What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Manager / DCS Programmer position at Hampton Roads Automation?
Company Description
Hampton Roads Automation (HRA) is a small family-owned Virginia‑based industrial automation and electrical contractor specializing in control systems, SCADA, and instrumentation for water and wastewater utilities. Founded in 2021, HRA is a Class A Electrical Contractor and certified SWaM business, delivering design, programming, integration, and lifecycle support for complex automation systems. Our team brings deep expertise in Emerson DCS platforms, PLCs, SCADA, and field instrumentation, partnering with municipalities, engineering firms, and public agencies to deliver reliable, compliant, and mission‑critical infrastructure solutions across Eastern & Central Virginia. Based on collaboration, innovation, and a drive to overcome challenges, HRA stands as a trusted partner in the automation industry.
Role Description
Hampton Roads Automation (HRA) is seeking an experienced Project Manager / DCS Programmer to lead and execute industrial automation projects from bid phase through commissioning and closeout. This role blends hands-on Emerson DCS programming with project management, coordination, and estimating support for water, wastewater, and industrial automation projects across Virginia and surrounding regions.
If you thrive at the intersection of technical execution and project leadership, this role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on critical infrastructure systems.
Why Join HRA?
• Work on mission-critical water and wastewater automation projects
• Be part of a small fast-growing, technically respected automation firm
• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Great benefits
• Opportunity for long-term career growth and leadership
What You’ll Do
Project Management & Coordination
• Serve as Project Manager for automation and controls projects from kickoff to closeout
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, labor tracking, and change orders
• Coordinate internal engineering, field technicians, vendors, subcontractors, and clients
• Ensure compliance with company standards, safety policies, and applicable codes
DCS Programming & Technical Execution
• Develop, configure, modify, and troubleshoot Emerson DCS applications
• Implement control strategies, logic, graphics, alarms, and system integrations
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commissioning, and startup support
• Diagnose and resolve complex control system issues
• Support system upgrades, expansions, and migrations
Estimating & Pre-Bid Support
• Support bid estimating for automation and controls scopes
• Attend pre-bid meetings and site visits
• Review drawings, specifications, P&IDs, and control narratives
• Identify scope gaps, risks, and technical requirements
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as a technical point of contact for clients, engineers, and vendors
• Communicate project status, risks, and technical decisions clearly and professionally
• Support long-term client relationships through quality delivery and responsiveness
Working Conditions
• Hybrid office-based with travel to project sites as needed
• Work in industrial environments and varying weather conditions
• Occasional after-hours or overtime support during critical project phases
What We’re Looking For
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or DCS programming
• Demonstrated experience managing technical automation projects
Technical Skills
• Strong experience with Emerson DCS systems (configuration, programming, troubleshooting)
• Working knowledge of PLCs, SCADA, HMI systems, and industrial instrumentation
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, control narratives, loop diagrams, and electrical drawings
• Familiarity with water/wastewater or industrial process environments preferred
Professional Skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities