Senior Automation Project Manager - Critical Infrastructure

Remote: 
Full Remote
Contract: 

Offer summary

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field, or equivalent military/industry experience., 8+ years of experience in mission-critical automation or controls projects, with at least 4 years as a lead or senior project manager on large data center builds., Technical expertise in large-scale BAS, PLC, and SCADA platform implementation, with knowledge of relevant protocols., Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage distributed teams in high-pressure environments..

Key responsibilities:

  • Lead the planning, execution, and closure of large-scale automation and integration programs for data center campuses.
  • Manage cross-functional teams and coordinate project activities from design through testing and turnover.
  • Oversee financial management, including budgets, cash-flow forecasts, and risk management for high-value projects.
  • Facilitate stakeholder meetings and mentor project engineers while championing company values and best practices.

DLB Associates logo
DLB Associates SME http://www.dlbassociates.com/
201 - 500 Employees
See all jobs

Job description

This is a remote position.

Are you ready to lead cutting-edge automation projects at the forefront of the data center revolution? As a Senior Automation Project Manager, you’ll orchestrate multi-million dollar hyperscale programs, driving aggressive timelines with precision across automation, controls, and mission-critical infrastructure. Join us to transform innovation into execution, while owning every milestone from design to turnover in a high-stakes, high-reward environment.

Position Title: Senior Automation Project Manager – Critical Infrastructure

Position Location: Remote opportunities in the Midwest and Eastern US, United States. 

Priority given to candidates located in:
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Northern Virginia
  • DeMoines / Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Columbus, OH

Salary

DLB recognizes salary ranges from job boards do not necessarily reflect our pay ranges.  In many instances we out-compete those ranges for well-qualified candidates.

Job Summary

The Senior Automation Project Manager 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 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 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 playbook and libraries for hyperscale delivery.


Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget

Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

Requirements
Position Requirements
  • 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 perform the essential functions of this job successfully.  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 Requirements
  • Up to 10%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states 
  • Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meeting for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc.

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


Benefits
Benefits

DLB Associates offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include
  • Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option)
  • Health reimbursement account (HRA), flex spending accounts (FSA)
  • 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

DLB Associates 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:

DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB 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 DLB and DLB 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.


Required profile

Experience

Industry :
Spoken language(s):
English
Check out the description to know which languages are mandatory.

Other Skills

  • Technical Acumen
  • Communication
  • Leadership
  • Negotiation
  • Organizational Skills
  • Detail Oriented
  • Presentations
  • Problem Solving

Automation & Controls Manager Related jobs