Field Installation Lead
Job Title: Field Installation Lead
SUMMARY
The Field Installation Lead serves as the critical link between the fabrication shop and the client's facility. This role is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and hands-on execution of on-site installations for custom automation panels and control systems. It is well suited to a technical leader who thrives in varied environments, values high-quality craftsmanship, and can manage both people and projects to ensure seamless field deployment.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Coordination & Logistics
- Readiness: Partner with the fabrication team to ensure equipment is fully completed, tested, and documented prior to shipment.
- Scheduling: Align installation activities with client project milestones and timelines.
- Logistics: Coordinate the delivery of control panels, specialised tools, and required materials to multiple job sites.
On-Site Leadership
- Team Management: Lead field crews and subcontractors, assigning daily tasks and monitoring progress against schedule.
- Technical Guidance: Provide hands-on leadership during the installation, wiring, and integration of automation panels with field devices and control systems.
- Testing: Perform control panel and skid testing and provide critical on-site support during Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Standards: Enforce strict adherence to OSHA regulations, NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code), and applicable industry electrical standards.
- Quality Control: Conduct detailed on-site inspections to verify workmanship aligns with engineering specifications and drawings.
- Reporting: Maintain accurate field logs, safety documentation, and project status reports.
Client Relations & Strategy
- Primary Point of Contact: Act as the on-site representative, managing client expectations and addressing concerns as they arise.
- Feedback Loop: Identify opportunities for improvement and provide constructive feedback to engineering and fabrication teams regarding design and manufacturing considerations.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify process improvements to reduce installation time, improve quality, and enhance safety.
- Provide ongoing feedback to engineering and fabrication teams to support design and manufacturing enhancements.
REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES
- Technical Expertise: Minimum of 5 years' experience in industrial automation, control panel fabrication, or electrical installation.
- Blueprint Literacy: Advanced ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and panel layout drawings.
- Systems Knowledge: Working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and industrial network installations.
- Leadership: Proven experience managing field teams while maintaining tight project schedules.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for reporting and client interaction.
- Travel: Willingness and ability to travel extensively to client sites; valid driver's licence with a clean driving record required.
EDUCATION AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Education: High school diploma or GED required, with 5+ years of relevant experience in industrial automation, control panel fabrication, or electrical installation. Demonstrated ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and panel layout drawings is required.
- Environment: Ability to work in a variety of industrial environments, including plants, laboratories, and field locations.
- Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand, walk, and reach for extended periods and lift or move up to 50 lbs.
WHY THIS ROLE
This position places the Field Installation Lead at the centre of how automation systems are brought to life in the field. Serving as the link between engineering, fabrication, and the client, the role owns the final and most critical phase of project delivery-transforming designs into fully operational systems. The Field Installation Lead remains hands-on with advanced control technologies, leads installations from start to finish, and directly influences improvements in quality, speed, and execution across projects. With strong collaboration from engineering and fabrication teams and a growing pipeline of complex work across regulated and industrial environments, this role offers meaningful ownership, visible impact, and long-term leadership growth.
FAQs
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