MGS Senior Controls Engineer

Coesia Group•Maple Grove, MN

20d•$90,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for machine programming and controls and electrical design for complex automated machinery. The engineer leads assigned machines, machine groups, and controls projects through design, serving as a primary technical contact from concept through manufacturing, assembly, debug, acceptance, installation, and service. The role delivers solutions that meet technical, budget, quality, and schedule requirements while supporting continuous improvement and the adoption of new automation technologies. The position may be filled at the appropriate internal engineering level based on the selected candidate’s experience, technical expertise, and ability to lead increasingly complex automation projects. MGS Machine is a packaging automation solutions provider headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializing in equipment for secondary packaging, product handling, and line integration. It is part of Coesia, a global group of industrial and packaging solutions companies. The work is split between an office and manufacturing floor, with some travel typically 10% or less.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline with at least 3 years of automated machine design/controls experience; or an associate degree in an applicable technical field with at least 7 years of relevant experience.
Experience with PLC programming, industrial computer/HMI interfaces, servo and/or stepper motor control, electrical schematics, and machine wiring.
Experience with automated machinery using technologies such as robotics, vision, barcode, check-weighing, laser, pneumatic, and/or vacuum systems.
Experience supporting automated equipment through design, assembly, start-up, debug, testing, installation, commissioning, and/or service.
Proficiency with electrical design software.
Experience estimating, planning, prioritizing, and executing engineering work within technical, schedule, and budget requirements; ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Experience independently supporting or leading controls scope for a machine, machine group, or automation project, including coordinating controls activities and providing technical direction.
Ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, assembly, project management, customers, and vendors; strong analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

AutoCAD Electrical experience.
Bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years, or associate degree with at least 10 years, of automated machine design/controls engineering experience.
Experience with packaging machinery or similar high-speed industrial automation.
At least 5 years serving as technical lead for automated machines, machine groups, or complex controls/automation projects.
Demonstrated ability to lead controls projects from concept through design, build, debug, FAT, installation, and commissioning.
Advanced experience with high-speed intermittent or continuous-motion machinery, including systems operating at approximately 200+ PPM.
Advanced integration experience with PLCs, motion control, robotics, vision, safety systems, and third-party/OEM equipment.
Experience researching and implementing new controls technologies, solving complex automation challenges, and developing or improving engineering/programming standards or reusable design practices.
Subject-matter expertise in one or more areas of industrial automation or machine controls.
Experience serving as a primary customer technical interface and/or supporting sales, applications, or proposal development.
Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to less experienced engineers or technical staff.
Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma, GAMP5, or similar process-improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

Develop controls concepts and designs for new machines, models, and modules, including controls, electrical, and pneumatic systems and maintainable machine software.
Serve as controls technical lead for assigned machines or automation projects; coordinate technical activities and guide engineering and project team members.
Plan and execute controls engineering work to project scope, schedule, and budget, and participate in concept, design, and project reviews.
Develop, modify, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, motion control, robotics, vision, and other machine control systems; integrate machines, systems, and OEM equipment.
Create and maintain project documentation, including functional specifications, electrical schematics, programs, operating documentation, and engineering records.
Support machine assembly, start-up, debug, and testing; verify I/O, configure control devices, troubleshoot electrical and programming issues, and support controls and quality testing.
Support factory acceptance testing, design reviews, installation, commissioning, service, and troubleshooting, and serve as a technical resource for customers.
Maintain knowledge of emerging automation technologies and apply suitable solutions to complex customer and machine-control challenges.
Develop and improve controls engineering standards, programming practices, and design methods; support continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma, GAMP5, or similar practices where applicable.
Evaluate controls and electrical designs to improve safety, reliability, maintainability, and efficiency while reducing cost and complexity.
Provide technical consultation during proposal and project development, including review of customer specifications and technical requirements.
Share technical knowledge and guide less experienced engineers and technical team members.
Represent MGS professionally in customer meetings, design reviews, service activities, trade shows, and other technical interactions.
Promote the company’s values through daily actions, decisions, teamwork, and customer interactions.

Benefits

Paid vacation time
Paid sick time
12 paid observed calendar holidays
Paid 4th of July week shutdown
Paid parental leave
401(k) with up to 6% company match and no vesting period
Multiple health benefit and insurance plan options
HSA company contribution for individual and employer family coverage
Company-paid life insurance
Company-paid short-term disability (80% wage replacement) and long-term disability
Wellness reimbursement programs
Gym reimbursement opportunities
Potential eligibility for an annual incentive program based on individual and company performance