Project Leader

M.c.-Dean,-Inc.; Tysons (VA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Relocation assistance

401K Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

M.C. Dean is seeking a Project Leader for the Automation Systems Division to oversee and drive successful automation projects. You will lead project planning, execution, risk management, and team leadership across electrical, mechanical, and software domains.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in project management, knowledge of automation systems, and excellent leadership capabilities. This role requires travel and a commitment to delivering high‑quality, compliant solutions.

Qualifications

• Exposure to automation projects and leadership requirements.
• Strong knowledge of automation systems and design principles.
• Willingness to grow in project leadership roles.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills for cross‑functional teams.
• Primavera P6 CPM scheduling experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain government security clearances.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional project teams.
• Financial literacy and project financial reporting knowledge.
• Data-driven decision making and problem solving.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• PM certifications such as PMP or CAP are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation systems projects from initiation to completion within scope, budget and timeline.
• Define requirements, objectives and deliverables with clients and stakeholders.
• Develop detailed project plans, WBS and schedules to guide execution.
• Monitor progress, manage risks and changes, resolve issues.
• Lead engineers, technicians and staff through project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integrated solutions.
• Maintain strong client relationships and provide status updates.
• Ensure quality and regulatory compliance throughout projects.
• Manage budgets and resources; coordinate procurement and subcontractors.
• Travel ~25% for on-site client visits.

Skills

Automation knowledge

Team leadership

Communication skills

Primavera P6 scheduling

Project management

Security clearance (government)

PMP/CAP certification

Education

Mastering engineering degree

Bachelor’s engineering degree

Tools

Primavera P6

Job description

Overview

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most mission‑critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

About M.C. Dean

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation’s most mission‑critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.

Why Join Us?

Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values, agility, expertise, and trust, we foster a collaborative and forward‑thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.

Job Overview

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Project Leader to join our Automation Systems Division. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing the successful execution of projects for our clients. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, a deep understanding of automation systems, and excellent leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Project Planning and Execution:
  • Lead and manage automation systems projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to project scope, budget, and timeline.
  • Collaborate with clients, engineering teams, and stakeholders to define project requirements, objectives, and deliverables.
  • Develop detailed project plans, work breakdown structures, and schedules to guide project execution.
  • Monitor project progress, identify and resolve issues, and proactively manage project risks and changes.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration:
  • Lead a team of engineers, technicians, and support staff providing guidance, support, and direction throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture, encouraging knowledge sharing and professional development.
  • Assign tasks, set clear expectations, and manage team performance to ensure project objectives are met.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including electrical, mechanical, and software engineers, to deliver integrated automation systems solution.
• Client Relationship Management:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and ensuring their satisfaction throughout the project.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, addressing their concerns, providing updates, and managing expectations effectively.
  • Regularly communicate project status, progress, and milestones to clients and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance:
  • Ensure that automation systems projects meet the highest quality standards and comply with relevant industry codes and regulations.
  • Conduct regular inspections and audits to verify compliance with design specifications, safety standards, and project requirements.
  • Implement and enforce quality control processes and procedures, driving continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Budget and Resource Management:
  • Develop and manage project budgets, tracking project expenses and resources to ensure optimal utilization and cost-effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to source and manage project materials, equipment, and subcontractors.
  • Monitor project financials, forecast expenditures, and proactively identify opportunities to improve project profitability.
• Travel Requirements:
  • The candidate should be open to travel, as approximately 25% of the time, projects may require on‑site visits and client meetings.
• Automation Systems Expertise:
  • Possess working technical knowledge of automation systems, including switchgear, power distribution, metering, motor control centers, and related technologies.
  • Apply industry best practices and standards in the design, implementation, and integration of automation systems.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to the project team, resolving complex issues and ensuring the successful delivery of projects.
• Project Planning and Execution:
  • Lead and manage automation systems projects from initiation to completion, ensuring adherence to project scope, budget, and timeline.
  • Collaborate with clients, engineering teams, and stakeholders to define project requirements, objectives, and deliverables.
  • Develop detailed project plans, work breakdown structures, and schedules to guide project execution.
  • Monitor project progress, identify and resolve issues, and proactively manage project risks and changes.

Qualifications

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
• Working knowledge of automation systems, including switchgear, power distribution, metering, motor control centers, and related technologies.
• Willingness to learn and grow in a project leadership role.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve project goals.
• Primavera P6 CPM Scheduling Experience and proficiency (or equivalent).
• Ability to obtain and maintain required government security clearances as needed.
• Proven experience leading and managing cross‑functional project teams.
• Financial literacy and demonstrated knowledge of project financial reporting.
• Strong analytical problem‑solving and data‑driven decision‑making abilities, with a focus on delivering mindful high‑quality solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Project management certifications such as PMP or CAP are highly desirable.

Education / Experience

• Master's degree in engineering with 5+ years of experience
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering with 7+ years of experience

Abilities

• Exposure to computer screens for an extended period of time.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Reach by extending hands or arms in any direction.
• Have finger dexterity in order to manipulate objects with fingers rather than whole hands or arms, for example, using a keyboard.
• Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Identify and understand the speech of another person.
• Attend regular in‑person meetings with customers outside of assigned office.
• Possess driver’s license and vehicle for transportation to customer sites. This position may require ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle. Selected candidates must possess an acceptable driving record in accordance to our policy

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Relocation assistance.
• 401K Retirement Plan.

What does YOUR future look like?

Join the Automation Systems Business Unit at M.C. Dean, where innovation meets impact. As the cornerstone of Building Intelligence™, we’re not just engineering the future; we’re redefining it. With projects that span critical infrastructure to smart city technologies, our work is at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driving sustainability, efficiency, and digital transformation.

Here, your expertise contributes to a legacy of excellence, engaging with over 700 customers across diverse sectors like power, transportation, and data centers, supported by a culture recognized for safety and innovation. At M.C. Dean, every project is a step towards creating a more connected, sustainable, and resilient world. Our operational groups in Industrial Controls, Energy Management, Power Systems, Building Automation, Transit, and Cybersecurity applications are leading the charge, each playing a crucial role in our mission.

Pay Range

USD $125,120.00 - USD $156,400.00 /Yr.