Project Manager- Automation

Knobelsdorff (KE); Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 128,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid health and dental

401(k) with company match

PTO and six paid holidays

Education reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Knobelsdorff (KE) in Minnesota seeks an experienced Automation Project Manager to lead full lifecycle automation projects, including PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, while ensuring on-time delivery and budget adherence. The role requires strong customer communication and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and field teams.

The ideal candidate has 5–7+ years of project management experience in automation, a relevant engineering degree, and the ability to travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of experience managing automation projects involving PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Familiarity with ISA, NFPA, and UL508A; PMP certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of automation projects from kickoff through execution, testing, and handover.
• Serve as the technical-facing project leader for customer engineers and plant personnel.
• Coordinate resources, procurement, and subcontractors to meet project goals.
• Maintain strong customer relationships and manage budgets and change orders.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Organizational skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Industrial Automation

Tools

PLC

HMI/SCADA

Panel design

Job description

Working at Knobelsdorff (KE)Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core value. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff (KE) means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, KE is the place for you.Job PurposeThis 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 DoYou’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 handoverServe as the technical‑facing project leader for customer engineers, plant personnel, and decision‑makersTranslate customer requirements and control narratives into actionable scopes and detailed project plansCoordinate engineering resources, procurement, and subcontractors to meet project goalsConduct internal and customer‑facing project reviews to track progress, manage risk, and resolve issuesSupport design reviews, panel builds, software development timelines, and commissioning activitiesMaintain strong customer relationships and act as a trusted advisor throughout the projectCollaborate with sales and engineering during pre‑project planning and post‑project lessons learnedLead status meetings, track milestones, manage budgets and financials, and process change ordersEnsure all projects meet quality standards, safety protocols, and customer expectationsSupport onsite commissioning activities as needed, including travel to customer facilitiesWhat You BringYou’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 systemsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field (or equivalent experience)Strong understanding of industrial control system architecture, panel design, and field instrumentationAbility to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholdersStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneouslyFamiliarity with industry standards such as ISA, NFPA, and UL508APMP certification is a plusAbility to travel up to 20%Pay RangeWe believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.Pay Range: $128,400 - $144,450, plus incentive opportunities, or additional compensation.Total Rewards StatementAs 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 employeesHSA contributions to support your medical expensesCompany‑paid life insurance and disability coverage401(k) with competitive company matchPerformance‑based incentivesPaid weekly with competitive wagesPTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursementExclusive employee discounts through Working AdvantageWe believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.Physical RequirementsThe physical demands described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.Ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, and walk for extended periodsAbility to lift and carry up to 20 poundsSufficient vision and hearing to review detailed drawings, communicate effectively, and observe safety hazardsRegular use of computer, phone, and standard office equipmentAbility to travel to job sites and customer locations as requiredAccessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources at [e-mail] 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 E-VerifyKE 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.