Automation Engineer - Industrial & Utilities

At Excel Engineering, we are the power behind our clients’ processes.

We are a full‑service engineering consulting firm specializing in electrical engineering, industrial automation, and power systems. For over 30 years, we’ve partnered with leading companies across industries to deliver solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and performance.

Our work spans sectors including life sciences, consumer goods, chemical, oil & gas, and utilities, giving our team the opportunity to work on complex, high‑impact projects.

What sets us apart is our approach, we build long‑term partnerships by understanding our clients’ operations and acting as an extension of their team. If you’re looking to grow your skills, take on meaningful challenges, and make a real impact, Excel Engineering offers the opportunity to do just that.

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer for its Industrial Control & Utilities division located at our main office in Mounds View, MN. This position will manage and execute assigned projects independently or as part of a team delivering engineered industrial control & automation solutions to our clients in support of their manufacturing processes or utility services. Knowledge of PLCs, HMI/SCADA, DeltaV, VFDs, P&IDs, power distribution, and panel design within the industrial manufacturing and utilities industries is fundamental to this role.

• Create all project documents according to internal processes to ensure that designs meet the client’s expectations.
• Create PLC programs and HMI applications from user requirements or functional specifications.
• Perform system validation according to scope documentation and project requirements.
• Work with the client to develop project scope and estimate; develop proposals and carry the project through completion.
• Direct assigned team in the field and assign priorities consistent with project needs; report progress to project and engineering management.
• Design electrical schematic packages by laying out I/O, designing magnetic circuits, fusing, control panel layouts, bills of material, and cable layouts.
• Perform the required sizing calculations for power, heat dissipation, wire sizing, and fusing.
• Perform the required calculations for control system network layout and traffic analysis.
• Lead large projects by defining and issuing work to assigned team members or run multiple small projects with minimal direction.
• Specify and configure VFD and servo drives for applications.
• Be willing to travel up to 25 % of the time.

• Minimum of 5 or more years’ experience as an industrial control system/automation engineer.
• Industrial electrical design experience in Consumer Goods, Renewable Energy, Gas Processing, Chemical, Power, Waste Management, or Pharmaceutical industries.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering from an ABET‑accredited institution or equivalent experience is strongly preferred.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

• Growth & Development – Ongoing continuing education, hands‑on training, and opportunities to expand your skills.
• Career Advancement Support – Assistance in earning professional certifications and pursuing further education.
• Retirement Benefits – 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Wellness Focus – Access to programs designed to support your overall well‑being.
• Work‑Life Balance – Paid time off and flexible work environment.
• Flexibility & Trust – A flexible schedule and work environment built around mutual trust and accountability.
• Share the Talent, Share the Rewards – Employee referral program designed to reward you continuously.

We offer a competitive salary and great benefits. At Excel Engineering, we’re proud of our positive, high‑performing culture where teamwork, continuous improvement, and a service‑oriented mindset help us do our best work every day. If you enjoy a fast‑paced and rewarding environment, you’ll love being part of our team!

Excel Engineering, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

We value diverse perspectives and believe they strengthen our work, our teams, and the solutions we deliver to clients. We encourage candidates from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in engineering to apply. If you need accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources team at