Automation​/Controls Engineer

Job Location:

W.A.F.

- Crookston
- Crookston, MN 56716

Position Type:
Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: $79,000.00 - $ Salary/year, Travel Percentage:
Up to 25%, Job Shift: Day, Job Category:
Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineer

• Design, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
• Develop and support HMI and SCADA applications for monitoring, control, and data collection
• Troubleshoot and debug electrical, controls, and automation issues on production and process equipment
• Create and maintain control narratives, I/O lists, electrical schematics, and technical documentation
• Support commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment, upgrades, and process improvements
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, process, and maintenance teams to integrate automation solutions
• Implement and support data collection, historian, and industrial networking systems
• Ensure control systems comply with applicable safety standards, electrical codes, and company best practices
• Provide on-site support for production issues, downtime reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Assist with vendor coordination and equipment specifications
• Proficiency in setting up and configuring robot platforms such as FANUC, ABB and KUKA

• Has a strong understanding of industrial sensors, actuators, and control hardware
• Possesses the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Has strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Can effectively communicate and has documentation skills
• Has the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Is safety-minded

Because we're growing.

We're investing in new equipment, new technology, automation, and our people. This position is being added because we're looking toward the future — and we want an engineer who wants to be part of that future.

• Solve real-world problems
• Work with automation and new technology
• Bring your ideas to the table
• Improve efficiency and processes
• See your work make an impact on the plant floor
• Help shape the future of a growing manufacturing operation

This isn't about maintaining the status quo.

It's about making things better.

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-paid short-term & long-term disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & paid holidays
• Up to an 8% annual bonus
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Voluntary accident & critical illness insurance
• Up to $400/month daycare reimbursement
• $1,000 employee referral bonus
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming (Allen‑Bradley Control Logix/Compact Logix preferred)
• Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms (Factory Talk, Ignition, Wonderware, etc.)

Desired

Education and Experience:

• Experience in manufacturing, process industries, or heavy industrial environments
• Familiarity with industrial networking (Ether Net/IP, Modbus, Profinet)
• Experience with VFD's, motion control, and servo systems
• Knowledge of PLC's and machine safety standards
• Experience with data logging, historians, MES, or manufacturing analytics systems
• Robotic programming experience

• Standing & Walking:
  Frequently required
  - Engineers may need to patrol equipment, inspect robots and controls, and troubleshoot on the production floor. Surfaces may be uneven or change between office, and production areas.
• Sitting:
  Moderate requirement
  - Work at a desk for programming, documentation, analysis, and meetings.
• Lifting & Carrying:
  Occasional to frequent lifting (10-25 lbs). Anything over 50 lbs requires two people.
• Bending, Stooping, Kneeling:
  Occasional
  - Accessing equipment components, routing cables, checking sensors and actuators. Getting into confined spaces around machines.
• Reaching & Handling:
  Frequent:
  Operating controls, connectors, keyboards, handheld diagnostic tools. Reaching into panels or around machinery.
• Vision & Hearing:
  Essential:
  Ability to read screens, schematics, labels, and indicators. Hearing alarms, signals, and communications in a noisy industrial…