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Motion Control Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Automation and Controls Engineer

Chaska, MN · On-site

$89K - $118K/yr

Experience with motion control systems, servo drives, and coordinated motion applications * Knowledge of industrial communication protocols and network architecture * Experience supporting and ...

Controls Engineer, Software

Brooklyn Park, MN · On-site

$47.25 - $60.25/hr

Develop, install, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, motion control, robot, vision software solutions consistent with HAHN Automation Group US design standards and customer requirements for all assigned ...

New

Controls Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Experience configuring, tuning, and programming servo-based motion control systems. * Experience in electrical design and control panel layout for automated equipment. * Experience preparing ...

Warehouse Associate

Maple Grove, MN · On-site

$18 - $27/hr

Mechatronic Solutions focuses its efforts in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota through partnerships with leading automation technology companies in robotics, motion control ...

Controls Engineering Manager

Shoreview, MN · On-site

$86K - $112K/yr

Multi-axis motion control and coordinated kinematics * Industrial robotics and CNC systems * PLC-based and PC-based machine control architectures * Custom HMI and supervisory control systems * Real ...

Showing results 41-60

Motion Control information

See Minnesota salary details

$23.3K

$87K

$146.2K

How much do motion control jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for motion control in Minnesota is $87,044.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,754.00 and $112,707.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a motion control job?

Motion control jobs involve designing, programming, and maintaining systems that control the movement of machinery and equipment. Professionals in this field work with automation technologies, robotics, and specialized software to ensure precise and efficient machine motion in manufacturing, packaging, or other industrial settings. Typical responsibilities include configuring motion controllers, troubleshooting motion systems, and collaborating with engineers to improve production processes. These roles may require knowledge of servo motors, PLCs, drive systems, and relevant programming languages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a motion control engineer?

To thrive as a Motion Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, strong knowledge of automation systems, and expertise in control theory. Familiarity with PLC programming, servo drives, motion controllers, and industry-standard automation software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting motion control systems that ensure precise, efficient industrial automation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in motion control roles, and how can they be addressed?

Motion control professionals often encounter challenges such as integrating diverse hardware and software platforms, ensuring precise synchronization of motion sequences, and troubleshooting system errors. These roles typically require close collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop customized solutions and optimize system performance. Staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and maintaining clear communication within multidisciplinary teams can help address these challenges and lead to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Motion Control vs Robotics Technician?

AspectMotion ControlRobotics Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Engineering, certifications in PLCs and automationAssociate's or Bachelor's in Robotics, certifications in robotics systems and troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation systems, industrial settingsRobotics labs, manufacturing facilities, maintenance environments
Employer & Industry UsageFactories, automation companies, OEMsRobotics companies, manufacturing, research labs

Motion Control and Robotics Technicians both work in automation and manufacturing environments, often sharing similar credentials and work settings. However, Motion Control specialists focus on controlling movement through systems like servos and drives, while Robotics Technicians primarily work on robotic systems and automation equipment. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Motion Control jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Motion Control job openings:

Infographic showing various Motion Control job openings in Minnesota as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,044 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

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 16 days ago


Quanex rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 65 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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