Job description
The HMI Manager is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of all HMI projects, from initial concept and design through programming, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), on-site commissioning, and ongoing support. This role leads and coordinates multiple teams of HMI development and commissioning engineers across a variety of organizational projects, acting as the central authority for all HMI-related activities within the company.
The HMI Manager will work in close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams—including controls, software, and electrical—as well as project management personnel and external customer stakeholders. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, strategic resource planning, and technical expertise, alongside excellent communication skills.
Key responsibilities include developing project schedules, assessing staffing requirements, forecasting engineering hours, and maintaining budgetary oversight across all HMI initiatives. Additionally, this role may support the quoting process by estimating internal and on-site labor for current and prospective projects.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- As an HMI/SCADA manager, you will be responsible for leading and developing complex integrated systems, teaching jr to mid-level engineers, and overseeing all sectors of HMI development and HMI commissioning.
- SCADA Development – Partner with various vendors externally and engineering groups internally to come up with a development plan, code, test plan, and deployment & commissioning guide for new screen / scripting development.
- Serve as the primary decision-maker and technical authority for HMI standards, architecture, and implementation across the organization.
- Self-motivated, with the ability to operate independently and with minimal supervision
- Must be able to direct, lead, strategize for upcoming projects in the pipeline while maintaining workload/ staffing for current projects. You will lead a team of roughly 15+ HMI Engineers, contractors, and interns throughout the year.
- Effectively communicate with executive leadership about current state of projects, future plans, and resolutions to any on-going issues.
- Collaborate and communicate with team members, project managers, and customers in a professional well written and spoken manner.
- Document system specifications, interface designs, and test plans for Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and Commissioning Acceptance Tests (CAT).
- Proficient with Microsoft 365 - Office Apps and Microsoft Windows OS
- Continuously improve the development process by incorporating best practices and industry standards.
- Provide support for system commissioning, troubleshooting and integration activities when required
Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to adapt quickly to project changes, client requests and unforeseen technical issues.
- Intermediate to Expert level of experience in Aveva Edge (Indusoft) and Ignition is required & experience in at least one of the following HMI / SCADA software’s (FactoryTalk View ME/SE, FT Optix or Wonderware)
- PLC proficiency or understanding of PLCs
- Proficiency in industrial communication protocols such as TCP/IP and OPC UA for seamless integration and data exchange across automation systems. Experience with protocols like Modbus, CAN, Profibus, and DeviceNet is a plus.
- Intermediate knowledge in AVEVA Edge scripting, including built-in scripting for real-time control, Python for advanced data processing, and VBScript for data manipulation and file operations, with the ability to customize and enhance HMI/SCADA applications.
- Understanding how to configure and troubleshoot these protocols within the SCADA or HMI software is essential, whether it involves setting IP addresses, configuring network topologies, or diagnosing communication failures.
- Knowledge of network segmentation, use of gateways, and integrating distributed systems is also crucial for large SCADA environments where communication must be reliable and scalable.
- Intermediate level knowledge in Rockwell PLC programming is required. (Siemens, Schneider or other PLC brands are a nice to have.)
- Ability to integrate PLCs with SCADA/HMI systems.
- Experience with SQL databases. Ability to structure data for reporting and analytics (MySQL, Microsoft SQL, Oracle)
- Experience with SCADA in automated distribution centers, e-commerce fulfillment, or manufacturing plants.
- Understanding of conveyors, sortation, scanners, and devices used in the industry.
- Ensuring compliance with safety, and cybersecurity standards
- 2-5+ years of management or leadership experience is required
- 2-5+ years of experience as an HMI /SCADA Engineer or other controls commissioning role is required
- Knowledge of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical
- Knowledge and ability to read and interpret electrical schematics/layouts
- Knowledge of 480vac 3-phase power, 120vac and 24VDC controls circuits
- Customizing standard products to meet the requirements of each project
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, etc.
- When traveling the job environment shifts to a site-based, typically industrial. When traveling this role routinely uses appropriate PPE, electrical diagnostic tools, electrical implementation tools, laptops, and networking equipment.
TRAVEL: This position requires 40% travel or as needed to various sites.
