Sr. Project Manager - Industrial Automation

Baker Group; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation firm seeks a Senior Industrial Automation Project Manager to foster client relationships and manage projects from design to owner training. The ideal candidate will have a decade of experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems, along with strong project management skills. Responsibilities include team leadership and continuous client engagement for revenue growth. This role is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field along with a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience with PLCs/HMIs/SCADA systems in relevant industries.
• 5 years of experience in estimating and managing automation projects.
• Valid Driver’s License with a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with clients.
• Lead project teams from design to owner training.
• Assist in project start-up and commissioning.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

PLC/HMI/SCADA systems

Client Relationship Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Science, Construction Management, or Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electric or EPLAN

PLC Software (Allen‑Bradley RSLogix 500, StudioLogix 5000, or Modicon)

HMI Software (Wonderware or FactoryTalk View)

Job description

PURPOSE

The Senior Industrial Automation Project Manager will create and develop relationships supportive of the Baker Group mission statement with employees, internal and external clients. Additionally, this person will provide opportunities to increase business unit revenues by marketing and cross‑selling products and services, manage projects from design to owner training, and maintain the “Client for Life” concept for existing and new clients.

The Senior Industrial Automation Project Manager will also assist the team by providing inspiring day‑to‑day hands‑on leadership to the Business Unit, coach, mentor, and train the next generation of leaders, provide sales support as needed to secure potential sales, and be responsible for execution coordination, project documentation, project financials and client satisfaction.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Possess a deep understanding of automation systems and construction coupled with a well‑rounded background in mechanical and electrical systems and services.
• Offer and implement solutions to clients with support of other engineering and field personnel.
• Design and develop distributed small to large control systems including PLC/HMI/SCADA programs, product selection for BOM based on customer specifications, creating sequence of operations and engineering drawings.
• Potential to do project start‑up, program modification, and commissioning of new PLC/HMI/SCADA control systems.
• Continuously develop relationships with existing clients and pursue opportunities which provide long‑term client relationships and revenue opportunities.
• Utilize internal estimating software and standard product selections to develop solutions for clients and review with team members before client submission.
• Act as account manager or single point of contact with client during project execution.
• Work collaboratively with design engineers, operation engineers, purchasers and other internal staff.
• Partner with other engineers, technicians, and electricians to develop and share technical solutions and standards.
• Actively participate in training to maintain technical expertise on new products, tools and integration through continuing education initiatives.
• Possess a thorough understanding of Baker Group and collaborate with all Baker Group Business Units.
• Educate clients on Baker Group capabilities in automation business, and cross‑sell capabilities for revenue opportunities within other business units.
• Attend scheduling meetings with Operations Manager – assist with scheduling field labor.
• Attend project meetings internal and external – provide communication written and verbal regarding information requests, proposal requests, coordination, submittal reviews, etc.
• Utilize company standard documents for business development, pre‑proposal checklists, turnovers, subcontracts, purchase orders, warranty, etc.
• Manage the project to ensure financial success.
• Coach, mentor, and train Project Managers, Project Engineers, Automation Engineers, and System Engineers in both Automation and other BUs.
• Assist with the development of marketing materials and performance at partner training and education events.
• Assist with and lead Tier III Business Development Pursuits.

Minimum Education & Experience Required To Perform Essential Functions

• Minimum of 10 years of experience with PLCs/HMIs/SCADA systems in one or more of the following areas: Discrete Manufacturing, Process Controls, Oil and Gas, Food and Beverage, Robotics, Chemical/Pharmaceutical, or Automotive.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Science, Construction Management, or Engineering preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in estimating and managing automation projects, as well as building and growing client relationships.
• A contingency for employment will require successfully passing a background investigation.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Driver’s License and must have a good driving record.

Mental And Physical Competencies Required To Perform Essential Functions

• Able to manage teams successfully and profitably.
• Advanced knowledge of Control Systems design and construction, means and methods, estimating, scheduling and cost control.
• Ability to effectively delegate work to others to leverage personal effectiveness.
• Effectively prioritize and balance the “big picture” and immediate responsibilities.
• Ability to listen effectively, value others’ opinions and acknowledge contributions.
• Ability to communicate and work well with others at all levels.
• Ability to train, manage and hold staff accountable to achieve results.
• Ability to recognize, select and hire top talent at appropriate times.
• Ability to manage risk in estimates, schedules, contracts and site conditions.
• Ability to resolve issues promptly for a “win‑win” solution.
• Consistently display natural leadership skills and guide team leaders and direct reports.
• Value and support company mission and culture, and participate in community activities.
• Display honesty, integrity, sound reasoning, good judgment, and lead by example while maintaining strong internal and external relationships at all levels.

Environmental Adaptability

• Normal office conditions or Manufacturing/Construction Environments.

Equipment / Tools

• AutoCAD Electric or EPLAN.
• PLC Software (Allen‑Bradley RSLogix 500, StudioLogix 5000, or Modicon).
• HMI Software (Wonderware or FactoryTalk View).

Baker Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Baker Group will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.