Project Manager – Controls & Automation

Synstack Technologies; Greenville (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Synstack Technologies in Greenville, SC seeks an Innovation Project Manager for Controls Engineering to lead the roadmap and execution of advanced automation initiatives. You will bridge cutting-edge technology with practical industrial implementation, leading cross-functional teams across sites to modernize control architectures and deliver high-impact projects from concept to enterprise-scale.

The role demands strategic thinking, strong communication, and hands-on leadership in DCS/PLC/SCADA

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Automation, or Systems Engineering.
• 8+ years in Controls Engineering or Industrial Automation, with 3+ years in PM/leadership.
• Deep understanding of DCS/PLC/SCADA and IT/OT interfaces.
• Strong communication to translate tech to business.
• Experience with Agile/Scrum/Lean in engineering contexts.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term innovation roadmap for controls and automation.
• Lead cross-functional teams across multiple sites, manage scope and budget.
• Translate engineering requirements for executives and vendors.
• Drive digital transformation via remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, cloud-based asset management.
• Establish global standards for control system design and cybersecurity.
• Oversee pilot/R&D of new control technologies and proof-of-concept trials.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Communication

Agile/Scrum/Lean

Technology roadmapping

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering / Automation Engineering / Systems Engineering

PMP certification (preferred)

Tools

DCS/PLC/SCADA

IT/OT integration

Job description

The Innovation Project Manager for Controls Engineering is a strategic role responsible for leading the roadmap and execution of advanced automation and controls initiatives. You will bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology (IIoT, Machine Learning, Digital Twins) and practical industrial implementation. You will lead cross-functional teams to modernize our control architectures, drive technical innovation, and deliver high-impact engineering projects from concept to enterprise-wide scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovation Roadmap: Define and execute the long-term technical strategy for the organization’s controls and automation capabilities, prioritizing projects that drive efficiency, safety, and operational excellence.
• Project Leadership: Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of innovation projects, including scoping, budgeting, resource allocation, and timeline management for complex, multi-site implementations.
• Technical Stakeholder Management: Translate complex engineering requirements into strategic objectives for executive leadership while providing technical guidance to project engineers and external vendors.
• Digital Transformation: Lead the integration of advanced digital tools, such as remote monitoring, predictive maintenance algorithms, and cloud-based asset performance management.
• Standardization & Governance: Develop global standards for control system design, documentation, and cybersecurity to ensure consistency and scalability across all projects.
• Pilot & Prototype Management: Oversee the R&D phase of new control technologies, managing "proof of concept" trials and validating performance metrics before full-scale rollouts.
• Change Management: Drive the organizational adoption of new processes and technologies, ensuring that internal teams are trained and equipped to maintain new control architectures.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in Controls Engineering or Industrial Automation, with at least 3+ years in a project management or leadership role.
• Technical Literacy: A deep understanding of modern control systems (DCS/PLC/SCADA) and how they interface with IT/OT infrastructures.
• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to manage large-scale technical projects, including complex stakeholder environments and cross-departmental dependencies.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to synthesize complex technical challenges into clear, actionable business strategies for non-technical leadership.
• Agile Methodology: Experience working with Agile, Scrum, or Lean project management frameworks in an engineering context.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional) or equivalent certification.
• Experience in the energy, power, or heavy industrial sectors.
• Familiarity with Data Science or AI/ML applications in industrial automation.
• Experience managing vendor relationships, contracts, and multi-disciplinary engineering firms.