Technical Lead, Machine Safety

PPC Partners, Inc.; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PPC Partners is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead client engagements, define technical strategy, and drive machine safety projects. You will partner with cross‑functional teams to translate requirements into safe, scalable automation solutions.

Travel to customer sites and conferences is required. A Bachelor's degree in engineering and 5+ years in automation, machine safety, or related fields are expected, along with strong communication and mentoring skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in automation, machine safety, technical sales, or project engineering.
• Strong knowledge of control systems, automation hardware/software, and industrial processes.
• Proven ability to scope complex technical projects and communicate with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Travel required to customer sites and conferences as needed.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and develop automation and safety programs through customer engagement, networking, and proactive outreach.
• Lead customer discovery meetings and site visits to assess feasibility, collect requirements, and serve as the technical SME to establish trust.
• Create conceptual Machine Safety Automation solutions and program architectures with support of the machine safety team and branch.
• Develop and deliver compelling technical proposals, program roadmaps, and presentations tailored to client needs, ensuring alignment with customer decision‑making and project timelines.
• Empower the Machine Safety Engineer team in developing and maintaining ongoing relationships with clients throughout the full equipment lifecycle to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
• Translate customer needs into high‑level solutions including mechanical, electrical, and software/system integration scopes.
• Collaborate with engineering and cross‑functional teams to define scope, timelines, and budgets using Agile methodologies.
• Collaborate with Business Development on pricing strategy, margin analysis, quoting, and contract negotiation for complex programs.
• Oversee comprehensive risk assessments, design of safety systems, and alignment of solutions with internal capabilities and customer expectations.
• Guide and mentor Engineers in scope development, technical strategy, and technical customer interactions.
• Ensure a seamless handoff to the execution team, leading cross‑functional integration, participating in kickoff meetings, and providing early‑phase technical oversight as the primary SME.
• Monitor program outcomes, manage resources and approval workflows, and contribute to continuous improvement through Agile retrospectives and lessons‑learned processes.
• Support career development of Machine Safety Engineers through coaching, mentoring, and skill‑building.
• Contribute to the refinement of sales engineering processes and tools.
• Act as a key liaison between the sales, project management, engineering, and execution teams.
• Uphold safety as the most important goal of our company.

Skills

Automation expertise

Machine safety

Technical sales

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

ERP systems

CRM systems

Estimating tools

Job description

Pieper Automation serves as a turnkey automation controls partner to companies that are in need of innovative solutions, strategies & support and is a full solution & services provider for industrial design and integration of machines and systems, including process development and improvement, new equipment design and machine enhancement to help our customers compete successfully in today's highly competitive global environment.

We are a leader in providing complete Industrial automation solutions to manufacturers throughout North America. This includes small, mid-size and Fortune 100 companies in virtually every industry. We pride ourselves in our unique ability to provide control, mechanical and process engineering, along with custom assembly machine manufacturing and panel building, allowing us to deliver your solution seamlessly -- from one supplier. This allows us to deliver the best value to your company through efficiencies in both cost and time management. With thousands of successfully completed projects in our portfolio, we provide an unprecedented breadth of expertise, service, and experience to meet all your needs.

Job Description

At PPC Partners we believe in the Power to Serve along with the Pursuit of Excellence. As such the following values guide our behaviors: A Servant’s Heart – Focus on the Needs of Others, Wisdom – Insightful, Integrity – Honesty and Trustworthy, Courage – Decisive and Confident in Others, Humility – Modest and Respectful, Passion – Unfailing Dedication, Hunger – Driven to Succeed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Client Engagement & Technical Strategy

Identify, qualify, and develop automation and safety programs through customer engagement, networking, and proactive outreach.

Lead customer discovery meetings and site visits to assess feasibility, collect requirements, and serve as the technical SME to establish trust.

Create conceptual Machine Safety Automation solutions and program architectures with support of the machine safety team and branch.

Develop and deliver compelling technical proposals, program roadmaps, and presentations tailored to client needs, ensuring alignment with customer decision‑making and project timelines.

Empower the Machine Safety Engineer team in developing and maintaining ongoing relationships with clients throughout the full equipment lifecycle (from vendor acceptance to decommissioning) to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.

Translate customer needs into high‑level solutions including mechanical, electrical, and software/system integration scopes.

Collaborate with engineering and cross‑functional teams to define scope, timelines, and budgets using Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) where applicable.

Collaborate with Business Development on pricing strategy, margin analysis, quoting, and contract negotiation for complex programs.

Oversee comprehensive risk assessments, design of safety systems (e.g., E‑Stops, light curtains, safety PLCs), and alignment of solutions with internal capabilities and customer expectations.

Technical Leadership & Cross‑Functional Integration

Guide and mentor Engineers in scope development, technical strategy, and technical customer interactions.

Ensure a seamless handoff to the execution team, leading cross‑functional integration, participating in kickoff meetings, and providing early‑phase technical oversight as the primary SME.

Monitor program outcomes, manage resources and approval workflows, and contribute to continuous improvement through Agile retrospectives and lessons‑learned processes.

Team & Process Development

Support career development of Machine Safety Engineers through coaching, mentoring, and skill‑building.

Contribute to the refinement of sales engineering processes and tools.

Act as a key liaison between the sales, project management, engineering, and execution teams.

Uphold safety as the most important goal of our company. Support goal of achieving zero accidents

Promote and encourage open communication between field and office regarding all safety concerns, suggestions, improvements, and PPE needed

Obtain safety training as expected by all company personnel

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field required.

5+ years of experience in automation, machine safety, technical sales, or project engineering.

Strong technical knowledge in control systems, automation hardware/software, and industrial processes.

Proven ability to scope complex technical projects and communicate clearly with customers and internal stakeholders.

Previous experience mentoring or managing technical teams preferred.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Familiarity with ERP systems and project estimation tools.

Travel required to customer sites and conferences as needed.

This position requires a decisive leader able to lead a group to work independently and collaboratively with a passion for hands‑on work and a strong drive for project management work, and mentorship of less experienced engineers. Must have a desire to work in a team‑based environment and contribute immediately.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

Deep understanding of automation technologies, machine safety, control systems, and industrial processes.

Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, electrical schematics, and system layouts.

Strong business acumen with the ability to balance technical and financial perspectives.

Skilled in estimating tools, CRM/ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to foster collaboration across departments and drive consensus in cross‑functional teams.

Exceptional organizational and time management skills with a commitment to delivering quality work on time.

Effective communicator, capable of translating complex technical concepts into customer‑friendly language.

Self‑motivated and resourceful with a continuous improvement mindset.

Physical Requirements

Office environment requiring sitting and standing.

Travel to various construction sites is essential, exposing employee to outdoor elements, noise and the need to stand and walk.

Reliable transportation required.

Pieper Automation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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PPC Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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