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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Senior Controls Engineer

Wyoming, MN · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

In this role, you will partner with manufacturing, maintenance, tooling, and engineering teams to implement automation solutions, improve processes, and support controls standards across multiple ...

Controls Engineer, Senior

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Vantive is seeking a Controls and Model-Based Design Systems Engineer ( Controls Engineer, Senior ) to support new product development for current and next-generation medical devices. In this role ...

Controls Engineer, Senior

Plymouth, MN

$102K - $135K/yr

Vantive is seeking a Controls and Model-Based Design Systems Engineer ( Controls Engineer, Senior ) to support new product development for current and next-generation medical devices. In this role ...

Controls Engineer, Senior

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Vantive is seeking a Controls and Model-Based Design Systems Engineer ( Controls Engineer, Senior ) to support new product development for current and next-generation medical devices. In this role ...

Controls Engineer, Senior

Plymouth, MN

$102K - $135K/yr

Vantive is seeking a Controls and Model-Based Design Systems Engineer ( Controls Engineer, Senior ) to support new product development for current and next-generation medical devices. In this role ...

Sr. Model Based Controls Engineer

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$101K - $133K/yr

The Sr. Model Based Controls Engineer will design, modify, develop, and implement software programming applications for HVAC equipment with focus on Model Based Controls design. The work includes new ...

Controls Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site +1

$90K - $125K/yr

... " - Sr Financial Analyst * "It feels good having colleagues and supervisors that provide support ... programming, tag development, HMI/OIT system development. * Knowledge of process controls system ...

Automation Controls Engineer

Edina, MN · On-site

$79K - $101K/yr

Automation Controls Engineer ABOUT US Matrix Technologies is a 100% employee-owned engineering ... As a member of the Industrial Systems Automation team, this position includes assisting more senior ...

Automation Controls Engineer

Edina, MN · Hybrid

$79K - $101K/yr

Automation Controls Engineer ABOUT US Matrix Technologies, Inc. has been a leading provider of ... As a member of the Industrial Systems Automation team, this position includes assisting more senior ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$70.5K

$112.4K

$150.8K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Minnesota is $112,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $125,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior controls engineer?

Senior Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing processes, machinery, or automation equipment. They are responsible for programming controllers (such as PLCs), troubleshooting control system issues, and ensuring optimal system performance and safety. Senior Controls Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to integrate new technologies. Their expertise is crucial for streamlining production, reducing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What is the difference between Senior Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectSenior Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, troubleshooting, project leadership in industrial or manufacturing settingsImplementing control systems, programming, testing, and maintenance in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control companiesSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles within the same sectors

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Controls Engineers typically lead projects, design complex systems, and mentor junior staff, while Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the senior role involves more leadership and advanced technical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior controls engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and several years of experience in industrial automation. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and knowledge of industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and excellent communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex control systems, which are critical for operational safety, efficiency, and project success.

What are the typical responsibilities of a senior controls engineer in a manufacturing environment?

As a Senior Controls Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you can expect to lead the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. Your responsibilities often include overseeing control system upgrades, optimizing equipment for efficiency, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, production, and IT—to implement solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives. Managing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers are also common aspects of the role.
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 Senior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,362 per year, or $54 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer - Automated Assembly

Pohlad Companies

Shoreview, MN • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

The age of automation is upon us, so join a company that is pushing the limits of what is possible. PAR Systems is a world leader in the design and development of cutting-edge software, automation, and control systems in a variety of industries, including Life Science, Aerospace, Nuclear, and Marine. Our focus on technology, quality, and new ideas extends beyond our products, as we look to add diverse, dynamic, and dedicated people to our company.
We are looking for a Senior Controls Engineer to join our Automation business segment. Whether it's consumer goods, semiconductors, or lifesaving medical devices, our systems incorporate the latest technology in vision, motion, robotics, and lasers. If you enjoy solving complex challenges and bringing machines to life, you are looking in the right place.
Success Criteria:
You have a knack for satisfying customers by leveraging your deep knowledge of all things automation. By applying a "whatever it takes" mentality to your work, the Senior Controls Engineer will own and drive some of the organizations most complex engineering challenges to produce industry-leading products and solutions. If you're a motivated engineer who brings a well-rounded background in designing controls systems, writing software, and leading checkout and acceptance testing, then this might be the career move you've been looking for.
Bringing more than just your technical aptitude to the role, our teams will rely on your leadership and time management skills to improve and close out existing projects, while also initiating new ones. Your ability and desire to mentor others while fostering an environment of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation will allow you and your technical work to be noticed fast!
From design and development of critical controls systems to leading design reviews with our cross functional teams and customers, you'll be an integral partner in bringing our customer's solutions to life. Working with engineering leaders and our chief engineers across business units will give you great career visibility while allowing you to contribute to one-of-a-kind machines.
Qualifications
  • 7+ years of controls engineering experience
  • BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering
  • Demonstrated ability to independently drive projects in their entirety, including tasks such as, but not limited to:
    • Understanding customer requirements
    • Designing controls systems in their entirety
    • Writing all software (PLC, PC, HMI, robot, vision, etc)
    • Powering up machines and commissioning all devices
    • Checking out all software and machine processes
    • Leading Factory Acceptance Testing with customers
    • Supporting installation and Site Acceptance Testing
  • Ability to mentor and lead junior engineers in the execution in any/all steps of the control process listed above
  • Significant experience in the application of PLC/PC programming, motion control, robotics, and vision for automation. Preferably experience with the following:
    • Allen Bradley Studio 5000
    • FactoryTalk View or Ignition by Inductive Automation (Ignition preferred)
    • Cognex VisionPro and Insight,
    • Fanuc TP Programming and RoboGuide
    • Epson RC+,
    • Omron Sysmac Studio and Ace
    • Visual Studio C# and VB
    • Other relevant experience in this space.
  • Ability to provide leadership and drive internal collaboration between multiple functions including Project Management, Operations, Quality, etc.
  • Willingness to travel to customer sites for installations (typically no more 10%, but on rare occasions may fluctuate up to 25% depending on business needs)
  • Experience in AutoCAD Electrical or other electrical CAD programs
  • US Person

You've learned about what you'll be doing, here are the benefits you'll gain when you join our team:
  • Global team recognized for their passion of inventing
  • First-of-a-kind product culture and project exposure
  • Training and development from industry-leading experts
  • Cutting edge benefit programs that include: 401(k) & matching; Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Disability & Life Insurance; PTO, Paid Holidays, & Parental Leave for both Parents; Tuition Reimbursement

PAR Systems is an equal opportunity employer and we value individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or any other status protected by applicable law. We use AI to assist with sorting applications, but real humans do all the evaluating and deciding. If selected for an interview, please advise our Human Resources department if you require accommodation during the interview or assessment process and we will support your accessibility needs. We offer market competitive pay and benefits based upon the candidate's skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Our starting rate of pay for this salaried position is targeted at $110,000-130,000 annually.
#AreaOfInterest:Engineering