Automation Project Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Working at Knobelsdorff 

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions. 

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core value. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff (KE) means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work. 

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, KE is the place for you. 

Job Purpose

This role supports the Automation division by leading the full lifecycle of industrial automation projects, ensuring technical accuracy, strong customer communication, and successful project delivery. You’ll be responsible for managing PLC, HMI, SCADA, and network‑based automation projects that directly impact customer operations, project performance, and KE’s reputation as a trusted automation partner. Success in this role means delivering projects on time and within budget, maintaining strong customer relationships, and driving clear communication across engineering, field teams, and stakeholders—all while upholding KE’s commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you take pride in doing things the right way and thrive in a fast‑moving environment, this position is built for you.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be part of a team that gets things done, works with purpose, and takes pride in the results. Your day‑to‑day responsibilities may include:

• Lead the full lifecycle of automation projects from kickoff through execution, testing, and final handover
• Serve as the technical‑facing project leader for customer engineers, plant personnel, and decision‑makers
• Translate customer requirements and control narratives into actionable scopes and detailed project plans
• Coordinate engineering resources, procurement, and subcontractors to meet project goals
• Conduct internal and customer‑facing project reviews to track progress, manage risk, and resolve issues
• Support design reviews, panel builds, software development timelines, and commissioning activities
• Maintain strong customer relationships and act as a trusted advisor throughout the project
• Collaborate with sales and engineering during pre‑project planning and post‑project lessons learned
• Lead status meetings, track milestones, manage budgets and financials, and process change orders
• Ensure all projects meet quality standards, safety protocols, and customer expectations
• Support onsite commissioning activities as needed, including travel to customer facilities

What You Bring

You’re someone who shows up ready to work hard, learn fast, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring:

• 5–7+ years of experience managing automation projects involving PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Strong understanding of industrial control system architecture, panel design, and field instrumentation
• Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ISA, NFPA, and UL508A
• PMP certification is a plus
• Ability to travel up to 20%

Pay Range

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

$128,400 - $144,450, plus incentive opportunities, or additional compensation.

Total Rewards Statement

As a full‑time employee at KE, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.

• 100% employer‑paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company‑paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Performance‑based incentives
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds
• Sufficient vision and hearing to review detailed drawings, communicate effectively, and observe safety hazards
• Regular use of computer, phone, and standard office equipment
• Ability to travel to job sites and customer locations as required

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources at Recruiting@KEway.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.