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Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Controls Engineer

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

This position provides technical leadership for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion-control systems, industrial networks, and related electrical and automation technologies. The Controls Engineer partners ...

Controls Engineer

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

This position provides technical leadership for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion-control systems, industrial networks, and related electrical and automation technologies. The Controls Engineer partners ...

Controls Engineer

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

This position provides technical leadership for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion-control systems, industrial networks, and related electrical and automation technologies. The Controls Engineer partners ...

Controls Engineer

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

This position provides technical leadership for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion-control systems, industrial networks, and related electrical and automation technologies. The Controls Engineer partners ...

Controls Engineer

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

This position provides technical leadership for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion-control systems, industrial networks, and related electrical and automation technologies. The Controls Engineer partners ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Edina, MN · Hybrid

$78K - $101K/yr

Electrical Controls Engineer ABOUT US Matrix Technologies is a 100% employee-owned engineering, construction, automation, and digital transformation company delivering full lifecycle solutions to ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Edina, MN · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Electrical Controls Engineer ABOUT US Matrix Technologies is a 100% employee-owned engineering, construction, automation, and digital transformation company delivering full lifecycle solutions to ...

Controls Engineer

Anoka, MN · On-site

$76K - $141K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or other related technical degree required. * Ideally 5+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation ...

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or other related technical degree required. * Ideally 5+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation ...

Electrical Controls Engineer This entry-level Electrical Controls Engineer position focuses on supporting the design and implementation of industrial automation control systems. You will help develop ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Description As Controls Engineer, you will play a critical role in bringing our machines to life ... Using your strong knowledge of electrical codes (NEC, NFPA, UL), schematics, communication networks ...

Controls Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$88K - $114K/yr

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science ... Controls Engineering or Data Analytics experience

Controls Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

This position requires developing Control Narratives, I/O lists and electrical schematics and writing PLC/HMI programs based on those documents. Title: Controls Engineer Location: Brooklyn Park ...

Be Seen First

Electrical Controls Engineer (12-Month Contract) Location: Chanhassen, MN Department: Project Engineering Pay Rate: Starting at $42 per hour (DOE) Important Notes * No sponsorship available * On-site ...

Controls Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

This position requires developing Control Narratives, I/O lists and electrical schematics and writing PLC/HMI programs based on those documents. Title: Controls Engineer Location: Brooklyn Park ...

Controls Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$87K - $112K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering preferred. * Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. * Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with engineering and field ...

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Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer information

What is an electrical engineer controls engineer?

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems used to operate electrical equipment and machinery. They apply principles of electrical engineering and automation to ensure that processes run efficiently, safely, and reliably. These engineers often work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and other devices to manage manufacturing processes, building systems, or industrial equipment. Their role may also involve troubleshooting, system integration, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards.

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

To thrive as an Electrical Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, control systems design, and automation, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or related engineering fields. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Siemens/Rockwell credentials is often required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for designing reliable control systems, troubleshooting issues efficiently, and ensuring seamless integration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

How do electrical engineer controls engineers typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineers often work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, software developers, and production staff. Their role requires frequent communication to ensure that control systems are properly integrated with mechanical designs and software interfaces. Collaboration is essential during project planning, system commissioning, and troubleshooting phases, as each department’s input impacts the overall functionality and safety of automated systems. This team-based environment also provides opportunities to learn from other engineering disciplines, broadening your technical expertise.

What is the difference between Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectElectrical Engineer Controls EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, controls certifications (e.g., PLC programming)Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certifications (e.g., CAD, HVAC)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, automation facilities, manufacturingDesign offices, manufacturing plants, HVAC systems
Employer & Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, energy sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, HVAC, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonElectrical Engineer Controls Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer

The main difference between Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer and Mechanical Engineer lies in their focus areas. Electrical Engineers Controls Engineers specialize in automation, control systems, and electrical circuitry, often working with PLCs and sensors. Mechanical Engineers focus on mechanical systems, design, and thermodynamics. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in technical skills and industry applications, making them distinct yet sometimes overlapping in manufacturing environments.

What do electrical engineer controls engineers do?

Electrical controls engineers design, develop, and maintain control systems used in manufacturing, automation, and industrial processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often requiring knowledge of electrical circuitry, programming, and system integration.

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Controls Engineer

Saint Cloud, MN • On-site

Quanex
Construction Materials Wholesalers • 5 - 10K employees

$115K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Quanex rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Quanex is looking for a Controls Engineer to join our team located in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, troubleshooting, and continuously improving industrial control systems and automated manufacturing equipment. This position provides technical leadership for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion-control systems, industrial networks, and related electrical and automation technologies.
The Controls Engineer partners with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, IT, EHS, and equipment suppliers to improve equipment reliability, production efficiency, product quality, and workplace safety. The successful candidate combines strong technical expertise with a hands-on approach to diagnosing equipment issues and implementing sustainable solutions
Salary: $115,000 - $125,000 annually, starting salary varies based on your experience
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am -5:00pm, hours may vary based on business needs
We Offer You!
  • Medical, dental & vision start the 1st of the month after hire
  • Medical coverage featuring wellness incentives that may significantly reduce employee premiums
  • PTO, ESST, paid holidays & paid training - starts right away
  • 401(k) with company match & vesting
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Life insurance provided
  • Tuition assistance
  • Wellness resources & onsite physical therapist
  • Referral bonuses

What's attractive about the Controls Engineer role?
  • Collaborative and Team-Oriented environment
  • World Class Safety records
  • Clean and well-lit work environment.
  • On-site, hands-on physical therapy

What Success Looks Like:
  • Design, program, configure, test, and maintain PLC-based control systems and related automation equipment.
  • Develop and modify PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, servo, and motion-control programs.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce downtime, improve cycle time, increase throughput, and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
  • Provide hands-on technical and installation support to Maintenance and Operations during equipment failures and production disruptions, and new equipment installs.
  • Serve as an escalation resource for difficult or recurring controls and electrical problems.
  • Design, modify, and maintain control systems in accordance with applicable electrical, machine-safety, and company standards.
  • Maintain accurate electrical drawings, network diagrams, program documentation, equipment manuals, and change records.
  • Travel up to 15% of the year to other Quanex facilities and OEM sites to provide technical support, commissioning services, and machine build acceptance testing.

What You Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field; an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience may be considered.
  • Minimum of five years of hands-on controls engineering or industrial automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Working knowledge of electrical controls, instrumentation, sensors, variable-frequency drives, servo systems, industrial networks, and machine-safety systems.
  • Ability to read, develop, and update electrical schematics, control-panel drawings, and technical documentation.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead root-cause analysis and implement sustainable corrective actions.

About Quanex, A Part of Something Bigger
Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.com
NOTE: For individuals with nut allergies, please be advised that there is the potential to be exposed to nut products when working in our facilities.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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