Technical Program Manager

Founded in 1983, Kele Inc. is a leading distribution, and solutions partner with national reach and a global presence. Built around our customers and powered by our people, Kele provides millions of in-stock parts from more than 300 brands to drive automation & efficiency in nearly every type of facility, from office towers and factories to data centers and hospitals.

Our goal is to empower progress for maintenance managers, engineers, contractors, and all those building the future. We do this by delivering parts rapidly, providing custom assemblies upstream, and offering unmatched support to ensure projects run smoothly and downtime is minimized.

With 12 locations nationwide and headquarters in Tennessee, Kele combines deep technical expertise, rapid logistics, and a solutions-first mindset to help customers simplify supply chains, meet tight schedules, and deliver high-quality outcomes.

Kele fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession, empowering associates at every level to contribute, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

We are currently hiring for the role of Technical Program Manager.

SUMMARY

Kele Companies is seeking a Technical Program Manager to help our data center customers select, manage, and troubleshoot the control devices that keep data center construction projects on schedule.

This is a hands-on, customer-facing technical role for someone who understands building automation controls from experience with installation, programming, commissioning, or supporting it. Your primary responsibility will be helping customers choose the right valves, actuators, flow meters, humidity sensors, pressure transmitters, temperature sensors, and related devices for their applications.

You will work closely with data center owners, controls integrators, consulting engineers, manufacturers, and Kele’s sales and operations teams - from initial product selection through installation and ongoing technical support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Device Selection and Application Support

• Prepare and review bills of material, product submittals, technical documentation, and proposed substitutions.
• Review project specifications, drawings, sequences of operation, and equipment schedules to understand application requirements.
• Recommend appropriate control devices based on performance, accuracy, operating conditions, system compatibility, installation requirements, and availability.
• Help customers size and select valves and actuators, flow meters, and other instrumentation for HVAC and data center cooling systems.
• Identify specification gaps, compatibility concerns, and application risks before products are ordered or installed.

Troubleshooting and Technical Support

• Serve as a technical resource for customers and Kele associates on product application, installation, configuration, and operation.
• Diagnose issues involving device selection, wiring, power, signal scaling, calibration, communications, and installation.
• Work with integrators and manufacturers to resolve problems and follow issues through to closure.
• Provide remote support and visit data center construction sites when needed to investigate issues or support installation and startup.
• Document solutions and share lessons learned to prevent recurring problems.

Customer Program Coordination

• Act as a consistent technical point of contact across assigned data center projects.
• Coordinate with sales, operations, purchasing, and manufacturers to align technical requirements with project schedules and product availability.
• Track technical questions, submittal decisions, scope changes, and unresolved issues, with clear ownership and follow-through.
• Help customers establish repeatable device standards and approved product selections across projects.
• Communicate changes early so customers and internal teams can make informed decisions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATINS

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with building automation systems, HVAC controls, and field instrumentation.
• Strong working knowledge of how control devices are selected, installed, commissioned, and troubleshot.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, controls diagrams, wiring schematics, specifications, and sequences of operation.
• Understanding of HVAC systems, including air handlers, chilled-water systems, pumps, and control valves.
• Familiarity with common controls signals and communications, including 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, BACnet, and Modbus.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to explain technical issues clearly to customers and colleagues.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, work independently in a remote environment, and follow commitments through to completion.
• Willingness to travel periodically to customer locations and active construction sites.
• No college coursework or degree required. Practical experience and demonstrated technical ability are what matter.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Previous employment with a building automation systems integrator or controls contractor, particularly in installation, service, programming, applications, or commissioning.
• Experience supporting data centers or other mission-critical facilities.
• Experience selecting and applying control devices from multiple manufacturers.
• Familiarity with Tridium Niagara or other major building automation platforms.
• Experience supporting construction projects through submittals, installation, startup, and commissioning.

Kele Companies offers all full-time associates the following benefits and perks:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance ​
• HSA
• FSA (medical and dependent care)
• 401(k) with employer match up to 4% with immediate vesting
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage
• Employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; supplemental life for employees and dependents available
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid maternity leave