Controls Engineer Job Detroit Lakes area,Minnesota USA,Engineering

Design, program, and launch the systems global brands rely on

You’ll be the Controls Engineer turning complex automation ideas into production-ready reality for major consumer products manufacturers.

From PLC code to HMI screens to panel layouts, you own the full controls package that makes custom machinery think, move, and respond.

You’ll work across multiple platforms, devices, and networks, integrating robots, motion, vision, and safety into one seamless system.

If you love getting deep into code, schematics, and commissioning to see machines come alive, this is your lane.

If you’ve built and commissioned industrial automation systems end-to-end, we want to talk to you.

What You'll Work On

You’ll be hands-on with complete automated processing systems for high-end manufacturing environments:

PLC-based control systems across multiple platforms
Industrial HMI/OIT and operator interface panels
Motion control, servos, and robotics integration
Sensors, pneumatics, lasers, printers, and scanners
Electrical control panels, power, logic, and safety circuits
Networked systems, databases, and industrial PCs
System commissioning, startup, and field troubleshooting
UL/NEC-compliant field wiring and panel wiring

You’ll be working with tools and technologies like Rockwell/AB Compact Logix and Control Logix, Studio 5000, RSLogix 500, Beckhoff TwinCAT 2 & 3, Siemens, C++/C#/Python, Visual Studio, SQL, Factory Talk View Studio (SE/ME), Windows CE, Wonderware, Indu Soft, AutoCAD, and Solid Works Electrical.

This is where deep PLC programming meets real-world machinery, every single day.

What You'll Be Doing

Programming PLC-based systems across multiple platforms
Developing controls software in structured text and ladder logic for industrial automation
Creating and configuring HMI/OIT panels and operator interfaces
Designing industrial HMI screens using Factory Talk View Studio (SE and ME)
Integrating hardware devices and I/O systems including sensors, actuators, pneumatics, servos, motion controls, robotics, lasers, printers, and scanners
Designing electrical control systems including schematics, pneumatic diagrams, enclosure and panel layouts, and safety circuits
Using AutoCAD and Solid Works Electrical for controls and panel design
Providing startup support and system commissioning at customer sites
Troubleshooting control systems and resolving automation issues
Assisting with technical writing for scopes of work, operating manuals, and user guides
Field wiring, panel wiring, and conduit installation to UL/NEC standards
Collaborating with a cross-functional team and communicating clearly with coworkers and management

What We're Looking For

Bachelor’s degree in Automation Controls/Electronics Engineering, or 5+ years in an industrial automation environment, or a 2-year technical degree with 10+ years’ experience
Hands-on PLC programming experience in structured text and ladder logic
Background designing software controls for diverse industrial automated systems
Experience interfacing, communicating with, and troubleshooting automated machinery
Knowledge of AC/DC systems, VFDs, and motors
Ability to design and interpret electrical and pneumatic schematics and panel layouts
Comfort working with industrial networking concepts
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Strong interpersonal skills and a confident, team-oriented mindset

The Experience That Will Really Get Our Attention

You’ve taken multiple automation projects from blank screen to commissioned system—writing PLC code, building HMIs, designing panels, and supporting startup in fast-paced industrial environments. When a line is down or a new feature is needed, you know how to dive into logic, wiring, and devices to make it work.

You move comfortably between Rockwell, Beckhoff, and…