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Controls Engineering Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

MGM Transformers

Controls Engineering Manager

Osseo, MN · On-site

$180K - $205K/yr

The Controls Engineering Manager leads the team responsible for Automation and Control of Forgent power distribution equipment, ensuring products are programmed, validated, safe, and ready to meet ...

Forgent

Controls Engineering Manager

Osseo, MN · On-site

$180K - $205K/yr

The Controls Engineering Manager leads the team responsible for Automation and Control of Forgent power distribution equipment, ensuring products are programmed, validated, safe, and ready to meet ...

Pohlad Companies

Controls Engineering Manager

Shoreview, MN · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineering Manager to lead a software-centric controls engineering team through a transformative period of growth, innovation, and modernization. This leader will be ...

Cypress HCM

Controls Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Work with Manager, Controls Engineering and other engineers on the team to design and develop control systems for specific projects * Draft and develop installation and commissions documentation for ...

nVent

Controls Engineer

Anoka, MN · On-site

$76K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with production controls engineering to transition new testers into sustained ... Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis.

nVent

Controls Engineer

Anoka, MN · On-site

$76K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with production controls engineering to transition new testers into sustained ... Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis.

Actalent

Controls Engineer

Saint Paul, MN

$100K - $130K/yr

The Controls Engineer collaborates closely with project teams and shop personnel to support ... Collaborate effectively with project managers, engineers, and assembly personnel as part of a cross ...

DARCEO Inc

Automation Controls Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Automation Controls Engineer POSITION DESCRIPTION NUMBER: HR-097-MN DEPARTMENT: Engineering REPORTS ... Engineering Manager, Project Manager If you are an Automation Engineer with PLC Controller and ...

Icon Consultants

Be Seen First

Electrical Controls Engineer (12-Month Contract)

Chanhassen, MN · On-site

$42 - $48/hr

Project Engineering Pay Rate: Starting at $42 per hour (DOE) Important Notes * No sponsorship ... gas management equipment solutions. This role will initially focus on electrical design while ...

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All JobsControls Engineering JobsControls Engineering Manager JobsControls Engineering Manager Jobs in Minnesota

Controls Engineering Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$53.9K

$94.6K

$128.3K

How much do controls engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineering manager in Minnesota is $94,586.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $105,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls engineering manager?

A Controls Engineering Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries like manufacturing, energy, and automation. They lead a team of engineers, manage projects, ensure compliance with industry standards, and collaborate with other departments to optimize operational efficiency. The role often involves troubleshooting, budgeting, and staying updated on the latest automation technologies to improve system performance and reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls engineering manager?

To thrive as a Controls Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in electrical or controls engineering, experience in automation systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or PMP are often required. Strong leadership, project management, and effective communication skills are crucial for managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These capabilities ensure successful delivery of complex automation projects, team productivity, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

How does a controls engineering manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Controls Engineering Manager, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams such as mechanical engineers, project managers, software developers, and operations staff. Your role involves aligning control system requirements with overall project goals, coordinating design reviews, and ensuring seamless integration of controls with mechanical and electrical systems. Regular meetings and open communication are essential to address challenges, delegate tasks, and track progress, making collaboration a vital aspect of delivering successful automation projects.

What is the difference between Controls Engineering Manager vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Engineering ManagerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; often with leadership experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are common
Work EnvironmentOversees teams in manufacturing, automation, or industrial settings; strategic planningDesigns, develops, and tests control systems; hands-on technical work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automation, and process industries for leadership rolesCommon in industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing sectors

The Controls Engineering Manager focuses on leading teams, strategic planning, and overseeing control system projects, while Controls Engineers handle the technical design, development, and implementation of control systems. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and industry experience, but the manager role emphasizes leadership and project management.

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Controls Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Controls Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineering Manager job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,586 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Controls Engineering Manager

Fairmont, MN • On-site

Kahler Automation
Industrial Automation Equipment Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Kahler Automationexternal

$130K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Job Title: Controls Engineering Manager
Reports to: VP of Engineering & Operations
Department: Engineering
Location: 808 Timberlake Road, Fairmont, MN 56031
Position Summary: The Controls Engineering Manager leads the controls engineering projects team and development teams to ensure the successful delivery of automation solutions that meet customer needs. They are also responsible for ensuring that the development of PLC and HMI programs is executed in a consistent and standardized manner, adhering to internal standards. Strong technical knowledge of controls systems, along with excellent people management skills, are essential for this position.
Additionally, the Manager acts as a substitute for the Controls Engineering Supervisor for Projects and the Controls Engineering Supervisor for Development.
Exhibit and promote the following values:
  • Curious Attitude: An employee who is curious is motivated to take time to question and explore new things to find answers that will ensure the best outcomes for the organization.
  • Focus on Quality: An employee who values quality has integrity and produces results that meet high standards set by the organization.
  • Passion for Service: An employee who is service-oriented displays a positive behavior and responds to customers using good business practices to meet their needs and expectations.
  • Dedicated Spirit: A dedicated employee is one who takes ownership of their role and the whole organization to ensure that goals are achieved.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:
Team Leadership
  • Ensures that the goals of the controls engineering department align with the overall business objectives.
  • Proficient in leading and motivating a team, collaborating with cross-functional departments, and conveying technical information to various stakeholders.
  • Direct team activities by establishing priorities, assigning tasks to ensure efficient use of personnel and resources.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of control engineers.
  • Analyze work issues, resolve problems, and guide team members through challenges.
  • Evaluate departmental resource needs and advise senior leadership on appropriate staffing levels based on business demands.
  • Advise senior leadership on potential technical risks and mitigation strategies.
  • Leads a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging open feedback from cross-functional teams to identify control system problems, resolve recurring issues, and drive improvement initiatives.

Controls Engineering
  • Manage the department and collaborate with other teams to deliver high-quality products and ensure successful project outcomes.
  • Work collaboratively with various teams including product management, project management, electrical design, CAD, software engineering, and production.
  • Be a resource for the team during complex problem-solving efforts; handle escalated incidents that cannot be resolved at other levels.
  • Collaborate on high-impact or complex customer projects, especially where technical coordination is critical.
  • Assist with the development and troubleshooting of PLC logic, HMI configuration, and communication setups.
  • Review project deliverables to ensure quality, completeness, and consistency.
  • Assist in estimating programming labor.
  • Contribute to the creation of training materials and actively support technical knowledge-sharing sessions across teams as necessary.
  • Serve as a technical liaison, ensuring Product Management and Training teams have the knowledge and resources needed to support and educate end users on our control systems.
  • This Job description is not comprehensive, and all employees must be flexible, and willing to perform other duties as assigned by their supervisor.

Requirements
Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education/Experience:
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in controls engineering, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven ability to manage people, processes, and deliverables simultaneously.
  • Experience in structured engineering environments using code libraries, standards, and agile/sprint methods.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proficiency with Rockwell Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View SE/ME, and Ignition.
  • Familiarity with EOS methodology and tools (L10s, Rocks, To-Dos, IDS).
  • Experience conducting technical peer reviews and mentoring employees.
  • Prior involvement with sprint planning or agile delivery in engineering settings.

Computer/Technical Skills:
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office tools.
  • Strong in PLC logic development, HMI/SCADA visualization, and industrial communication protocols.
  • Familiar with managing shared code libraries, reusable components, and internal documentation tools.
  • Ability to guide team members in debugging and testing across multiple automation platforms.

Reasoning Ability: Able to balance short-term project needs with long-term team and process development. Capable of identifying recurring issues or inefficiencies and driving resolution through people, process, or tooling improvements.
Math Ability: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Language Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees in the organization. Ability to read electrical schematics and familiar with piping and instrument drawing (PID) and product flow drawing (PFD).
Certificates and Licenses: Valid Driver's License
Travel: Occasional travel (approximately 2-5%) may be required but is not a regular or frequent part of this position. Travel may include destinations throughout North America by automobile, commercial airplane, or company airplane.
Work Environment and Physical Demands: The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear and taste or smell. Must be able to accurately discriminate among colors.
Salary Description
$130,000 - $195,000

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