Technical Project Manager – Automation Systems

RED Group•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

RED Group is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Technical Project Manager – Automation Systems to support the successful execution of automation and controls infrastructure for a major hyperscale data center development in Abilene, Texas. This role will be a critical contributor in delivering automation systems that support mission-critical operations, commissioning, and long-term facility reliability across one of our clients flagship developments. The Technical Project Manager will lead coordination between Automation Systems, Instrumentation, low voltage systems, Design Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Operations, and external integration partners to ensure seamless delivery of controls and monitoring systems throughout the project lifecycle. This individual will serve as the primary automation engineering interface for regional construction activities and will provide leadership in automation design execution, controls integration, commissioning support, and operational readiness. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise in mission-critical controls environments, large infrastructure projects, BMS/EPMS integration, and construction-phase project management.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Controls Engineering; Industrial Engineering; Construction Management or equivalent industry experience
Minimum of 5 + years of experience managing automation, controls, or mission-critical infrastructure projects is required.
Strong background in: BMS/EPMS/PLC/SCADA systems, Industrial automation, HVAC controls, Commissioning and startup, Construction coordination, Technical Project Management
Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams in complex construction environments.
Familiarity with Rockwell Automation PLCs and Ignition SCADA Systems
Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including BACnet; Modbus; OPC; SNMP and Ethernet/IP; MQTT
Experience with integrated systems testing and mission-critical commissioning.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Valid driver's license is required.
Ability to partner with clients, vendors, and other team members to deliver projects
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and priorities.
Strong interpersonal, leadership, verbal and written communication skills.
Foster a collaborative and engaging environment by upholding and embodying our Core Values: Be Dependable, Cultivate Relationships, Strive for Excellence
Foster and promote a strong safety culture and follow company safety protocols.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or assume sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting hyperscale or enterprise data center developments preferred.
Experience working within hyperscale data center environments preferred.
Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.
OSHA certification preferred.
OSHA certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead automation and controls execution activities for large-scale data center projects from design through commissioning and turnover.
Support pre-construction planning, technical coordination, and execution strategies to ensure quality engineering and project deliverables.
Manage automation project scope, schedules, budgets, risks, and stakeholder communications across regional deployments.
Facilitate cross-functional alignment between: Automation Systems, Design Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Operations, Controls Integrators, OEM Vendors, General Contractor, Owner.
Drive issue resolution and escalation management throughout the project lifecycle.
Serve as the primary automation engineering resource interfacing with construction and commissioning teams.
Oversee implementation and integration of: Building Management Systems (BMS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), SCADA platforms, HVAC controls, Chiller plant automation, Generator and switchgear monitoring, Environmental monitoring systems, PLC-based controls systems.
Coordinate controls architecture and network integration across mechanical, electrical, and operational technology systems.
Review and validate: Controls sequences of operation, I/O schedules, Points lists, Functional testing procedures, Network topology diagrams, Controls submittals and shop drawings.
Ensure controls systems comply with our clients operational standards, reliability requirements, and commissioning objectives.
Lead automation project design activities in collaboration with: Engineer of Record (EOR), Design Engineering teams, Controls Systems Integrators, Construction partners.
Manage automation deliverable packages and ensure adherence to project milestones.
Support development of project requirements based on operational standards, customer needs, and market demands.
Coordinate factory acceptance testing (FAT), software validation, and controls startup activities.
Provide technical leadership regarding automation issue mitigation during design, construction, and commissioning phases.
Partner with construction and commissioning teams to support Level 1–5 commissioning activities.
Manage and support commissioning scripts, startup procedures, and integrated systems testing.
Manage the validation alarms, graphics, trending, redundancy logic, and failover sequences.
Ensure all automation systems meet uptime, resiliency, and operational readiness requirements.
Track and drive punch-list resolution and turnover documentation completion.
Support operator training and transition to facility operations teams.
Manage relationships and coordination activities with automation vendors, contractors, and systems integrators.
Monitor vendor performance, procurement schedules, and technical deliverables.
Participate in technical reviews, design workshops, and project status meetings.
Provide executive-level reporting regarding automation project health, schedule risks, and mitigation plans.
Foster strong collaboration across regional and global RED Group teams.
Lead and manage the automation design and engineering initiatives aligned with RED Group's business strategy and deployment objectives.
Assist in defining automation project scope, objectives, and execution strategies while ensuring technical feasibility.
Manage multiple concurrent automation projects and stakeholders across regional deployments.
Drive automation activities throughout design, engineering, construction, commissioning, and operational turnover phases.
Coordinate technical responsibilities with the Engineer of Record and Design & Controls Systems Integrators.
Maintain quality assurance and adherence to RED Group engineering and operational standards.
Provide leadership and insight regarding system integration, commissioning execution, and operational risk mitigation.