Automation Project Manager Jobs in North Carolina
Automation Project Manager jobs in North Carolina are in strong demand, concentrated in manufacturing automation, pharmaceutical production systems, and advanced logistics, with openings at every level from associate project manager through senior program director. The heaviest hiring is in the Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Greensboro-Winston-Salem corridors, where employers like Honeywell, Siemens, and Merck have significant North Carolina operations. The most sought-after specialties are industrial control systems integration, manufacturing execution systems, and cross-functional automation rollouts tied to the state's growing life sciences and aerospace sectors. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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JOB SUMMARY
As a co-op, you will be part of the team from day one and given training and tasks that are important and impactful to our projects' success.Success in this role depends on the Co-op’s initiative and teamwork skills. A successful Co-op will support projects from preconstruction through closeout, collaborating with Project Managers, vendors, and field teams to coordinate materials, manage logistics, and uphold safety, quality, and budget standards. Top achieving Co-ops may take on increased responsibilities and ownership of projects under guidance.
McKenney's has a long history of success in hiring Co-ops and supporting their evolution into industry leaders. Many of our current senior leaders began their journey in the Co-op program.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate closely with Project Managers to support controls projects from initiation through final closeout.
- Coordinate procurement of materials and equipment by working directly with vendors and suppliers.
- Assist with project cost tracking and provide regular updates on budget performance.
- Plan with Project Managers and Field Team Leaders to hit schedule milestones with the field teams onsite.
- Routinely survey project sites for adherence to McKenney’s safety, quality, and productivity values.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:- Students must be enrolled in a Co-op program at an accredited engineering school majoring in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Computer Science, or a related degree.
- Candidates must be able to complete at least three full-time, alternating Co-op rotations prior to their graduation and should avoid a full courseload while working, which may delay graduation.
- 1st Rotation: Spring 2027
- 2nd Rotation: Fall 2027
- 3rd Rotation: Summer 2028
- Ability to use time productively.
- Strong self-motivation and ability to work independently as well as within a team
- Maintain a strong attention to detail.
- Effective verbal and written communication across multidisciplinary teams (e.g., Project Managers, field staff, drafting, and shops).
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORTS
- Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office environment.
- No or limited exposure to physical risk; occasional jobsite visits may require climbing permanent and temporary stairs/ladders, passenger use of hoists, and navigating active construction areas.
- Light physical effort handling average weight objects up to 50 pounds may be required occasionally.
Moving Safety Forward, our initiative for continuous improvements in our safety culture, reminds us that we are on a journey toward a zero-incident culture. In all we do, we must work to build a partnership with our employees, customers and business associates that empowers them all with the ability to do their jobs safely.
McKenney’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. Qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to age, color, religion, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or gender identity. McKenney’s is a smoke-free and drug-free workplace.
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Where North Carolina roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Project Manager Job Market in North Carolina
A snapshot from current North Carolina openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What North Carolina Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation project manager jobs across North Carolina.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, automation technology, or a related technical field
- PMP certification or equivalent project management credential strongly preferred by North Carolina employers
- Hands-on experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, or industrial automation platforms
- Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams across engineering and operations in manufacturing environments
- Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or Smartsheet
- Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies like Six Sigma
Automation Project Manager Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an automation project manager in North Carolina?
Most automation project managers in North Carolina enter the role through an engineering or technical degree followed by project management certification, typically the PMP through the Project Management Institute. North Carolina does not require a state-issued license specific to this role, but employers in the state's manufacturing, life sciences, and aerospace sectors consistently expect candidates to hold or be actively pursuing PMP credentials alongside a strong technical background in industrial automation.
How much do automation project managers make in North Carolina?
Automation project managers in North Carolina earn a median of about $100,820 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $61,570 for the lowest 10% to over $164,050 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation project managers in North Carolina?
Employers hiring automation project managers in North Carolina right now include Siemens, ABB, and ENFRA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. North Carolina's concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Research Triangle, automotive suppliers near Charlotte, and aerospace operations in the Piedmont Triad means demand stays active across multiple industries rather than clustering in a single sector.
Which North Carolina cities have the most automation project manager jobs?
Raleigh, Charlotte, and Cary have the most automation project manager openings in North Carolina. Charlotte leads because of its large manufacturing and energy infrastructure base, the Raleigh-Durham area draws demand from life sciences and technology firms clustered around Research Triangle Park, and Greensboro and Winston-Salem see consistent openings tied to aerospace, advanced textiles, and industrial equipment companies with long-standing operations in the Piedmont Triad.
Are there remote automation project manager jobs in North Carolina?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based roles because automation project management often involves on-site work with equipment, contractors, and plant operations. About 63% of automation project manager openings tied to North Carolina are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to concentrate in the planning, vendor coordination, and documentation phases of projects rather than the hands-on commissioning or startup work.
How can I get hired as an automation project manager in North Carolina with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a junior or associate project coordinator role inside a North Carolina manufacturing or engineering firm, where you support senior automation PMs before owning projects independently. Employers like Honeywell and Siemens in the Charlotte region, along with contract manufacturers near the Research Triangle, regularly bring on entry-level technical coordinators from engineering programs. Completing a CAPM certification through the Project Management Institute strengthens a new candidate's profile considerably before pursuing a full PM title.
Where can I find and apply to automation project manager jobs in North Carolina?
You can find and apply to automation project manager jobs in North Carolina on Migrate Mate, which lists current North Carolina openings across manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace, and other sectors active in the state. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 15 Automation Project Manager Jobs in North Carolina
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