Grey Search + Strategy is hiring: Senior Project Manager- Controls Automation in

The Company:

Founded in 2000, the company was built with the vision to deliver exceptional customer service and scalable, custom systems for expanding plant facilities.

As employee-owners, our client is invested in the company’s future and looking for talented professionals to help them grow and innovate. They provide a warm, inviting, down-to-earth and hardworking culture where you’ll have many opportunities to demonstrate your expertise and position yourself for career advancement.

Position Overview

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Project Manager- Controls Automation to join our growing team. This role is designed for experienced professionals who value project ownership, technical excellence, and meaningful career progression. If you are currently thriving in your career but curious about what exceptional automation engineering opportunities look like, we invite you to learn more.

The Opportunity

Project Leadership and Technical Impact

As our Senior Project Manager- Controls Automation, you will take full ownership of complex automation projects valued between $100,000 and $2,000,000, contributing to overall project initiatives ranging from $500,000 to $50,000,000+. You will guide projects from initial concept through successful commissioning, ensuring your engineering solutions deliver measurable results for our diverse client base.

Professional Growth and Mentorship

This position offers significant opportunities for technical leadership, including mentoring junior engineers and serving as the primary technical lead on high-visibility projects. You will work collaboratively with our process engineering team to develop comprehensive control strategies while maintaining direct client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Work Environment and Flexibility

We offer a hybrid work arrangement featuring two days of remote work and three days of in-office collaboration, designed to optimize both focused individual work and team coordination. Our comprehensive onboarding program includes dedicated time over your first two weeks to ensure your successful integration with our team and systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Management and Execution

• Design, develop, and implement control systems to meet complex process requirements
• Lead automation projects from initial customer consultation through final commissioning
• Coordinate with process engineers to develop optimal control system strategies and equipment specifications
• Provide remote and on-site startup support, including customer training and system optimization

Technical Development and Programming

• Perform advanced PLC and HMI programming with custom reporting functionality
• Develop comprehensive electrical schematics and panel design layouts using professional design software
• Conduct thorough in-house program testing and customer factory acceptance testing
• Create detailed standard operating procedures for implemented control systems

Leadership and Client Relations

• Serve as technical lead on complex projects while mentoring junior engineering staff
• Train end users on system operations and provide ongoing technical support
• Participate in our technical support rotation for existing customer base
• Maintain direct client relationships throughout project lifecycle

Professional Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent professional experience in automation
• Minimum three years of experience in custom automation engineering
• Demonstrated success in leading technical projects from conception to completion

Technical Expertise

• Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming
• Experience with SCADA systems, particularly Ignition and Wonderware platforms are a nice to have
• AutoCAD experience for electrical design and documentation preferred
• Strong background in control panel design, instrumentation, and system integration
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and networking

Professional Attributes

• Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated project management capabilities with multi-phase technical projects
• Commitment to engineering excellence and continuous professional development

What Sets This Role Apart:

Complete Project Visibility Unlike many engineering positions where you contribute to segments of larger projects, this role offers full project ownership from initial customer meetings through final system commissioning. You will have the satisfaction of seeing your engineering solutions implemented and operational in real-world applications.

Technical Leadership Without Corporate Bureaucracy Advance your career through technical excellence and project leadership rather than navigating complex corporate hierarchies. Your expertise and results drive your professional growth.

Meaningful Client Impact Develop direct relationships with clients who depend on your engineering solutions. Receive immediate feedback on system performance and long-term appreciation for engineering excellence that makes a measurable difference in their operations.

Compensation and Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive compensation package commensurate with experience, including competitive base salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health benefits, retirement planning, and professional development opportunities. Specific compensation details will be discussed with qualified candidates.