Technical Lead, Machine Safety

At PPC Partners we believe in the Power to Serve along with the Pursuit of Excellence. As such the following values guide our behaviors: A Servant’s Heart – Focus on the Needs of Others, Wisdom – Insightful, Integrity – Honesty and Trustworthy, Courage – Decisive and Confident in Others, Humility – Modest and Respectful, Passion – Unfailing Dedication, Hunger – Driven to Succeed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and develop automation and safety programs through customer engagement, networking, and proactive outreach.

• Lead customer discovery meetings and site visits to assess feasibility, collect requirements, and serve as the technical SME to establish trust.

• Create conceptual Machine Safety Automation solutions and program architectures with support of the machine safety team and branch.

• Develop and deliver compelling technical proposals, program roadmaps, and presentations tailored to client needs, ensuring alignment with customer decision-making and project timelines.

• Empower the Machine Safety Engineer team in developing and maintaining ongoing relationships with clients throughout the full equipment lifecycle (from vendor acceptance to decommissioning) to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.

• Translate customer needs into high-level solutions including mechanical, electrical, and software/system integration scopes.

• Collaborate with engineering and cross-functional teams to define scope, timelines, and budgets using Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) where applicable.

• Collaborate with Business Development on pricing strategy, margin analysis, quoting, and contract negotiation for complex programs.

• Oversee comprehensive risk assessments, design of safety systems (e.g., E-Stops, light curtains, safety PLCs), and alignment of solutions with internal capabilities and customer expectations.

• Guide and mentor Engineers in scope development, technical strategy, and technical customer interactions.

• Ensure a seamless handoff to the execution team, leading cross-functional integration, participating in kickoff meetings, and providing early-phase technical oversight as the primary SME.

• Monitor program outcomes, manage resources and approval workflows, and contribute to continuous improvement through Agile retrospectives and lessons-learned processes.

• Support career development of Machine Safety Engineers through coaching, mentoring, and skill-building.

• Contribute to the refinement of sales engineering processes and tools.

• Act as a key liaison between the sales, project management, engineering, and execution teams.

• Uphold safety as the most important goal of our company. Support goal of achieving zero accidents

• Promote and encourage open communication between field and office regarding all safety concerns, suggestions, improvements, and PPE needed

Obtain safety training as expected by all company personnel

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Automation, or related field required.

• 5+ years of experience in automation, machine safety, technical sales, or project engineering.

• Strong technical knowledge in control systems, automation hardware/software, and industrial processes.

• Proven ability to scope complex technical projects and communicate clearly with customers and internal stakeholders.

• Previous experience mentoring or managing technical teams preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Familiarity with ERP systems and project estimation tools.

• Travel required to customer sites and conferences as needed.

This position requires a decisive leader able to lead a group to work independently and collaboratively with a passion for hands-on work and a strong drive for project management work, and mentorship of less experienced engineers. Must have a desire to work in a team-based environment and contribute immediately.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities

• Deep understanding of automation technologies, machine safety, control systems, and industrial processes.

• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, electrical schematics, and system layouts.

• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance technical and financial perspectives.

• Skilled in estimating tools, CRM/ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to foster collaboration across departments and drive consensus in cross-functional teams.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills with a commitment to delivering quality work on time.

• Effective communicator, capable of translating complex technical concepts into customer-friendly language.

• Self-motivated and resourceful with a continuous improvement mindset.

Physical Requirements

• Office environment requiring sitting and standing.

• Travel to various construction sites is essential, exposing employee to outdoor elements, noise and the need to stand and walk.

• Reliable transportation required.

Pieper Automation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.