Controls Project Manager

Travel: Up to 75% of the time (remote flexibility)

Position Overview: The Controls Project Manager will lead the planning, design, implementation, and commissioning of industrial control system projects. This role coordinates engineering resources, manages schedules and budgets, ensures technical quality, and serves as the primary client contact for controls-related work. The ideal candidate combines hands-on PLC/HMI programming experience with proven project management skills and knowledge of liquid handling systems, valves, and pumps.

Key Responsibilities: Lead controls engineering projects from scope development through commissioning and handover, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to quality standards. Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, resource plans, and risk registers; report project status to stakeholders and senior management. Supervise and coordinate internal engineers, contractors, and integrators; assign tasks and monitor progress to meet milestones. Design and review PLC and HMI programming strategies, control system architecture, I/O lists, and wiring diagrams to meet process requirements. Perform or oversee programming, configuration, and troubleshooting of PLCs and HMIs; ensure code standards, version control, and documentation are maintained. Plan and execute FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), SAT (Site Acceptance Testing), commissioning, and start-up activities; lead root cause analysis and corrective actions as needed. Coordinate procurement and installation of control panels, instrumentation, valves, pumps, and related components; verify vendor deliverables and FAT results. Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and quality standards; develop and enforce control system cybersecurity and maintenance procedures. Maintain clear client communication, lead technical meetings, prepare progress reports, and manage change orders and contracts. Support continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned, refining engineering practices, and mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications: Bachelors degree in Electrical, Control Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.5+ years of controls engineering experience with at least 2+ years in a project management role or leading multi-discipline projects. Proven hands-on experience with PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) and HMI development and configuration. Strong knowledge of liquid handling systems, including valves, pumps, flow control, and related instrumentation. Experience with PLC/HMI commissioning, troubleshooting, and field wiring practices. Familiarity with control system documentation standards, version control, and testing procedures (FAT/SAT).Demonstrated project management skills including schedule and budget management; PMP or similar certification is a plus. Excellent communication, client-facing, and leadership skills; ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage stakeholders. Willingness to travel to client sites for commissioning and support as required; valid drivers license and ability to work in industrial environments.