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.
At Power Design, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Power Design believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is paramount to our success as a national company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool nationwide
Skills Required
- 7+ years in industrial automation or robotics engineering with direct manufacturing deployment experience.
- Hands-on experience with two or more cobot platforms or industrial robotics (Universal Robots, FANUC, KUKA) and machine vision (Cognex, Keyence).
- Strong PLC/SCADA background; able to read ladder logic and troubleshoot controls on the floor.
- Experience writing and running FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing) and SAT (Site Acceptance Testing) with defined acceptance criteria.
- Proven ability to critically evaluate automation vendors and deployment claims.
- Electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering degree/background.
- Experience in prefab, manufacturing, or electrical construction.
- Demonstrated alignment with company core values (integrity, accountability, teamwork, innovation, growth).
Power Design, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Power Design, Inc. and has not been reviewed or approved by Power Design, Inc..
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Healthcare Strength — Core medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage are broadly offered in employer materials and postings. Feedback suggests access is comprehensive, with specifics varying by plan tier and role.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — On-site amenities like a free fitness center with trainers, wellness resources, and an onsite café at the St. Petersburg campus are emphasized. Feedback suggests additional perks such as Care.com memberships, discounts, and frequent company events enhance the package.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-oriented offerings include Care.com memberships and a scholarship program for employees’ children. Feedback suggests these benefits complement standard coverage and development programs.
Power Design, Inc. Insights
What We Do
Power Design’s integrated approach to design and construction is what sets us apart. As a full-service, design-build MEP Contractor and Systems Integrator, we’re disruptors in the construction industry while grounded in our core values; supporting work-life balance and a unique culture for our staff over the last 31 years. Power Design’s commitment to innovation and creating exceptional experiences spans as wide as our coast-to-coast presence and 40-acre national campus. Navigating waves of change is what we’re all about, so even during challenging times, our award-winning technology, dedication to training, holistic outlook and unparalleled leadership are what make us built to last.
