Controls Engineer

nVent • Blaine, MN

17d • Onsite

About The Position

The Controls Engineer supports Operation Engineering and industrial automation across manufacturing equipment. The role supports automation tasks in day-to-day manufacturing operations, site and equipment optimization, and the introduction of new automation equipment. It 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. The position is onsite five days a week in Blaine, Minnesota.

The engineer leads equipment qualification, commissioning, and implementation; develops control architectures and systems; improves safety, quality, throughput, OEE, and cycle times; and leads strategic automation projects from concept through implementation. The role also supports new product introductions, equipment modernization, production launch, data analysis, and long-term planning for automation technologies. It provides technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and technicians.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong experience with PLCs such as Allen Bradley/Rockwell or Siemens, HMIs, industrial networking, and machine safety.
• Experience qualifying and commissioning new manufacturing equipment or equipment 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 five or more 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 by developing and integrating 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 industrial automation tasks alongside day-to-day manufacturing operations, site and equipment optimization, and new automation equipment introduction.
• Implement, debug, and maintain production equipment and facility automation control systems.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Critical illness and accident insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Employee stock purchase plan with company match.
• Tuition reimbursement may be available.
• Caregiver, personal, and parental leave may be available.
• Back-up care services may be available.
• Paid time off, including volunteer time, may be available.
• Well-being program may be available.
• Legal and identity theft protection may be available.
• Employees may be eligible for annual incentives, depending on the position offered.
• nVent in Action matching program provides funds to nonprofit and educational organizations where employees volunteer or donate money.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level