Automation Project Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Location: Reston, VA

Employment Status: Full-Time

Compensation: $125,000– $175,000 Annually + Bonus

Travel: Project site based with travel

Who We Are

Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets.

Guided by The Thermo Way, we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:

• Employee Success – investing in our people and their growth
• Customer Success – delivering reliable, high-quality solutions
• Financial Strength – operating with discipline and long-term focus

We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.

The Opportunity

The Senior Project Manager leads complex automation and control system integration projects from proposal development through commissioning and project closeout. This role is responsible for delivering predictable outcomes across scope, schedule, cost, quality, and safety while managing elevated technical, operational, and commercial risk.

The Senior Project Manager is accountable for end-to-end delivery of high-impact customer projects using Thermo Systems’ stage-gate delivery model. This role leads complex, multi-discipline programs with elevated commercial, technical, and execution risk; drives predictable outcomes across scope, schedule, cost, quality, and safety; and serves as a senior customer-facing leader.

What You’ll Do

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead complex automation and control system integration projects from proposal through closeout.
• Develop integrated project execution plans, schedules, and financial forecasts.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, procurement, fabrication, software, and field services.
• Manage project financial performance including forecasting accuracy, cost tracking, and change management.
• Identify project risks early and implement mitigation strategies to maintain delivery objectives.
• Oversee subcontractor performance, scopes of work, and project execution alignment.
• Support installation, startup, commissioning, and system turnover activities.
• Ensure project documentation, reporting, and deliverables meet company standards.
• Drive disciplined project execution to achieve predictable delivery outcomes.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Serve as the primary customer interface and senior delivery leader for assigned projects.
• Lead project kickoffs, stakeholder meetings, and project reviews.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with internal teams, customers, and partners.
• Coordinate project scope, schedule, and deliverables across cross-functional teams.
• Identify and escalate risks, constraints, or scope changes early.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with clients, contractors, and project stakeholders.

Quality, Safety & Process:

• Adhere to company policies, QMS requirements, and established safety standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture across project teams and subcontractors.
• Ensure project execution aligns with Thermo Systems standards and customer requirements.
• Deliver accurate, high-quality results with strong attention to detail.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in project delivery processes.

People Leadership:

• Provide mentorship and guidance to project managers, associate project managers, and project staff.
• Support development of project management capabilities across the organization.
• Promote a collaborative and accountable team culture aligned with The Thermo Way.
• Provide calm, disciplined leadership during complex or high-pressure project situations.

What We’re Looking For

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business, or related technical discipline.
• 8+ years managing complex industrial, engineering, automation, or systems integration projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects with multiple technical disciplines including engineering, field execution, and commissioning.
• Experience leading projects with elevated operational, technical, or commercial complexity.
• Experience working in structured project delivery environments is preferred.
• PMP certification preferred.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Strong leadership and project execution capabilities.
• Advanced understanding of project controls including forecasting, cost management, and risk management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining disciplined project execution.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical abilities.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as MS Project, Smartsheet, or similar platforms.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and accountability.
• Ability to lead complex projects while maintaining strong collaboration across teams.

What You’ll Get

• Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
• 401(k) with company match
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
• In-house and external technical training opportunities
• Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects
• A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork
• Learn more at www.thermosystems.com

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.

Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.