Technical Lead, Machine Safety

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.

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, Skills, 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.