• (10) Paid Holidays.
• Vacation Plan Commensurate with years worked.

How to Apply:

Interested Candidates please submit your resume and a brief Project Portfolio (or list of major equipment projects managed) to: [e-mail]