Lead Automation Engineer
About the Position
Power Design Inc. is a $1.4B national design-build multi-trade contractor operating across 28 states with 3,000+ employees. We self-perform everything — design, prefabrication, installation, and delivery. Our manufacturing operations produce panels, assemblies, unit kits, switchgear, and processed wire at scale. We are building the automation platform that lets us grow output without growing headcount proportionally.
Our manufacturing division is young, profitable, and growing. For the right operator, that means the ability to build something with real visibility — and real stakes.
About the Opportunity
The Senior Director of Robotics & Automation is building the function from the ground up. As Lead Automation Engineer, you are the technical anchor for the manufacturing domains: prefab, LFG and switchgear manufacturing, and the wire division (supported by CI). You own vendor evaluations, FAT/SAT execution, controls architecture, and deployment credibility across the manufacturing floor. When a cobot vendor says their system can do something, you are the person in the room who knows if that's true. This is not a role for someone who needs time to ramp up — you will be evaluating vendors and leading deployments in the first 90 days.
Position Responsibilities
- Lead technical evaluation and selection of automation systems across prefab and LFG/switchgear manufacturing — cobots, machine vision, bending automation, heavy material handling robotics.
- Own FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) for all manufacturing robotics deployments. Define acceptance criteria, run the tests, sign off or escalate.
- Develop and maintain controls architecture standards across manufacturing domains — PLC/SCADA, safety systems, and integration points with the Operational Technology (OT) data layer.
- Serve as the primary technical interface with automation vendors. Evaluate claims, negotiate scope, and protect PDI from being oversold on capability or timeline.
- Partner with the Integration Engineer to ensure every deployed system feeds real-time operational data into Oracle Fusion. No shadow systems.
- Support capital investment cases with technical content — scope definition, system specs, risk flags, and realistic implementation timelines.
- Work closely with the CI team on wire division automation deployments as needed.
Here's What We're Looking For
- 7+ years in industrial automation or robotics engineering, with direct deployment experience in manufacturing environments.
- Hands-on experience with two or more: cobot platforms (Universal Robots, FANUC, KUKA), machine vision (Cognex, Keyence), industrial robotics for bending automation or heavy material handling.
- Strong PLC/SCADA background. You can read ladder logic, troubleshoot controls issues on the floor, and define integration requirements for the OT layer.
- Experience running FAT/SAT processes — you have written acceptance criteria, not just participated in testing.
- Ability to evaluate vendors critically. You know the gap between a demo and a production deployment.
- Electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering background preferred.
- Experience in prefab, manufacturing, or electrical construction is a significant plus.
- Demonstrate and uphold Power Design's core values, which include integrity, accountability, teamwork, innovation, and growth.
some of our benefits…
Power Design has national health and dental plans, and we also offer life insurance and short and long term disability plans. You’ll receive paid vacations and holidays as well as national discount programs for everything from movie tickets to flowers, rental cars, phones and vehicles! We also offer a 401(k) retirement plan as well as incentive and recognition programs. Relocation opportunities may also be available!
