Automation Project Manager

This role combines hands-on automation engineering with end-to-end project management for commercial and industrial construction projects. You will design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA-based control systems, lead project delivery from concept through commissioning, and provide technical leadership to a small, growing engineering team. The position offers the opportunity to shape automation standards, optimize processes, and contribute directly to the continued growth of an established, expanding organization.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation control systems, including PLC, HMI, and SCADA solutions for commercial and industrial applications.
• Program and troubleshoot automation hardware and software across platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, and equivalent systems.
• Support and contribute to the design of process automation systems, ensuring reliability, safety, and maintainability.
• Collaborate closely with project teams to deliver custom automation solutions on time and within budget.
• Provide technical support, guidance, and mentorship to automation technicians and other technical staff.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive system documentation, including control logic descriptions, electrical schematics, and operation manuals.
• Ensure all automation and electrical work complies with applicable standards and codes such as NFPA, NEC, UL 508A, and OSHA.
• Participate in system commissioning, testing, and field startup, including occasional field service as required.
• Develop bid strategies and proposals that are accurate, complete, and competitive, partnering with project managers across both automation and electrical divisions.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors and subcontractors to support competitive pricing and reliable delivery.
• Provide oversight and technical guidance for UL 508A panel shop activities, including design, build, and installation of control panels.
• Continuously improve automation department processes, procedures, templates, and best practices to increase efficiency and quality.
• Develop and manage detailed project schedules, resource plans, and milestones to ensure on-time project delivery.
• Monitor and manage project financials, including cost tracking, forecasting, and margin performance.
• Coordinate across internal teams, including engineering, field operations, and the panel shop, to ensure alignment and effective execution.
• Apply strong business acumen to evaluate project risks, profitability, and overall feasibility.
• Support construction management and project engineering activities related to automation and electrical scopes.
• Contribute to standards and template creation using tools such as AutoCAD, PLC programming environments, and SCADA platforms like Ignition.
• Leverage knowledge of local labor markets, suppliers, and subcontractors to support project planning and execution.

• Post-secondary education in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in automation engineering, controls design, and programming for commercial and industrial projects.
• Strong proficiency in PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems programming and troubleshooting, including platforms such as Rockwell/Allen-Bradley and Siemens or similar.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell software such as RSLogix and FactoryTalk View, and SCADA platforms such as Ignition.
• Experience with PLC families such as CompactLogix, MicroLogix, SLC, Modicon, or equivalent.
• Solid understanding of industrial networking protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, DeviceNet, and Profibus.
• Strong understanding of relevant codes and standards, including NFPA 70, NEC, and UL 508A.
• Experience with commissioning, field startup, and on-site troubleshooting of automation systems.
• Demonstrated project management experience within the electrical or construction industries.
• Experience managing automation or electrical construction projects from planning through closeout.
• Proficiency with project management tools for scheduling, resource planning, and tracking deliverables.
• Strong understanding of project financials, including budgeting, cost tracking, forecasting, and margin management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Subject matter expert or lead-level experience guiding a team of technical professionals.

• Automation and controls experience specifically within commercial and industrial construction environments.
• Familiarity with industrial and commercial electrical installations and construction sequencing.
• Experience with design-build or design-assist project delivery methods.
• Experience using estimating software and construction software tools, including platforms similar to Bluebeam.
• Experience with ERP systems for project, resource, or financial management.
• Construction management and project engineering experience related to automation and electrical scopes.
• Experience creating and maintaining templates and standards in AutoCAD, PLC programming environments, and SCADA platforms such as Ignition.
• Rockwell Automation digital badges or similar vendor-recognized credentials.
• Knowledge of local labor markets, suppliers, and subcontractors in the electrical and automation space.
• Industry experience in agricultural, industrial, and food and beverage markets.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to evaluate risk, profitability, and long-term customer value.

This role is primarily based in an office environment supporting a local client base typically located within one to three hours of the office. Any travel is generally completed during the workday, minimizing overnight trips. You will work closely with a small engineering team of fewer than ten people, providing a collaborative environment where individual contributions are visible and impactful. The organization is well established yet growing, with recent leadership restructuring and an expanding project portfolio that is driving the addition of new headcount. The culture supports professional growth, technical excellence, and cross-functional collaboration between engineering, field operations, and the panel shop, and offers competitive pay and benefits in a growth-oriented setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wichita, KS.

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $57.69/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Wichita,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on May 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $48 - $58