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Controls Engineer Jobs in Faribault, MN (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

How You'll Help Us Connect the World As a Senior Controls Engineer , you will play a pivotal technical role on CommScope's Automation Team, designing, developing, and deploying control systems for ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

How You'll Help Us Connect the World As a Senior Controls Engineer , you will play a pivotal technical role on CommScope's Automation Team, designing, developing, and deploying control systems for ...

Develop, organize, and maintain process controls and electrical engineering specifications, standards, and process equipment operational parameters to ensure process stability while maximizing ...

Controls Technician

Faribault, MN · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Works closely with maintenance personnel and facility and corporate engineering to develop and ... PLC and HMI controls experience required. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and comprehend simple ...

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Controls Engineer information

See Faribault, MN salary details

$56.4K

$99.1K

$134.4K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Faribault, MN is $99,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,700.00 and $110,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a controls engineer do?

A Controls Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that control machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They work with automation systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation. Controls Engineers also troubleshoot and optimize existing systems, implement upgrades, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Their expertise is crucial for improving productivity, reducing downtime, and integrating new technologies into production environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Siemens/Rockwell training are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems critical to industrial and manufacturing environments.

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

Controls Engineers frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, which can present challenges in aligning design standards, timelines, and communication styles. They must ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with hardware and software components while also meeting safety and regulatory requirements. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as Controls Engineers often act as a bridge between technical disciplines to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions efficiently.

What is the difference between Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilities, industrial settingsDesign offices, research labs, power plants, industrial sites
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower generation, electronics, telecommunications, industrial systems
Common Search/ComparisonControls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer

Controls Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for automation and manufacturing processes, often working closely with machinery and PLCs. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic devices. While both roles require electrical knowledge and certifications, Controls Engineers specialize more in automation and control systems, whereas Electrical Engineers may work across various electrical disciplines.

What cities near Faribault, MN are hiring for Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Faribault, MN with the most Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Faribault, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,070 per year, or $47.6 per hour.

$89K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Cooling the Cloud. Protecting the Planet

Nortek Data Center Cooling builds the systems that keep modern data centers running - from liquid cooling to largescale air solutions. Our work supports some of the world's most demanding AI and hyperscale environments, and we solve those challenges with engineering depth and practical execution.

We keep things simple here. We communicate early, stay close to the details, and follow through. When issues come up, we address them directly, not with layers of process. Customers count on us because we do what we say and we keep projects moving.

Our culture is handson and collaborative. People take ownership, move quickly, and help each other. If you like working with teammates who are straightforward and accountable, you'll feel at home.

With the backing of Madison Air, we have the scale, stability, and manufacturing footprint to support complex, highgrowth programs.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.Our benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HAS and 401(k) Plan with company contributions. To apply, please visit our career site athttps://www.nortekdatacenter.com/careers/

Nortek Data Center Cooling. is an equal employment opportunity and afrmative action employer and all qualied applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualied individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Summary:

As our Service Controls Engineer for the Data Center Cooling service team, you will diagnose, troubleshoot, and help resolve complex controls, automation, and software-related issues in mission critical HVAC and data center cooling environments. This role requires strong practical knowledge of electronic and digital control systems, building automation systems, communication protocols, controls networks, DDC controllers, PLCs, VFDs, sensors, instrumentation, and sequence of operation logic. You will perform field troubleshooting and root cause analysis, test and validate software or logic changes, and provide clear technical guidance to customers, commissioning teams, engineering, manufacturing, sales representatives, and service leadership. The ideal candidate is customer-facing, hands-on, and comfortable working through ambiguous field issues while adding deeper controls and automation capability to complement the existing service team.

Position Key Attributes:

  • Ability to personally live safely and hold themselves and other team members accountable by having their back in support of our Safety core value.
  • Has integrity, works transparently, and is recognized for treating others with respect.
  • Takes accountability to create and execute solutions that deliver desired results and can "own it" in a Performance Driven Culture.
  • Works collaboratively as one team in a Teamwork culture.
  • Enjoys embracing and igniting change as a catalyst for improvement.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Perform field troubleshooting and root cause analysis for controls, automation, and software-related issues on data center cooling equipment.
  • Review client sequences of operation, identify logic discrepancies, and recommend or validate corrective logic changes to ensure system performance meets customer expectations.
  • Troubleshoot BAS/DDC control architectures, including controllers, relays, actuators, measurement devices, sensors, instrumentation, and associated field devices.
  • Support controls network troubleshooting, including BACnet, Modbus, device communications, integration points, addressing, and system-level connectivity issues.
  • Troubleshoot PLC programs and control logic in coordination with engineering, manufacturing, and commissioning teams.
  • Support VFD startup, commissioning, diagnostics, and corrective action planning for fielded systems.
  • Tune and troubleshoot control loops, validate sensor and instrumentation accuracy, and document corrective actions clearly.
  • Review work orders, blueprints, schematic diagrams, control drawings, and related materials to determine tasks required for commissioning, rework, or corrective action.
  • Manage challenging field issues with the objective of minimizing customer impact while balancing practical cost, schedule, and resource realities for the company.
  • Provide superior customer service to internal and external customers, advise leadership on customer satisfaction and field performance, and recommend product or process improvements.


Position Qualifications

Requirements:

  • Minimum of an engineering degree with two years of direct field experience or four years of equivalent related field experience in HVAC, controls, building automation, or mission critical cooling systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of control theory, automatic temperature controls, building automation systems, DDC controllers, PLCs, VFDs, and related building subsystems.
  • Strong working knowledge of building automation communication protocols, including BACnet, Modbus, and other common BAS or equipment-level protocols.
  • Experience troubleshooting controls hardware, software, device communications, network integration issues, sensors, instrumentation, and system-level control architectures.
  • Ability to review and interpret sequences of operation and identify logic issues, control gaps, or corrective actions needed to meet the intent of the design.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis, document findings, and communicate technical recommendations clearly to customers and internal stakeholders.
  • Ability to travel up to 50% of the time to various job sites or factories for equipment-related work.
  • Superior analytical skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to read and interpret blueprints, plans, schematics, controls drawings, and manuals.
  • Excellent customer service skills, professional communication, and the ability to work independently or drive results across cross-functional teams in a timely manner.


Preferred:

  • Four or more years of experience installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, or supporting controls systems for mission critical HVAC or data center cooling environments.
  • Building Automation Systems experience with companies such as Johnson Controls, Siemens, Honeywell, Schneider Electric, Trane Controls, Distech, Automated Logic, or similar platforms.
  • Hands-on experience with PLC programming, PLC troubleshooting, and software or logic validation in fielded equipment.
  • Experience with VFD startup, commissioning, diagnostics, and system-level corrective action planning.
  • Experience tuning and troubleshooting control loops and validating sensor or instrumentation performance.
  • Demonstrated experience developing, reviewing, or testing software programs necessary to operate equipment per project requirements and sequences of operation.
  • Strong administrative experience in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint with the ability to present clearly and professionally to data center clients.