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Junior Controls Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Senior Substation Relay and Control Engineer

Bloomington, MN ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Controls Engineer to lead the design and delivery of protection and control systems for high ... You will solve complex engineering challenges, mentor junior staff, and help deliver safe, reliable ...

Controls Specialist

Saint Paul, MN ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Controls Manager COMPANY BACKGROUND KFI Engineers is a recognized industry leader in facility ... This individual will help drive controls standards and mentor junior staff. The successful ...

Substation Commissioning Engineer

Saint Paul, MN

$99K - $126K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Troubleshoot wiring, controls, communications, and protection issues identified during ... Mentor junior engineers and relay technicians while promoting commissioning best practices and ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Minneapolis, MN ยท Hybrid

$107K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Minneapolis, MN ยท Hybrid

$107K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

Lead Substation Engineer 2 - Grid

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$134K - $205K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guide junior and senior-level engineers and designers in protection and controls engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

You''ll lead complete mechanical assemblies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior ... Partner with controls, software, and electrical engineers to integrate PLCs, robotics, vision ...

Electrical Engineer II

Hamel, MN ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They provide technical direction to junior engineers, designers, and drafters. Provides engineering ... Design and integrate industrial automation and control systems including PLC controls, motor ...

Electrical Engineer II

Hamel, MN ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

They provide technical direction to junior engineers, designers, and drafters. Provides engineering ... Design and integrate industrial automation and control systems including PLC controls, motor ...

Project Engineer

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will be an integral leader in establishing engineering controls, systems, and ... Teach, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians; review and check ...

Project Engineer

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will be an integral leader in establishing engineering controls, systems, and ... Teach, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians; review and check ...

Ensure compliance with FDA Design Controls, ISO standards, and international regulatory ... Ability to coach, mentor, and develop junior engineers and technical team members. * Passion for ...

Senior Software Engineer

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$110 - $160/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through design reviews, code reviews, troubleshooting, and technical guidance. * Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, controls, and applications engineers to ...

Project Engineer

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role will be an integral leader in establishing engineering controls, systems, and ... to junior engineers and technicians; review and check engineering work for accuracy and ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Controls Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$32.8K

$70.3K

$107.2K

How much do junior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior controls engineer in Minnesota is $70,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $78,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Junior Controls Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering and a solid grasp of automation principles. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and CAD software, along with relevant certifications like Siemens or Rockwell, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable control systems and ensuring smooth operation in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by junior controls engineers when transitioning from academic projects to real-world industrial environments?

Junior Controls Engineers often find that real-world industrial environments present challenges not commonly encountered in academic settings, such as working with legacy systems, managing tight project deadlines, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. Learning to troubleshoot hardware and software issues in live production environments can be daunting, especially when unexpected problems arise. Additionally, adapting to rigorous safety standards and documentation requirements is crucial. However, support from senior engineers and ongoing training typically help new hires navigate these challenges successfully.

What is a junior controls engineer?

Junior Controls Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), troubleshoot system issues, and ensure that automated systems are functioning correctly. Their role often involves hands-on work with electrical components and software, as well as collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve efficiency and safety.

What is the difference between Junior Controls Engineer vs Controls Technician?

AspectJunior Controls EngineerControls Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls EngineeringTechnical diploma or associate's degree in electrical or controls technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and troubleshooting of control systems, often in office and lab settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of control systems on-site in industrial environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, and engineering firmsIndustrial plants, factories, and automation service providers

While both roles involve working with control systems, Junior Controls Engineers focus on design and development, whereas Controls Technicians primarily handle installation and maintenance. The roles often overlap in industry and credentials but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Junior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Junior Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior 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, with an average salary of $70,321 per year, or $33.8 per hour.

Senior Substation Relay and Control Engineer

ISG

Bloomington, MN โ€ข On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Senior Substation Relay and Control Engineer
Department: Power
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Bloomington, MN
Compensation: $80,000 - $120,000 / year
Description
We are seeking a Senior Substation Relay and Controls Engineer to lead the design and delivery of protection and control systems for high-voltage transmission and distribution substations supporting one of ISG's longstanding clients, FirstEnergy. In this role, you will develop and review one-line and three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, equipment lists, and other critical design deliverables while serving as a technical resource for clients and project teams. You will solve complex engineering challenges, mentor junior staff, and help deliver safe, reliable, and compliant designs that support the electric grid.
Within our Energy Business Unit, ISG's Power Group plays a vital role in delivering resilient infrastructure solutions, supporting projects and clients nationwide.
We operate as a one-profit-center firm and we work as one team across all offices, sharing resources, expertise, and opportunities to best serve our clients and support our employee owners. Regardless of where this position is posted, we encourage all qualified candidates from any ISG geography to apply.Similar projects and initiatives you may contribute to as part of this role:
  • Substation Upgrades
  • Electrical Substation Misoperated Line Terminal Improvements
  • FAC-008 Facility Rating Projects

Essential Duties
  • Ensure accurate and compliant designs, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, BOMs, and equipment lists for high voltage substations.
  • Able to research, understand, assist, and order the appropriate materials needed for each design.
  • Verifies adherence to client, utility, and regulatory standards (IEEE, NESC).
  • Addresses complex technical challenges, such as optimizing schemes or troubleshooting design issues.
  • Supports project schedules to meet milestones and deliverables.
  • Works closely with substation physical, civil, and structural teams and external stakeholders (clients, utilities).
  • Reviews and approves drawings, calculations, and technical reports.
  • Mentors junior engineers and designers, reviewing their work and providing constructive feedback.
  • Conducts training sessions and share best practices.
  • Fosters a collaborative and positive work environment.
  • Serves as the main technical point of contact for clients, addressing inquiries and presenting solutions.
  • Delivers high-quality designs that meet client expectations and industry standards.
  • Recommends and implements process improvements to enhance design efficiency and accuracy.
  • Stays current with industry advancements, standards, and technologies.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.
  • 8+ years of consulting or substation engineering and design experience required.
  • Ohio PE License preferred. May be working towards certification.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel for site visits, design reviews, and client meetings.

ISG Employee Owner Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • Paid time off, pro-rated amount available on your start date
  • Paid holidays and paid volunteer time
  • Paid parental leave
  • Bi-annual profit sharing
  • Employee Ownership Stock Plan (ESOP)
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Life insurance
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Bereavement leave
  • Supplemental voluntary benefits
  • Short term and long-term disability
  • Parking reimbursement, varies on office location