Controls Engineer

nVent•Blaine, MN

19d•$89,300 - $165,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Controls Engineer supports Operation Engineering and the industrial automation segment of manufacturing equipment. The role supports automation tasks in day-to-day manufacturing operations, site and equipment optimization, and the introduction of new automation equipment. The engineer implements, debugs, and maintains control systems for production equipment and facility automation, working with R&D, NPI/Sustaining Engineering, Facilities Maintenance, Operations, and Leadership to sustain and optimize automation activities. This position is onsite five days a week in Blaine, Minnesota. The engineer leads equipment qualification, commissioning, and implementation; develops automation controls and safety systems; drives modernization and improvement projects; and provides technical leadership and mentorship. The role also supports new product introductions and strategic automation planning, including research into emerging automation technologies. nVent describes itself as a global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. Its principal office is in London, and its U.S. management office is in Minneapolis. The position offers a stated compensation range of $89,300 to $165,800, with possible eligibility for annual incentives. Eligible full-time employees receive a broad benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
Strong experience with PLCs (Allen Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, etc.), HMIs, industrial networking, and machine safety.
Experience qualifying and commissioning new manufacturing equipment or upgrades.
Proven success leading projects focused on quality improvement, cycle time reduction, and operational efficiency.
Experience working with machine builders, automation integrators, and capital equipment suppliers.
Strong troubleshooting, attention to detail, project leadership, and communication skills.
Passion for building reliable and scalable automated systems.

Nice To Haves

Ideally 5+ years of experience supporting and developing automated manufacturing systems.
Experience with manufacturing data systems, SCADA/MES platforms, or SQL databases.
Experience with robotics, machine vision, or advanced automation technologies.

Responsibilities

Lead the qualification, commissioning, and implementation of automated manufacturing equipment and production systems.
Identify and execute opportunities to improve safety, quality, throughput, OEE, and cycle times.
Develop controls architecture, PLC programs, HMIs, industrial communication networks, and machine safety systems for new and existing equipment.
Drive equipment upgrades, automation improvements, and modernization projects across manufacturing operations.
Develop equipment specifications and collaborate with machine builders, integrators, and suppliers through design, FAT, SAT, and production launch.
Analyze equipment and process data, track test results and equipment performance, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
Support new product introductions through development and integration of automated manufacturing and test systems.
Lead strategic automation projects from concept through implementation, managing scope, schedule, and stakeholder communication.
Research emerging automation technologies and develop long-term plans for automation, robotics, vision systems, and digital manufacturing solutions.
Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and technicians.
Support automation tasks in day-to-day manufacturing operations, site and equipment optimization, and bringing new automation equipment into the facility.
Implement, debug, and maintain control systems for production equipment and facility automation, working with relevant departments to sustain and optimize automation activities.