Overview
Project Leader - Tysons, Virginia
Company Overview
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. As a leader and premier provider of cyber-physical systems, we spearhead the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of solutions essential to the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and expansive global enterprises. Our team, comprising over 5,500 dedicated professionals worldwide, is the driving force behind our ability to engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems, alongside the critical management platforms that ensure their long-term sustainability. Join us in molding the integrated systems and technologies that delineate the built and cyber-physical landscape.
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 solutions.
- 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: 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.
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 high-quality solutions.
- 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 - 7 years of experience.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering with 7 - 9 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 to manipulate objects with fingers, such as using a keyboard.
- Listen to and understand spoken information.
- Communicate information and ideas clearly.
- Read and understand written information.
- Apply rules to specific problems to produce sensible answers.
- Identify and understand speech of others.
- Attend in-person meetings with customers outside of the office.
- Possess driver's license and vehicle for transportation to customer sites. This may involve ongoing or intermittent use of a company vehicle; candidates must have an acceptable driving record.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits 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. We are at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, working on projects across critical infrastructure and smart city technologies. Our work contributes to a more connected, sustainable, and resilient world. Be part of a team shaping the future—apply now and make a difference with us.