Senior Automation Project Manager – Critical Infrastructure

Smart Tech Contracting, LLC

16h • Remote

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Knowledge of large‑scale BAS, PLC, and SCADA platform implementation for industrial automation and mission critical projects
• 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).
• Familiarity with Uptime Institute Tier III/IV, NFPA 70E, IEEE 3004, and hyperscale owner design guides.
• Experience with level 4/5 Integrated Systems Testing (IST), MOP/SOP/EOP development, and turnover documentation (GxP or mission‑critical equivalent).
• Proficiency in Primavera P6 or MS Project, Procore, BIM 360, and cost‑management platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to lead distributed teams in high‑pressure, schedule‑compressed environments.
• 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
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• PMP, CCP, NICET IV certifications

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget
• Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior