Job Description
Job DescriptionControls Engineer
Location: Saint Paul, MN (Onsite)
Are you an experienced PLC professional seeking a low-travel, high-impact role? We are looking for a skilled Controls Service Engineer to join our dynamic team in the St. Paul, MN area. This is a great opportunity to leverage your expertise in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and system maintenance in a supportive and fast-paced environment.
About the Role
As a Controls Service Engineer, you'll play a vital role in ensuring the reliability and performance of our clients' automation systems. You’ll serve as a key technical expert—both internally and for our customers—providing hands-on support, system insights, and problem-solving.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide technical support to customers via phone and email
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Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of PLC systems to minimize downtime
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Diagnose and resolve issues related to PLC hardware and software
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Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
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Visit customer sites for inspections and technical assistance (10–15% travel)
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Develop and maintain technical documentation (schematics, wiring diagrams, manuals)
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Stay current with advancements in PLC and automation technologies
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Train clients and internal teams on system operation and best practices
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Follow department standards for programming, documentation, panel design, and workflow
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Collaborate with customers to understand needs and recommend effective solutions
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Provide engineering estimates for customer-requested changes
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Participate in on-call support rotation (including nights and weekends)
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Assist in panel shop with layout and wiring tasks as needed
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Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering —or equivalent experience
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Minimum of 5 years of hands-on controls engineering experience
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Proficient in PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram)
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Experience with major PLC brands: Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi
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Skilled in HMI and SCADA systems; specifically Allen-Bradley FT View ME and SE
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Familiarity with Siemens PLC and HMI platforms
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Understanding of UL508A standards and relevant NFPA codes
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CAD experience for creating P&ID drawings and control panel designs
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Excellent multitasking and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills; fluent in English
Work Environment
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Office-based role in a professional, deadline-driven setting
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Participation in 24/7 support rotation with occasional after-hours availability
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Occasional work in panel shop environment
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Site visits to industrial manufacturing facilities (10% – 15% travel)