Automation/Controls Engineer
About The Position
Automation/Controls Engineer WAF - Crookston | Crookston, MN WE’RE GROWING — AND WE’RE ADDING A PROFESSIONAL POSITION! WAF - Crookston is growing, investing in new equipment and technology, and looking for an Automation/Controls Engineer to help us build what’s next. This is an opportunity to join a growing manufacturing operation where you won't just sit behind a desk and manage projects. You'll be hands-on, solving problems, improving processes, working with automation, and seeing the results of your work on the plant floor. If you're the person who hears “the machine isn't working” and immediately wants to know why — we want to meet you!
Requirements
- 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
- 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 ControlLogix/CompactLogix preferred)
- Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms (FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware, etc.)
Nice To Haves
- Experience in manufacturing, process industries, or heavy industrial environments
- Familiarity with industrial networking (EtherNet/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
Responsibilities
- 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
Benefits
- 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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
