Automation Controls Manager Jobs in Chester, VA (NOW HIRING)

Jewett Automation is a fast-growing industrial automation and systems integration company seeking a Project Manager to lead and motivate teams of engineers and technicians in the design, construction, and commissioning of custom-engineered automation equipment. The successful candidate will possess knowledge of factory automation systems and thrive in a collaborative environment. They will demonstrate critical thinking, superior problem-solving abilities, strong leadership and communication skills, and a passion for leveraging modern digital and AI-enabled tools to improve project execution, team effectiveness, and customer outcomes.

Jewett Automation embraces the use of modern digital technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance project execution, engineering collaboration, customer communication, and operational efficiency. Candidates should be comfortable adopting and championing new tools that increase individual and organizational effectiveness.

This is an exempt position with benefits, reporting to the Head of Program Management. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. The position is based in Richmond, Virginia. Occasional travel is expected.

• Build Jewett Automation's brand as a customer-focused company by delivering exceptional customer service and timely responses.
• Manage projects to achieve defined schedule, scope, quality, and budget objectives.
• Lead schedule development and management activities through the Last Planner process.
• Identify potential project risks and lead the development and execution of mitigation plans.
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact and communicate project status, changes, and risks between the customer and the project team.
• Manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and associated project budgets.
• Balance quoted equipment scope with evolving customer requirements to effectively manage scope creep.
• Provide regular project updates to customers and Jewett Automation management.
• Collaborate across the organization to manage the development, evaluation, approval, and implementation of automation equipment designs.
• Oversee machine construction, integration, and testing activities to ensure project deliverables meet specified requirements.
• Work closely with procurement to understand and mitigate supply chain impacts on project schedules.
• Leverage AI-enabled project management, reporting, and knowledge management tools to improve project visibility, accelerate decision-making, automate administrative activities, and increase overall project execution efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement through the use of digital technologies, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to enhance schedule management, risk identification, customer communication, and team productivity.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, lessons learned, and organizational knowledge assets to improve future project performance.

• Experience managing projects ranging in value from $150,000 to $10 million.
• Working knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Experience managing and communicating project financial performance, forecasts, and budgets.
• Experience in industrial automation, with robotics and automation machinery design experience considered highly desirable.
• Strong fundamental engineering knowledge.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of standard automation machine elements, including bearings, gearboxes, timing belts, mechanical indexers, servo systems, and pneumatic actuators.
• Familiarity with common industrial electrical and controls components, including sensors, motors, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial networking systems.
• Knowledge of major robotic suppliers and robotic automation systems.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage AI and digital tools to increase personal and team bandwidth, automate routine project management activities, improve project visibility, and accelerate decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize AI-powered business tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, AI meeting assistants, business intelligence platforms, and workflow automation tools) to improve project execution, communication, reporting, and organizational efficiency.
• Experience implementing digital workflows, knowledge management systems, process automation solutions, or business intelligence tools that improve team effectiveness and organizational scalability.
• Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to leverage data-driven insights and emerging technologies to support decision-making, problem-solving, and risk management.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management certification is a plus.
• AutoCAD and SolidWorks familiarity preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to sell ideas.
• Management experience, preferably in a manufacturing or equipment design and build environment.
• Friendly, agreeable personality, able to work with all types of people.