Controls Engineer - Industrial Automation & Manufacturing Systems

Position Overview

A growing industrial automation and engineering consulting organization is seeking a Project Manager to lead the delivery of automation, controls, and manufacturing technology projects throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

This role is responsible for overseeing projects from initial planning and design through commissioning and final delivery. The successful candidate will work closely with engineers, clients, operations teams, and leadership to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

This position offers opportunities for advancement into senior leadership, client development, business operations, and team management roles.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership

• Manage automation and industrial technology projects from concept through startup and commissioning.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams to ensure successful delivery of project objectives.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, resource plans, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor project performance and proactively address schedule, scope, and cost challenges.
• Ensure projects are completed in accordance with client requirements and company quality standards.

Client Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout project execution.
• Lead project meetings and communicate project status to stakeholders.
• Build strong working relationships with customer operations, maintenance, engineering, and management teams.
• Develop practical and innovative solutions to technical and operational challenges.

Team Coordination

• Collaborate with technical leaders, engineers, and subject matter experts to support project success.
• Facilitate communication between project stakeholders and technical teams.
• Support and mentor engineers and project professionals in project execution methodologies.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across project teams.

Project Delivery

• Support projects involving:

  • PLC Systems
  • SCADA Platforms
  • HMI Applications
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
  • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
  • Industrial Automation & Controls

• Oversee project planning, implementation, testing, startup, and commissioning efforts.

• Manage contractor coordination and field execution activities when required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Robotics Engineering
  • Or related technical discipline

• 3+ years of experience managing projects within industrial automation, process controls, manufacturing, or engineering environments.

• Proven ability to manage projects according to schedule, scope, and budget requirements.

• Experience successfully delivering projects through completion.

• Understanding of:

  • PLC Systems
  • SCADA Systems
  • HMI Applications
  • DCS Platforms
  • MES Systems
  • Industrial Automation Technologies

• Strong organizational and leadership skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

• Valid driver's license.

• Ability and willingness to travel to customer sites as needed.

• Ability to support project activities outside normal business hours when required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certification.
• Automation, controls, or industry-specific certifications.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, life sciences, chemical processing, energy, consumer products, food & beverage, or industrial production facilities.
• Previous experience leading engineering or automation project teams.

Technical Knowledge

• Industrial Automation
• PLC Programming & Integration
• SCADA Systems
• Human Machine Interfaces (HMI)
• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Industrial Networking
• Process Controls
• Project Planning & Scheduling
• Cost & Resource Management
• Startup & Commissioning
• Client Relationship Management

Work Environment

• Hybrid work schedule based in Denver, Colorado.
• Approximately 20-30% travel to client facilities and project sites.
• Collaborative environment working with engineering, operations, and management teams.
• Opportunity to lead projects across multiple industrial sectors throughout the region.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $150,000+, depending on experience, project management background, and technical expertise.

Benefits may include:

• Hybrid work flexibility
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Professional development and certification support
• Career advancement opportunities
• Performance-based bonus opportunities

Ideal Background

Candidates with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

• Industrial Automation
• PLC & SCADA Systems
• Manufacturing Operations
• Process Industries
• Chemical Manufacturing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Food & Beverage Production
• Industrial Gas Facilities
• Discrete Manufacturing
• Controls Integration
• Project Management
• Engineering Consulting

This opportunity is ideal for a project manager who enjoys combining technical automation knowledge, client interaction, team leadership, and project execution while supporting critical manufacturing and industrial operations throughout the Denver market.