Sr. Project Manager - Industrial Automation

Company: Baker Group
Location: Ankeny
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description PURPOSE The Senior Industrial Automation Project Manager will create and develop relationships supportive of the Baker Group mission statement with employees, internal and external clients. Additionally, this person will provide opportunities to increase business unit (BU) revenues by marketing and cross selling products and services provided by Baker Group, manage projects in a manner that compliments all facets of the project from design to owner training. Maintain and grow the “Client for Life” concept for existing and new clients. The Senior Industrial Automation Project Manager will also assist the team by providing inspiring day-to-day hands-on leadership to the Business Unit. In addition, this person will coach, mentor and train the next generation of leaders, provide sales support as needed to secure potential sales and be responsible for execution coordination, project documentation, project financials and client satisfaction. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties are typical for this job. These are not to be constructed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Possess a deep understanding of automation systems and construction coupled with a well-rounded background in mechanical and electrical systems and services. • Offer and implement solutions to clients with support of other engineering and field personnel • Design and develop distributed small to large control systems including PLC/HMI/SCADA programs, product selection for bill of material (BOM) based on customer specifications, creating sequence of operations (SOO), and creating Engineering Drawings. • Potential to do project start up, program modification, and commission of new PLC/HMI/SCADA control systems • Continuously develop relationships with existing clients and pursue opportunities which provide long-term client relationships and revenue opportunities • Utilize internal estimating software and standard product selections to develop solutions for clients and review with team members prior to client submission – make sure we can deliver what we are selling • Act as account manager or single point of contact with client during project execution • Working collaboratively with design engineers, operation engineers, purchasers and other internal staff • Partner with other engineers, technicians, and electricians to develop and share technical solutions and standards • Actively participate in training to maintain technical expertise on new products, tools, and integration through continuing education initiatives • Possess a thorough understanding of Baker Group and collaboration with all Baker Group Business Units (BUs) • Educate clients on Baker Group capabilities in automation business, and cross-sell capabilities for revenue opportunities within other business units • Attend scheduling meetings with Operations Manager – assist with scheduling field labor • Attend project meetings internal and external – provide communication written and verbal regarding information requests, proposal requests, coordination, submittal reviews, etc. • Utilize company standard documents for business development, pre-proposal checklists, turnovers, subcontracts, purchase orders, warranty, etc. • Manage the project to ensure financial success of the project • Coach, mentor, and train Project Managers, Project Engineers, Automation Engineers, and System Engineers in both Automation and other BUs • Assist with the development of marketing materials and performance at partner training and education events • Assist with and lead Tier III Business Development Pursuits MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Minimum of 10 years of experience with PLCs/HMIs/SCADA systems in one or more of the following areas: Discrete Manufacturing, Process Controls, Oil and Gas, Food and Beverage, Robotics, Chemical/Pharmaceutical, or Automotive • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Science, Construction Management, or Engineering preferred • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in estimating and managing automation projects, as well as building and growing client relationships • A contingency for employment will require successfully passing of a background investigation CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS • Valid Driver’s License and must have a good driving record MENTAL AND PHYSICAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Able to manage teams successfully and profitably • Advanced knowledge of Control Systems design and construction, means and methods, estimating, scheduling and cost control • Ability to effectively delegate the type and amount of work to others in order to leverage personal effectiveness • Effectively prioritize and balance the “big picture” and immediate responsibilities • Ability to listen effectively, value the opinions of others and acknowledge contributions of others • Ability to communicate and work well with others at all levels • Ability to train, manage and hold staff accountable to get results • Ability to recognize, select and hire top talent at appropriate times • Ability to manage risk in understanding areas of exposure in estimates, schedules, contracts and site conditions • Ability to resolve issues promptly for a “win-win” solution • Consistently display natural leadership skills and qualities to guide the team leaders and other direct reports • Value and support company mission and culture, as well as participate in community activities • Display honesty, integrity, sound reasoning, good judgment/values, and lead by example, all while maintaining strong internal and external relationships at all levels ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY At any given time, may be exposed to: • Normal office conditions or Manufacturing/Construction Environments EQUIPMENT/TOOLS • AutoCAD Electric or EPLAN • PLC Software (Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500, StudioLogix5000, or Modicon) • HMI Software (Wonderware or FactoryTalk View) Baker Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Baker Group will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

Keywords: Baker Group, Ames , Sr. Project Manager - Industrial Automation, Engineering , Ankeny, Iowa