Project Manager, Controls and Automation

BW Design Group; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

BW Design Group is seeking an experienced Project Manager in Columbia, Maryland, to deliver automation solutions and manage projects for various industrial clients. You will play a vital role in overseeing project execution and leading the controls & automation business.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical control systems, automation programming, and at least 5 years of relevant experience. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and have a passion for engineering, we want to hear from you.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of experience delivering automation solutions for the consumer products or industrial design industries.
• Experience designing electrical control systems and programming automation systems for process applications.
• Proficiency in Rockwell hardware and software solutions.

Responsibilities

• Manage project tasks including hardware and panel design.
• Oversee project execution, proposal preparation, and scheduling.
• Lead and grow the controls & automation business locally.

Skills

Automation solutions for consumer products

Electrical control systems design

Programming automation systems

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell hardware/software

Siemens software/hardware

Wonderware software

GE software/hardware

Job description

Who You’ll Work With

You will join one of our 45 offices in the United States, be part of a committed team of more than 1,500 professionals, and work directly with our clients on projects that shape the world around us. You’ll be welcomed into a rapidly growing business, empowered to make an impact, and valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world‑class professional consultant. We are a collaborative environment where leaders are committed to creating an ecosystem that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment.

When you join Design Group as a Project Manager, you become part of an industry leader that ranks #7 among System Integrator Giants in 2023, the highest designation for a Rockwell Platinum Integrator, and an Ignition Enterprise Premier Integrator. You will learn from industry experts and may even participate in events like the Ignition Build‑A‑Thon that Design Group won in 2023.

What You’ll Do

You will work individually and in teams to support capital projects and implement solutions for our clients, helping them make critical changes to improve performance and achieve their most important goals.

• Manage project tasks, including hardware and panel design, PLC and HMI programming, SCADA design, power distribution design, and all associated documentation.
• Oversee project execution, including proposal preparation, estimating, scheduling, resource management, staffing, contract negotiation, order processing, quality control, customer satisfaction, and project set‑up.
• Ensure the proper use of company facilities (plant and equipment).
• Lead, develop, and grow the controls & automation business in the local office and region while cultivating and maintaining relationships with key client contacts.
• Mentor and guide professionals; provide feedback, evaluation, training, and career development guidance.
• Participate on councils responsible for overseeing and adopting firm‑wide standards.
• Handle strategic business planning and development of annual vision plans for the controls & automation group.
• Work with the recruiting team to identify and hire professionals for the controls & automation group.
• Provide quarterly reporting to office and regional partners.
• Coordinate with the finance department to ensure proper reporting of the controls & automation group activities.
• Convey a positive image of Barry‑Wehmiller Design Group and support the development of a strong culture consistent with our Guiding Principles of Leadership.

What You’ll Bring

• A minimum of 5 years of experience delivering automation solutions for the consumer products or industrial design industries.
• Experience designing electrical control systems and programming automation systems for process applications.
• Proficiency in Rockwell hardware and software solutions.
• Experience with Siemens, Wonderware, and GE software/hardware (preferred).
• Experience in food & beverage, pulp & paper, or other industrial industries (preferred).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with all levels of management, clients, and vendors.
• A willingness to travel for project requirements, including installation and start‑up activities, client and company‑sponsored meetings, trainings, industry seminars, forums, and conventions.
• A bachelor of science in electrical engineering is preferred, but other engineering degrees will be considered based on relevant experience.

Our culture and commitment to our people sets us apart. We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the collective success of our professionals. As a Project Manager, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career supported by professional development resources, mentorship, an Individual Development Plan, and a First Year Experience program.

Feel like you’re on the path to becoming a Project Manager but you’re not quite there yet? We’d love to connect with you to see if we can take you from where you are today and grow you into a Design Group Engineering Consultant.