Senior Automation Project Manager – Critical Infrastructure

Smart Tech Contracting delivers turnkey BAS & EPMS solutions for mission-critical colocation and hyperscale data centers. The Senior Automation Project Manager will provide strategic leadership to plan, execute, and close large-scale automation and integration programs for data-center campuses.

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

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
• 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
• Certifications (preferred): PMP, CCP, NICET IV