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Associate Controls Engineer Jobs in Big Lake, MN

Controls Engineer II

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

An associate degree in a related technical field combined with significant relevant controls experience may also be considered. * 3-5+ years of controls engineering, industrial automation, or related ...

Controls Engineer II

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

An associate degree in a related technical field combined with significant relevant controls experience may also be considered. * 3-5+ years of controls engineering, industrial automation, or related ...

Gradian is an engineering-led, full-line thermal solutions partner serving data center and other ... Required:Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Automation Technology, Mechatronics ...

Motor controls and variable speed drives * Directing individual engineers or designers Licenses ... Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree ...

Motor controls and variable speed drives * Directing individual engineers or designers Licenses ... Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree ...

Design and integrate industrial automation and control systems including PLC controls, motor ... Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree ...

Design and integrate industrial automation and control systems including PLC controls, motor ... Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree ...

Motor controls and variable speed drives * Directing individual or small teams of engineers and ... Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree ...

Motor controls and variable speed drives * Directing individual or small teams of engineers and ... Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree ...

Electrical Engineer I

Hamel, MN · On-site

$66K - $96K/yr

Motor controls and variable speed drives Licenses/Certifications: EIT Knowledge, Skills and ... Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree ...

Design and integrate industrial automation and control systems including PLC controls, motor ... Post-secondary education at the associate degree level or higher will be verified, including degree ...

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Showing results 1-20

Associate Controls Engineer information

See Big Lake, MN salary details

$57.3K

$100.7K

$136.5K

How much do associate controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate controls engineer in Big Lake, MN is $100,664.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $112,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate controls engineer do?

An Associate Controls Engineer assists in designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used in manufacturing or industrial settings. They work with senior engineers to implement automation solutions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently. Their tasks often include programming controllers, testing system performance, and supporting the integration of new technologies. This role typically requires knowledge of electrical engineering, programming languages like PLC, and a strong attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate controls engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industry-standard software such as AutoCAD or Rockwell Automation tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and resolve technical challenges. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient control solutions, ensuring system reliability, and driving project success in automated environments.

What are some common challenges faced by associate controls engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Associate Controls Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and software engineering backgrounds. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as each team may use different technical jargon and have distinct priorities. Additionally, balancing project timelines while integrating control systems with hardware and software components can require strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Proactively seeking feedback and participating in cross-functional meetings can help Associate Controls Engineers bridge gaps and contribute effectively to project success.

What is the difference between Associate Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectAssociate Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in related engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting design, testing, and troubleshootingMore independent, leading projects, and system integration
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, and industrial facilitiesSimilar industries, with increased responsibilities

The main difference between an Associate Controls Engineer and a Controls Engineer lies in experience and responsibility level. Associate Controls Engineers typically support and assist in projects, focusing on learning and executing tasks under supervision. Controls Engineers take on more independent roles, managing projects and system design. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but Controls Engineers usually have more hands-on experience and leadership responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Big Lake, MN?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Big Lake, MN are:

What cities near Big Lake, MN are hiring for Associate Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Big Lake, MN with the most Associate Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Controls Engineer job openings in Big Lake, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,664 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Controls Engineer II

InCompass

Maple Grove, MN • On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description


CONTROLS ENGINEER II

Timesavers LLC – Maple Grove, MN

Full-Time | First Shift | On-Site
Salary: $85,000–$105,000 annually, DOQE

Reports To: Engineering Manager

Join the Timesavers Team

Timesavers LLC is looking for a Controls Engineer II to join our Engineering team in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

Timesavers designs and manufactures industrial sanding, deburring, finishing, and material-processing equipment for customers throughout North America and around the world. This position is an excellent opportunity for controls engineer who enjoys the complete equipment-development process—from designing and programming controls to getting hands-on with the machine during startup, testing, and troubleshooting.


As a Controls Engineer II, you will design, develop, program, test, and support electrical control systems for our industrial machinery. You will work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Product Development, Manufacturing, Electrical Assembly, and Service to develop reliable, safe, and user-friendly equipment.


We are looking for someone with strong experience in either Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley OR Siemens PLC and HMI platforms. You do not need to be an expert in both. Experience with both platforms is a plus.

What You'll Do

  • Design and develop electrical control systems for new and existing industrial machinery.
  • Develop, modify, document, and troubleshoot PLC programs.
  • Develop and maintain HMI applications for machine operation, diagnostics, alarms, and system status.
  • Program and configure VFDs, motor controls, sensors, safety systems, and other automation components.
  • Develop machine control architecture including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motors, sensors, I/O systems, safety devices, and industrial networks.
  • Create and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, I/O lists, and controls documentation.
  • Participate in machine startup, commissioning, testing, and validation on the manufacturing floor.
  • Troubleshoot electrical, controls, software, communication, and machine-performance issues.
  • Work directly with Electrical Assemblers and Manufacturing personnel to resolve controls and wiring issues during machine builds.
  • Support factory acceptance testing and ensure controls-related issues are resolved prior to shipment.
  • Collaborate with Mechanical and Product Development Engineers on new products and machine-platform improvements.
  • Support redesign and modernization of existing control systems and legacy equipment.
  • Identify opportunities to improve machine performance, reliability, safety, serviceability, and ease of operation.
  • Provide technical support to Manufacturing, Service, and customers.
  • Occasionally support customer installations, machine startups, commissioning, and troubleshooting in the field.

What We're Looking For

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
  • An associate degree in a related technical field combined with significant relevant controls experience may also be considered.
  • 3–5+ years of controls engineering, industrial automation, or related experience preferred.
  • Experience with industrial machinery, automated equipment, OEM capital equipment, or similar manufacturing systems strongly preferred.
  • Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting skills.
  • Experience developing and configuring HMIs.
  • Knowledge of VFDs, AC motors, sensors, I/O systems, machine safety, and industrial communications.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
  • Strong machine startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Electrical Assembly, and Service.
  • Comfortable working both at a computer and hands-on with equipment on the manufacturing floor.

Controls Experience – Allen-Bradley OR Siemens

We are seeking candidates with strong experience in at least one of the following controls platforms:

Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley

  • ControlLogix and/or CompactLogix PLCs
  • Studio 5000 / Logix Designer
  • FactoryTalk HMI applications
  • Allen-Bradley VFDs and related controls hardware
  • EtherNet/IP communications

OR – Siemens

  • SIMATIC S7 PLCs, including S7-1200 and/or S7-1500
  • Siemens TIA Portal
  • Siemens HMI / WinCC applications
  • Siemens drives and related controls hardware
  • PROFINET communications


Experience with both Rockwell/Allen-Bradley and Siemens is a plus, but it is not required. Candidates who are highly proficient with one platform and willing to learn the other are encouraged to apply.

Preferred Experience

  • Custom industrial machinery or OEM capital equipment
  • Machine safety systems and safety PLC concepts
  • Electrical control-panel design
  • Machine commissioning and factory acceptance testing
  • Integrated electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and controls troubleshooting
  • Industrial communication networks including EtherNet/IP and PROFINET
  • Servo and motion-control systems
  • Working directly with manufacturing and electrical assembly teams
  • Supporting installed equipment and field-service technicians

Benefits

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid holidays
  • Company-paid and voluntary insurance benefits
  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits
  • Life and AD&D insurance
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Stable, full-time employment with an established industrial equipment manufacturer
  • Hands-on engineering environment where you can see your designs and programs come to life on actual equipment

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to alternate between sitting, standing, and walking throughout the workday.
  • Regular use of a computer and engineering/programming equipment.
  • Ability to work in and around industrial machinery during programming, startup, and troubleshooting.
  • Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and climb steps or ladders to access equipment.
  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
  • Ability to wear required PPE, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

Work Environment

This position works in both an engineering office and industrial manufacturing environment. Regularly spend time on the production floor programming, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial equipment.

This is an ideal opportunity for an engineer who enjoys more than sitting behind a desk. You'll have the opportunity to design the controls, write the program, see the machine being built, and work directly with the equipment to make it perform.

Apply Today

If you have strong industrial controls experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation or Siemens and enjoy solving real-world engineering and automation challenges, we would like to hear from you.

Timesavers LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.