Electrical Project Manager

ASTEC; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Astec is seeking a Project Manager to lead retrofit controls projects in an asphalt plant automation setting. You will perform field audits, document existing conditions, and coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, and field service teams through installation and commissioning.

The role requires reading electrical drawings, strong organizational skills, and up to 50% travel domestically. An associates degree plus 3+ years is required; a bachelor's degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics, Industrial Automation, or related field, plus minimum 3 years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and control system schematics
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Willingness to travel up to 50% (primarily domestic site visits)
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field is preferred
• Experience with industrial control systems, PLCs, or plant automation

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site field audits to document existing control system conditions including panel locations and wiring
• Create site documentation packages (photos, measurements, equipment lists) to support engineering design
• Serve as primary customer contact from project kickoff through commissioning completion
• Coordinate project schedules between engineering, Controls Center manufacturing, and field service teams
• Monitor project progress and communicate status, risks, and schedule changes to customers and internal stakeholders

Skills

Project management

Field audits

Electrical drawings interpretation

Communication

MS Office

Travel readiness

Education

Associates degree in Electrical Technology/Electronics/Industrial Automation

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

PLC systems

Industrial control systems

Job description

BUILT TO CONNECT

Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.

About The Position

This role is responsible for managing retrofit controls projects from initial site assessment through installation and commissioning for asphalt plant automation systems. The Project Manager conducts field audits to document existing plant conditions, ensures engineering has complete information to design panel replacements, manages customer communication throughout the project, and coordinates with service teams for installation and startup. Most projects involve control panel replacements in existing structures. Several concurrent projects may be concurrently assigned.

LOCATION: This is an onsite position in Chattanooga, TN

NOTE: Qualified applicants must have experience with Electronics, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Must be able to read and understand electrical drawings and schematics.

Key Deliverables

• Conduct on-site field audits to document existing control system conditions including panel locations, space constraints, wiring, and sensor configurations
• Create comprehensive site documentation packages (photos, measurements, equipment lists) to support engineering design
• Serve as single point of contact for customers from project kickoff through commissioning completion
• Coordinate project schedules between engineering, Controls Center manufacturing, and field service teams
• Monitor project progress and proactively communicate status, risks, and schedule changes to customers and internal stakeholders

Key Activities & Responsibilities

Field Assessment (Primary Focus)

• Conduct detailed site surveys of existing control systems and plant configurations
• Document space claims, panel dimensions, and mounting locations
• Catalog existing wiring, conduit routing, and sensor installations
• Identify integration points with existing plant equipment
• Photograph and measure existing conditions for engineering reference
• Assess for MCC and control house requirements when applicable

Project Coordination

• Validate that field documentation is complete before releasing to electrical design team
• Attend work order meetings to ensure project scope is clearly defined
• Track project milestones from engineering release through manufacturing to shipment
• Coordinate delivery timing with customer readiness and service team availability

Customer Communication

• Serve as primary customer contact for assigned retrofit projects
• Provide proactive status updates on project progress
• Manage customer expectations on delivery dates and installation schedules
• Resolve customer questions and concerns, escalating technical issues as needed

Installation & Commissioning Coordination

• Schedule field service teams for panel installation and commissioning
• Ensure service teams have complete documentation (drawings, manuals, project notes)
• Monitor installation progress and address issues that arise during startup
• Coordinate final customer acceptance and project closeout

General

• Maintains a correspondence file for each project containing copies of letters, faxes, telephone numbers, conversation notes, e-mails, customer meeting notes, field drawings and sketches, layouts, and any other pertinent communications
• Secures timely involvement of appropriate Regional Sales Manager whenever a change of project scope is needed
• Ensures changes of scope are documented and vetted through a Change Review System (CRS)
• Follows company policies and procedures at all times
• Follows proper safety rules and procedures at all times
• Performs other duties as assigned

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are:

Required

• Associates degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics, Industrial Automation, or related field, plus minimum 3 years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings and control system schematics
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Willingness to travel up to 50% (primarily domestic site visits)

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical field
• Experience with industrial control systems, PLCs, or plant automation
• Background in field service, commissioning, or technical sales support
• Familiarity with asphalt plant or heavy equipment operations
• Experience with site assessments or technical audits

Supervisor and Leadership Expectations

None

Our Culture and Values

• Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of customers
• Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business
• Respect for all individuals
• Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
• Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success

Travel Requirements:

Up to 50% travel, predominately domestic, potentially some international

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop and kneel, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must be able to climb to gain access to various pieces of equipment; this includes working with hand and power tools when necessary. The employee occasionally is required to work at elevated heights using personal protective equipment when required. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. The employee must be able to operate an automobile and travel by airplane. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of injury due to exposure to an office environment, such as computer work. The employee is regularly exposed to work-related travel conditions and hazards, including automobile and airline travel. Travel may occur outside normal working hours. The employee is also frequently exposed to a shop and warehouse environment and asphalt plant environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to inclement weather conditions and will be in the vicinity of moving equipment and operating machinery. The employee will occasionally be in areas and engaged in tasks for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. Note: This job description is intended to be a general guideline of areas of responsibility. There will be incidental tasks not listed on a job description that may arise at various times. As a member of the Astec team, supplemental tasks may be assigned. Each employee is expected to help in these areas to meet temporally critical needs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.