Electrical Automation Job Leader I
Job Description
Location: Victor, NY
Department: Controls / Electrical Automation
Schedule: Full-Time, First Shift
Pay: $32.00 - $40.00/hr
Progressive Machine & Design (PMD) is looking for an experienced Electrical Automation Job Leader I to lead the electrical and pneumatic implementation of custom automation projects. This hands-on leadership role combines electrical panel building, machine wiring, pneumatic systems, troubleshooting, project coordination, and team leadership. You will help guide a small team of electricians while partnering closely with Engineering, Mechanical Build, and Production to deliver high-quality automation projects on schedule and within budgeted hours. If you enjoy being hands-on, solving problems, leading others, and seeing a complex automation system come together from build through customer installation, this could be a great opportunity for you.
- Lead and participate in the panel build, wiring, plumbing, and debugging of automation equipment.
- Train and mentor electricians in all aspects of the controls build process.
- Prioritize and manage controls build activities to ensure efficient wiring and plumbing.
- Lead station wiring and establish efficient wiring and plumbing paths for machine sub-assemblies.
- Perform drilling, tapping, wireway and DIN rail installation, component mounting, and wiring.
- Create enclosure cutouts and knockouts.
- Oversee panel builds, make design adjustments when needed, and communicate hardware changes to Engineering.
- Determine optimal locations and routing for external devices, including I/O blocks, valve banks, RFID readers, and junction boxes.
- Participate in mechanical design and hardware review meetings.
- Review customer specifications and build documentation to understand dimensions, sequence of operations, and setup requirements.
- Assist with designing cable management systems and order required components such as ladder track, wireway, and cable tray.
- Assist in sizing and positioning pneumatic systems, including air preparation systems, shutoffs, and air headers.
- Apply fundamental electrical and pneumatic concepts to the build and troubleshooting process.
- Communicate essential project information and changes with Engineers and other project team members.
- Identify project break points and help manage shipping constraints.
- Keep drawing packets current with the latest revisions.
- Manage the job parts shelf and ensure necessary components are received and available.
- Manage priorities to keep projects moving efficiently and meet project deadlines and budgeted hours.
- Work with Engineers, machine builders, and Production personnel to identify and resolve wiring and assembly issues.
- Lead machine power-up procedures.
- Conduct I/O checks with Engineering support.
- Support electrical and machine debugging alongside Engineering and Mechanical Build teams.
- Help ensure equipment operates properly and meets project requirements.
- Lead electrical installation activities at customer sites.
- Support project installation and startup activities.
- Disassemble and package components and equipment for shipment.
- Travel up to 30%, including domestic and international project installations.
- Maintain high-quality workmanship throughout the controls build process.
- Follow all applicable safety procedures and PPE requirements.
- Promote safe work practices among team members.
- Vocational/technical degree, associate degree, or higher in a related field.
- 2+ years of experience as an electrician in the automation industry.
- Ability to read, interpret, and apply technical procedures and project documentation.
- Understanding of basic electrical fundamentals.
- Ability to use the basic functions of a multimeter, including AC/DC voltage, resistance/Ohms, and amperage.
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Strong time-management and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a project-driven environment.
- Ability to work independently while effectively leading and collaborating with a team.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts, including fractions, percentages, and the four basic operations.
We're looking for someone who can lead from the floor—someone who is comfortable picking up a tool and helping with the work while also keeping the team organized and the project moving. Successful candidates will be able to:
- Lead and develop a small team of electricians.
- Set priorities and keep work moving toward project deadlines.
- Communicate effectively with Engineering, Mechanical Build, Production, and project leadership.
- Identify problems early and take initiative to resolve them.
- Maintain high standards for workmanship and quality.
- Balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities.
This is a hands-on manufacturing position that regularly requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and using hands to handle tools and components.
- Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds unassisted.
- Occasional sitting, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, and stooping.
- Work primarily takes place indoors around moving mechanical parts with moderate noise levels.
- Required to wear appropriate safety equipment and PPE.
- Ability to perform work requiring close, distance, peripheral, and depth vision, including color recognition.
- Travel up to 30% for customer installations, including domestic and international travel.
At Progressive Machine & Design, you'll have the opportunity to work on custom automation projects from build through installation. You'll collaborate with engineers, builders, and production teams while developing your technical and leadership skills.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced automation electrician who is ready to take the next step into a hands-on technical leadership role.
Progressive Machine & Design is an equal opportunity employer.
