Factory Automation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Working at Knobelsdorff 

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions. 

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core value. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff (KE) means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work. 

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, KE is the place for you. 

Job Purpose

This role supports KE Automation by designing, developing, and commissioning SCADA and HMI systems for complex industrial automation projects. You'll be responsible for creating intuitive operator interfaces, integrating automation systems, and delivering visualization solutions that directly impact operational efficiency, system reliability, and customer success.

Success in this role means delivering scalable, user-friendly control systems that help customers operate safely and efficiently while supporting successful project execution from design through startup. All of this is accomplished while upholding KE's commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you're someone who takes pride in solving complex problems and seeing your work come to life in real-world facilities, this position is built for you.

What You'll Do

You'll be part of a team that gets things done, works with purpose, and takes pride in the results. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

• Design and develop SCADA and HMI applications for industrial automation projects.
• Create intuitive operator interfaces focused on usability, reliability, and performance.
• Configure alarming, trending, reporting, historian, and security functions within SCADA platforms.
• Develop reusable graphics, templates, faceplates, and visualization standards.
• Integrate PLCs, instrumentation, VFDs, databases, historians, and third-party systems.
• Configure industrial communication protocols including OPC UA, Modbus TCP/IP, and EtherNet/IP.
• Participate in system architecture, software design, and functional reviews.
• Perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning activities.
• Troubleshoot software, communication, and control system issues during startup and operation.
• Collaborate with customers, project managers, and engineering teams to optimize system functionality.
• Follow KE development standards, documentation practices, and quality procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to software standards, engineering tools, and project execution.

What You Bring

You're someone who shows up ready to work hard, learn fast, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 3+ years of industrial automation, SCADA, or HMI engineering experience.
• Experience developing industrial SCADA and HMI applications.
• Experience with platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk View, AVEVA System Platform (Wonderware), Siemens WinCC, VTScada, ICONICS, Cimplicity, or similar technologies.
• Understanding of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Experience integrating major PLC platforms including Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Beckhoff, or similar systems.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel for commissioning, startup, and customer support activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ignition Gold Certification or equivalent experience.
• Experience with SQL databases.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python, JavaScript, VB.NET, or similar.
• Familiarity with MQTT and Industrial IoT architectures.
• Knowledge of ISA-101 HMI design principles and visualization best practices.
• Experience with industrial historians, reporting tools, and cybersecurity concepts.
• Familiarity with Git or other version control systems.
• Experience supporting mission-critical, manufacturing, or regulated industrial environments.

Pay Range

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

$100,000- $120,000

Total Rewards Statement

As a full-time employee at KE, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.

• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Performance-based incentives
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Typical requirements may include:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in close proximity to team members in a production environment

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources at HR@KEway.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.