Senior Project Manager – Automation & Controls

Automationtechies; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Automationtechies is seeking a senior-level Project Manager in Minneapolis, MN, to lead complex industrial automation projects. Candidates must possess a strong background in controls engineering, project management, and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include managing project execution and client communication while ensuring profitability. This role offers the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment with travel up to 25%. Competitive salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of project management experience with a strong controls engineering background.
• Experience in industries such as water/wastewater, life sciences, chemicals, or food & beverage.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment with up to 25% travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle project execution, including planning and scheduling.
• Manage project profitability through cost tracking and change orders.
• Oversee procurement, technical project documentation, and subcontractors.
• Develop project execution plans and resource allocations.

Skills

Project Management

Controls Engineering

Leadership

Risk Management

Client Communication

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

PMP preferred

Tools

PLCs

SCADA systems (Rockwell preferred)

Job description

Our client company is a well-established, employee-owned engineering firm with over 40 years of industry experience and a strong reputation as a top systems integrator. They are seeking a senior-level Project Manager with a deep background in controls engineering to lead complex industrial automation projects. You will play a key role in driving projects from concept through execution, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to high standards of quality while maintaining strong client relationships.

You will blend technical expertise with leadership and business acumen to oversee projects ranging from $20K to $5M. The role requires ownership of project planning, financial performance, team coordination, and client communication, along with the ability to identify risks early and drive solutions. You need to bring extensive experience in control systems, strong leadership capabilities, and a track record of successfully managing multidisciplinary engineering teams in industries such as water/wastewater, life sciences, chemicals, or food & beverage.

Key Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Lead full lifecycle project execution, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk management
• Ensure overall project profitability, including cost tracking, cash flow, invoicing, and change orders
• Develop and manage project execution plans, engineering schedules, and resource allocation
• Oversee procurement, subcontractors, and technical project documentation
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, leading meetings and maintaining strong relationships
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams
• Support business development efforts by identifying opportunities and contributing to proposals
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (PMP preferred)
• 10+ years of project management experience with a strong controls engineering background
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA systems (Rockwell preferred), and industrial control panel design
• Background in industries such as water/wastewater (preferred), life sciences, chemicals, or food & beverage
• Comfortable working in a hybrid environment with up to 25% travel

This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to lead complex, technically challenging projects while contributing to the continued growth and success of an established, employee-owned organization.

To comply with some state laws, the annual base salary range for this position has been provided. The range given is broad and should be considered as a guideline only. Our client will consider a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, the salaries of current employees in similar roles, and other factors when extending an offer.