Technical Team Lead - Industrial Controls & AutomationLocation: Onsite in Omaha, NE
Employment Status: Full Time
Compensation: $90,000 - $115,000 Annually + Bonus
Travel: Up to 25%
The OpportunityThermo Systems is seeking a Technical Team Lead with hands-on experience in PLC-based industrial controls and automation to lead, train, and develop a team of technicians. This role combines people leadership, hands-on technical training, and project support in collaboration with Engineering, Commissioning, and Project Management.
You don't need to be the expert in every technical area, but you should have the practical experience to understand the work, recognize challenges, and provide your team with the guidance and resources they need to succeed.
What You'll DoLead and Develop Technical Talent- Lead the day-to-day scheduling, performance, and development of a team of technicians supporting industrial controls and automation projects.
- Coach, mentor, and develop employees through clear expectations, constructive feedback, accountability, and meaningful growth opportunities.
- Support recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and performance management to build a capable and engaged technical team.
- Foster a culture of safety, quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Lead Technical Training & Onboarding- Develop and deliver structured classroom and hands-on training covering industrial controls, PLC/HMI/SCADA fundamentals, instrumentation, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
- Lead practical exercises and equipment demonstrations that prepare technicians for real-world field applications.
- Assess technician readiness through practical evaluations and identify additional training needs before field assignments.
- Partner with Engineering, Commissioning, and experienced field personnel to maintain and improve training materials, onboarding programs, and technical learning paths.
Support Controls & Automation Project Delivery- Coordinate with Project Managers and technical leaders to align technician assignments, capabilities, and availability with project schedules and priorities.
- Provide practical technical oversight of startup, commissioning, integration, troubleshooting, and field activities, engaging senior technical resources when needed.
- Monitor employee performance, work quality, and field execution while addressing challenges and reinforcing safe, consistent technical practices.
- Identify opportunities to improve staffing, training, communication, and overall team effectiveness.
What We're Looking ForEducation & Experience:- Associate degree or relevant technical education in industrial controls, automation, electrical, electronics, engineering technology, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.
- Typically 7+ years of experience in industrial control systems, including startup, commissioning, PLC/HMI/SCADA integration, troubleshooting, control panel design, or related field work.
- Experience leading, coaching, mentoring, or delivering technical training to employees in industrial automation, engineering, commissioning, or project environments.
Skills & Qualifications:- Strong practical understanding of industrial automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMI/SCADA, electrical control panels, and field equipment.
- Ability to evaluate technical work quality, recognize project and field risks, and collaborate with Engineers and senior technical contributors when additional expertise is needed.
- Effective people leadership skills, including setting expectations, providing feedback, managing performance, and developing employees.
- Ability to plan and balance employee workloads based on project priorities, technical capabilities, availability, and development opportunities.
- Sound judgment, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to navigate employee, staffing, and project challenges while collaborating across teams and with customers.
What You'll Get- Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
- 401(k) with company match
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
- Paid time off and sick leave
- Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
- In-house and external technical training opportunities
- Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects
- A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork
- Learn more at www.thermosystems.com
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.
