Technical Lead, Machine Safety

PPC Partners Inc.; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PPC Partners Inc. in Wisconsin seeks a decisive leader to drive automation and machine safety projects from discovery to deployment. You will translate client needs into scope for mechanical, electrical, and software integration, lead cross-functional teams, and mentor engineers.

Travel to customer sites will be required. A bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field and 5+ years in automation or project engineering are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in automation, machine safety, technical sales, or project engineering.
• Strong knowledge of control systems and industrial processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Travel required to customer sites and conferences as needed.

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.

Skills

Automation

Machine Safety

Technical Sales

Project Engineering

Electrical Systems

Control Systems

Education

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

Tools

ERP systems

Project estimation tools

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.

Project Scoping & Estimating

• 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.