Senior Controls Engineer

Danaher•Chaska, MN

3d•$115,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Controls Engineer is a vital contributor and engineering leader across 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 define user requirements, automation concepts, and architectural designs for equipment used in bottle, vial, and cartridge handling; liquid filling; capping; labeling; and palletizing. The position supports end-to-end execution with equipment suppliers and integrators, from budgeting and scheduling through design, implementation, installation, troubleshooting, and documentation, while ensuring regulatory compliance. It also designs and programs industrial controls and advances the Global Automation engineering team’s practices across project procurement, supplier design, testing, installation, and FAT/SAT.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Mechatronics, or Automation and 5+ years of experience, or a master’s degree and 2+ 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 toward 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, Cognex vision systems, and industrial robotics.
Experience with digital integration using PLC and SCADA systems, basic computer networking and 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 equipment designs.
Execute projects with external equipment suppliers and integrators, including budgeting, scheduling, design, implementation, installation, troubleshooting, and documentation, while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Design and program industrial control systems, including PLCs, robotics, HMIs, vision systems, and motion control systems, and ensure supplier deliverables meet technical standards.
Participate in design reviews with contractors, engineering consultants, and project team members; provide technical input, guidance, and project status updates.
Drive Global Automation engineering best practices through project tollgates, including procurement, supplier design, equipment testing, installation, and FAT/SAT.
Support planning, purchasing, integration, testing, commissioning, and training for automated control systems and equipment deployments.