Senior Controls Engineer

Danaher•Chaska, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Controls Engineer is a contributor and engineering leader through all phases of automated control system projects, including planning, design, programming, purchasing, integration, testing, commissioning, and training. The role is responsible for equipment deployment opportunities and is part of the Global Equipment Automation team, reporting to the Automation Engineering Manager. This is an onsite position in Chaska, Minnesota. The engineer collaborates with Beckman factories and contracted suppliers to develop user requirement specifications, automation concepts, and architectural-level designs for automated equipment. Equipment functions include bottle, vial, and cartridge material handling; liquid filling; capping; labeling; and palletizing. The role also supports end-to-end supplier and integrator project execution, from budgeting and scheduling through design, implementation, installation, troubleshooting, and documentation, while ensuring regulatory compliance. The position involves designing and programming industrial control systems, reviewing supplier deliverables, and contributing technical guidance and project updates. The engineer helps establish and drive Global Automation engineering best practices across project tollgates, including procurement, supplier design, equipment testing, installation, and FAT/SAT. Travel to Beckman and supplier/vendor sites may be required up to 15%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or Mechatronics/Automation and 5 or more years of experience, or a master’s degree and 2 or more years of experience.
Proficiency in PLC programming, including ladder logic and structured text.
Experience with AC/DC drives, servo motors, HMIs, machine vision, and safety systems.
Ability to work within an engineering team and manage automation objectives, including debugging, installation, equipment commissioning, and training aligned with project specifications.
Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to articulate technical concepts for team review.
Proactive mindset for process optimization and problem-solving.
Ability to travel up to 15% to Beckman and supplier/vendor sites.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with complex mechanical systems, including CAD modeling.
Experience with Rockwell Automation ControlLogix programmable controllers.
Experience with Cognex vision systems and industrial robotics.
Experience with digital integration leveraging PLC and SCADA systems.
Basic understanding of computer networking, TCP/IP, and industrial fieldbus architectures such as Ethernet I/P.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Beckman factories and contracted suppliers to develop user requirement specifications, automation concepts, and architectural-level designs for automated equipment.
Participate in end-to-end project execution with equipment suppliers and integrators, including budgeting, scheduling, design, implementation, installation, troubleshooting, and documentation.
Ensure project execution and equipment deliverables meet regulatory requirements and technical standards.
Design and program industrial control systems, including PLCs, robotics, HMIs, vision systems, and motion control systems.
Participate in design reviews with contractors, engineering consultants, and project team members.
Provide technical input for engineering decisions, guidance, and project status updates for reviews and company meetings.
Drive Global Automation engineering best practices across project tollgates, including procurement, supplier design, equipment testing, installation, and FAT/SAT.
Support debugging, installation, equipment commissioning, and training aligned with project specifications.
Travel to Beckman and supplier/vendor sites as required, up to 15%.