Electrical Automation Job Leader I

Location: Victor, NY 

Department: Controls / Electrical Automation 

Schedule: Full-Time, First Shift

Pay: $32.00 - $40.00/hr

Lead the Build. Bring Automation to Life.

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.

What You'll Do:

Lead Electrical & Controls Build

• 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.

Electrical & Pneumatic Systems

• 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.

Project Coordination

• 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.

Debugging & Troubleshooting

• 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.

Installation & Customer Support

• 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.

Safety & Quality

• Maintain high-quality workmanship throughout the controls build process.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Promote safe work practices among team members.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Leadership Skills That Will Make You Successful

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.

Physical & Work Environment

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.

Why PMD?

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.