The Project Manager – Automation and Controls is responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering automation and control system projects on time, within scope, and within budget. This role oversees the full project lifecycle — from system design and procurement to commissioning and handover — ensuring alignment with production goals, compliance, and digital strategy.
Develop detailed project scopes, budgets, timelines, and risk mitigation plans.
Lead end-to-end project execution for PLC/DCS upgrades, SCADA integration, MES deployment, and new automation installations.
Ensure alignment with business goals, engineering standards, and regulatory compliance.
Oversee the integration of control systems such as Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, ABB, Honeywell, or equivalent.
Review and approve control panel designs, I/O schematics, PLC logic, HMI/SCADA interfaces, and network topologies.
Ensure system standardization, documentation, and future scalability.
Act as the primary liaison between engineering, production, IT/OT, QA/QC, procurement, and external integrators.
Facilitate communication across departments to ensure all stakeholders are aligned on project milestones and deliverables.
Manage technical reviews, FAT/SAT processes, and stakeholder approvals.
Evaluate and select system integrators, panel builders, and automation contractors.
Manage vendor performance and ensure adherence to project specifications and timelines.
Oversee procurement of instrumentation, control hardware, and software licenses.
Ensure automation systems comply with industry regulations (e.g., FDA, GMP, ISA, NFPA, IEC, ATEX).
Oversee system validation and documentation for audits, including change control and system backups.
Implement safety interlocks, emergency shutdown logic (ESD), and functional safety protocols (e.g., SIL-rated systems).
Track project expenses and provide regular financial updates to management.
Prepare project status reports, Gantt charts, risk assessments, and change control logs.
Ensure projects are completed within approved budgets and cost-saving opportunities are identified.
Expertise in automation project lifecycle management — from concept to commissioning
Strong knowledge of control systems, industrial instrumentation, HMI/SCADA platforms, and fieldbus communications
Familiarity with ISA-88/95 standards, batch control, and MES integration
Excellent project planning, scheduling, and documentation skills (MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent)
Strong leadership, negotiation, and cross-functional coordination abilities
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Instrumentation, Automation, or Control Systems Engineering
PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification preferred
8–12 years of experience in automation/control system projects, with at least 3+ years in a project leadership role
Experience in regulated environments (e.g., GMP, FDA, HACCP, OSHA, IEC) is a plus