Technical Lead, Machine Safety

PPC Partners Inc.•New Berlin, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

At PPC Partners we believe in the Power to Serve along with the Pursuit of Excellence. As such the following values guide our behaviors: A Servant’s Heart – Focus on the Needs of Others, Wisdom – Insightful, Integrity – Honesty and Trustworthy, Courage – Decisive and Confident in Others, Humility – Modest and Respectful, Passion – Unfailing Dedication, Hunger – Driven to Succeed. This position requires a decisive leader able to lead a group to work independently and collaboratively with a passion for hands-on work and a strong drive for project management work, and mentorship of less experienced engineers. Must have a desire to work in a team-based environment and contribute immediately.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field required.
5+ years of experience in automation, machine safety, technical sales, or project engineering.
Strong technical knowledge in control systems, automation hardware/software, and industrial processes.
Proven ability to scope complex technical projects and communicate clearly with customers and internal stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Familiarity with ERP systems and project estimation tools.
Travel required to customer sites and conferences as needed.
Deep understanding of automation technologies, machine safety, control systems, and industrial processes.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, electrical schematics, and system layouts.
Strong business acumen with the ability to balance technical and financial perspectives.
Skilled in estimating tools, CRM/ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to foster collaboration across departments and drive consensus in cross-functional teams.
Exceptional organizational and time management skills with a commitment to delivering quality work on time.
Effective communicator, capable of translating complex technical concepts into customer-friendly language.
Self-motivated and resourceful with a continuous improvement mindset.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience mentoring or managing technical teams preferred.

Responsibilities

Identify, qualify, and develop automation and safety programs through customer engagement, networking, and proactive outreach.
Lead customer discovery meetings and site visits to assess feasibility, collect requirements, and serve as the technical SME to establish trust.
Create conceptual Machine Safety Automation solutions and program architectures with support of the machine safety team and branch.
Develop and deliver compelling technical proposals, program roadmaps, and presentations tailored to client needs, ensuring alignment with customer decision-making and project timelines.
Empower the Machine Safety Engineer team in developing and maintaining ongoing relationships with clients throughout the full equipment lifecycle (from vendor acceptance to decommissioning) to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
Translate customer needs into high-level solutions including mechanical, electrical, and software/system integration scopes.
Collaborate with engineering and cross-functional teams to define scope, timelines, and budgets using Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) where applicable.
Collaborate with Business Development on pricing strategy, margin analysis, quoting, and contract negotiation for complex programs.
Oversee comprehensive risk assessments, design of safety systems (e.g., E-Stops, light curtains, safety PLCs), and alignment of solutions with internal capabilities and customer expectations.
Guide and mentor Engineers in scope development, technical strategy, and technical customer interactions.
Ensure a seamless handoff to the execution team, leading cross-functional integration, participating in kickoff meetings, and providing early-phase technical oversight as the primary SME.
Monitor program outcomes, manage resources and approval workflows, and contribute to continuous improvement through Agile retrospectives and lessons-learned processes.
Support career development of Machine Safety Engineers through coaching, mentoring, and skill-building.
Contribute to the refinement of sales engineering processes and tools.
Act as a key liaison between the sales, project management, engineering, and execution teams.
Uphold safety as the most important goal of our company. Support goal of achieving zero accidents
Promote and encourage open communication between field and office regarding all safety concerns, suggestions, improvements, and PPE needed
Obtain safety training as expected by all company personnel