The Manager, Machine Safety plays a critical role at the intersection of sales and project management for Machine Safety. This position collaborates closely with project managers and business development to lead technical scoping and proposal development for machine safety automation solutions. Develop automation and safety projects from concept to fruition using industry-accepted practices. Use creativity and work with the engineering team to develop concepts into plans. The role also supports client engagement and guides the machine safety engineering team in opportunity development, ensuring a smooth transition from concept to execution while achieving branch sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction goals.

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

Responsibility 1: Sales & Customer Development

• Identify, qualify, and develop automation opportunities through customer engagement, networking, and proactive outreach.
• Lead customer discovery meetings and site visits to assess feasibility, collect requirements, and establish trust.
• Create conceptual Machine Safety Automation solutions with support of the machine safety team and branch
• Develop and deliver compelling technical proposals, estimates, and presentations tailored to client needs, with a strong emphasis on on-time delivery of quotes to support customer decision-making and project timelines.
• Empower the Machine Safety Engineer team in developing and maintaining ongoing relationships with clients throughout the project lifecycle to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.

Responsibility 2: Project Scoping & Estimating

• Translate customer needs into high-level solutions including mechanical, electrical, and software scopes.
• Collaborate with engineering and project management teams to define scope, timelines, and budgets.
• Collaborate with Business Development and the Project Manager on the pricing strategy and proposal process, including margin analysis, quoting, and contract negotiation.
• Oversee risk assessment and alignment of solutions with internal capabilities and customer expectations.

Responsibility 3: Technical Leadership & Support

• Guide and mentor Engineers in scope development, estimating, and technical customer interactions.
• Ensure a seamless handoff to the execution team, participating in kickoff meetings and early-phase technical oversight as needed.
• Monitor project outcomes and contribute to lessons-learned processes for continuous improvement.

Responsibility 4: Team & Process Development

• 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.

Safety/Hazard Recognition & Elimination

• Pre-plan and identify the methods to eliminate hazards daily by work task
• Execute skill in observing habits and hazards of others and bringing it to their attention
• 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

Qualifications and Requirements

• 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.

Success Metrics

• Achievement of branch sales revenue and gross margin goals.
• Timely, accurate, and competitive delivery of estimates and proposals.
• Effective mentorship and development of Application Engineers.
• Customer satisfaction and project outcome alignment.

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.

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Pieper Automation serves as a turnkey automation controls partner to companies that are in need of innovative solutions, strategies & support and is a full solution & services provider for industrial design and integration of machines and systems, including process development and improvement, new equipment design and machine enhancement to help our customers compete successfully in today’s highly competitive global environment. We are a leader in providing complete Industrial automation solutions to manufacturers throughout North America. This includes small, mid-size and Fortune 100 companies in virtually every industry. We pride ourselves in our unique ability to provide control, mechanical and process engineering, along with custom assembly machine manufacturing and panel building, allowing us to deliver your solution seamlessly – from one supplier. This allows us to deliver the best value to your company through efficiencies in both cost and time management. With thousands of successfully completed projects in our portfolio, we provide an unprecedented breadth of expertise, service, and experience to meet all your needs.