Senior Automation Project Manager – Critical Infrastructure

Position Title: Senior Automation Project Manager – Critical Infrastructure

Position Location: Regional Southeast, preferably Atlanta and/or Charlotte Markets

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Automation Project Manager – Critical Infrastructure will provide strategic leadership in our Critical Infrastructure department to plan, execute, and close large‑scale, multi‑site automation and integration programs for hyperscale and colocation data‑center campuses. You will manage fast‑paced projects ranging from 20 MW to 200 MW+, coordinating cross‑functional teams (BAS, PLC/SCADA, HVAC, electrical, and IT/OT networks) from design through integrated systems testing and owner turnover.

The Senior Automation Project Manager – Critical Infrastructure will act as the primary interface between contractors, equipment OEMs, commissioning agents, and hyperscale owner teams. You will drive aggressive schedules using phase overlap, prefabrication, and modular deployment strategies while upholding safety, quality, and reliability targets. You will own program P&L, risk management, and executive‑level reporting for high value projects and programs.

The Senior Automation Project Manager – Critical Infrastructure will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.

The Senior Automation Project Manager – Critical Infrastructure will self-direct on day-to-day work and receives high level instruction on new projects, tasks or assignments.

The Senior Automation Project Manager – Critical Infrastructure will execute and lead teams and projects, tasks or assignments of complex scope. May coordinate activities of other personnel.

This person will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Program and Construction Execution (55%)

• Lead project initiation, design‑assist, long‑lead procurement, RFIs/submittals, factory witness testing, site installation, startup, IST, and turnover on parallel schedules
• Manage BAS/controls scope with electrical power monitoring (EPMS), distributed control systems (DCS), fire‑life‑safety, and owner DCIM platforms
• Develop optimized build sequences (workfaces, pods, skids) to meet "speed‑to‑market" targets
• Evaluate and review subcontractor proposals and provide recommendations on contract award

Financial and Risk Management (20%)

• Own budgets, cash‑flow forecasts, contingency management, and earned‑value tracking
• Prepare change orders and negotiate contractual adjustments with clients and trade partners
• Identify critical‑path risks (supply chain, labor, permitting) and implement mitigation strategies

Stakeholder Leadership (15%)

• Chair weekly Big‑Room meetings with owner, GC, trade partners, and commissioning authority
• Mentor project engineers / assistant PMs; project and allocate resources across multiple projects
• Champion company core convictions: Service Leadership, Customer Intimacy, Operational Excellence

Process and Innovation (10%)

• Leverage digital twins, BIM 360/Procore, and AI‑driven analytics to enhance schedule certainty and drive continuous improvement
• Contribute to company best‑practice standards and libraries for hyperscale delivery

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ADVANCED LEVEL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING)

• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of large‑scale BAS, PLC, and SCADA platform implementation for industrial automation and mission critical projects
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of large‑scale BAS, PLC, and SCADA implementation with platforms including (Rockwell, Schneider, Siemens, Ignition, AVEVA, Niagara 4) and protocols including (BACnet, Modbus, OPC‑UA, Fieldbus, Profibus)
• Critical‑Facility Standards: Familiarity with Uptime Institute Tier III/IV, NFPA 70E, IEEE 3004, and hyperscale owner design guides
• Construction & Commissioning: Experience with level 4/5 Integrated Systems Testing (IST), MOP/SOP/EOP development, and turnover documentation (GxP or mission‑critical equivalent)
• Project Controls: Proficiency in Primavera P6 or MS Project, Procore, BIM 360, and cost‑management platforms
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead distributed teams in high‑pressure, schedule‑compressed environments
• Soft Skills: Exceptional client‑facing communication, negotiation, and presentation capabilities.
• Skilled in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
• Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation
• Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction free workspace
• Ability to identify and analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives and implement effective solutions
• Ability to follow company and site safety requirements
• Ability to analyze and prepare documents, reports and correspondence
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form (technical and non-technical information)
• Ability to achieve certification for NFPA70E and / or OSHA training as / if required
• Organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is

• Frequently manipulating, moving or grasping small parts, devices or tools
• Frequently required to remain in a stationary position
• Frequently moving through office, critical facility and other environments (such as low temperatures, high temperatures and outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind), including tight and confined spaces
• Frequently descending / ascending stairs and ladders to access equipment
• On occasion the employee may be required to position self under or over equipment
• On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 50 pounds

TRAVEL / RELOCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Up to 25%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states
• Effective May 7, 2025, and in accordance with U.S. federal regulations for domestic air travel, a valid REAL ID (or an acceptable alternative, such as a passport) is required for travel associated with this position
• Travel may involve transportation by car or plane depending on the destination and nature of the business need
• Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field OR equivalent military/industry experience
• 8+ years delivering mission critical automation or controls projects, with ≥4 years as lead or senior project manager on ≥50 MW data center builds or comparable industrial megaprojects
• Certifications (preferred): PMP, CCP, NICET IV

BENEFITS

Smart Tech Contracting offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include

• Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
• Dental and vision plans
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26
• 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option
• PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year
• Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage
• Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance
• Paid parental leave after one year of employment

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is STC's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location.

Smart Tech Contracting is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

STC does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to STC in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where STC has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of STC and STC will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.