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Sensor Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Principal Sensor Engineer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

The Principal Sensor Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and commercialization of advanced chemical and physical sensing technologies used in industrial, commercial, and customer ...

The Principal Sensor Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and commercialization of advanced chemical and physical sensing technologies used in industrial, commercial, and customer ...

Embedded Firmware Software Engineer This role focuses on developing embedded firmware and software for new sensor products used in laundry systems that monitor water and energy usage. You will work ...

Embedded Firmware Software Engineer

Eagan, MN · On-site

$105K - $143K/yr

Embedded Firmware Software Engineer This role focuses on developing embedded firmware and software for new sensor products used in laundry systems that monitor water and energy usage. You will work ...

Robotics Tutor

Edina, MN · Remote

$40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

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Sensor Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$43.1K

$104.2K

$169.9K

How much do sensor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for sensor engineer in Minnesota is $104,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sensor Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sensor Engineer, you need a solid background in electronics, signal processing, and sensor technologies, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, data acquisition systems, programming languages like C/C++, and relevant certifications such as Certified Measurement and Control Technician are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this field. These skills are crucial for designing reliable sensor systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring seamless integration into larger engineering projects.

What are Sensor Engineers?

Sensor Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain sensors and sensor systems used to detect and measure physical properties such as temperature, pressure, motion, or chemical composition. They work in various industries including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and electronics to ensure sensors function accurately and reliably. Their responsibilities often include selecting materials, integrating sensors with electronic systems, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing sensor performance for specific applications.

What are some common challenges Sensor Engineers face when integrating new sensor technologies into existing systems?

Sensor Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new sensors and legacy hardware or software, managing data integrity amidst increased data streams, and addressing calibration or environmental factors that may impact sensor accuracy. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including software developers and hardware engineers, is frequently required to troubleshoot integration issues and optimize system performance. Staying updated with rapidly evolving sensor technologies and industry standards is also essential for successful implementation.

What is the difference between Sensor Engineer vs Electronics Engineer?

AspectSensor EngineerElectronics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or related fields; certifications varyBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related fields; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign firms, manufacturing plants, R&D departments
Industry UsageDeveloping and testing sensors for various applicationsDesigning electronic systems, circuit boards, and devices
Common Search/ComparisonSensor Engineer vs Electronics Engineer

Sensor Engineers focus on designing, developing, and testing sensors used in various industries, while Electronics Engineers work on designing electronic circuits and systems. Both roles require a background in electrical engineering and often collaborate in product development, but Sensor Engineers specialize in sensor technology specifically.

What are popular job titles related to Sensor Engineer jobs in Minnesota? For Sensor Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sensor Engineer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Sensor Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
Infographic showing various Sensor Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,196 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Principal Sensor Engineer

Principal Sensor Engineer

Ecolab

Eagan, MN • On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Ecolab rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 196 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 90 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services. Ecolab partners with over one million customers to make the world cleaner, safer, and healthier - to protect people and resources vital to life. At Ecolab, we are science-centered, and people-driven, with a commitment to create a world where people are healthy, businesses can grow, and our planet is respected. Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights, and personal service for customers in foodservice, healthcare, hospitality, and industrial markets around the world.
Innovation is at the center of Ecolab's growth. Research, Development, and Engineering (RD&E) is comprised of over 1,600 innovators that are dedicated to helping our customer achieve their goals. As a part of our global RD&E team, you will be inspired by our purpose and value proposition to deliver best-in-class technology to help ensure our expertise and insights are present whenever and wherever they are needed. Together, we deploy solutions that solve complex operational challenges, build resilience, and reduce risk in a rapidly changing and unpredictable world.
As an Ecolab RD&E team member, you will work in a collaborative, cross-functional, and customer-focused environment. At Ecolab, your voice matters, your contributions are rewarded, and you can make an impact.
The Principal Sensor Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and commercialization of advanced chemical and physical sensing technologies used in industrial, commercial, and customer-facing equipment. This role sits within the Equipment and Connected Solutions (ECS) organization and works cross-divisionally to translate sensing principles into robust, manufacturable sensor solutions that perform reliably in real-world environments. The Principal Sensor Engineer partners with multi-disciplinary teams across Ecolab RD&E to solve impactful customer challenges. As a technical leader, this role provides leadership across sensor concepts, development, and integration from early exploration through product launch.
What you will do:
  • Assess sensing needs across divisional applications and translate them into clear technical requirements
  • Develop sensor solutions using a combination of internally developed and commercially available technologies
  • Research and evaluate new sensing approaches to improve product performance and enable new capabilities
  • Build and test prototypes in lab and field environments to assess feasibility, performance, and robustness
  • Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop sensor-enabled products
  • Document and communicate results through technical reports, presentations, and demonstrations
  • Partner with electronics, firmware, data, mechanical, and product teams on system integration
  • Communicate sensor tradeoffs and recommendations (cost, accuracy, reliability) to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemistry, or a related field
  • 5+ years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree, 3+ years with a Master's degree, or a PhD (industry experience not required)
  • Hands-on experience with sensor prototyping, experimentation, and validation
  • Strong expertise in at least one sensing domain (optical, electrochemical, impedance-based, conductivity, or biosensing)
  • Proven ability to work cross-functionally and communicate complex technical concepts clearly

Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD in Applied or Experimental Physics, Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Science, Physical or Analytical Chemistry, or a related field, with 2+ years of post-graduate R&D experience
  • Experience developing sensor prototypes using integrated hardware and software platforms
  • Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional teams or experience leading technical initiatives or projects
  • Experience with project management and driving work from concept through execution
  • Familiarity with machine learning or data science approaches applied to sensor systems or data analysis
  • Experience developing or supporting embedded, manufactured products
  • Experience with analytical instrumentation design or development
  • Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present results to a range of audiences

Annual or Hourly Compensation Range
The pay range for this position is $85,900.00 - $128,900.00. Many factors are taken into consideration when determining compensation, such as experience, education, training, geography, etc. We comply with all minimum wage and overtime laws.
Benefits
Ecolab strives to provide comprehensive and market-competitive benefits to meet the needs of our associates and their families. Click here to see our benefits.
If you are viewing this posting on a site other than our Ecolab Career website, view our benefits at jobs.ecolab.com/working-here.
Potential Customer Requirements Notice
To meet customer requirements and comply with local or state regulations, applicants for certain customer-facing roles may need to:
- Undergo additional background screens and/or drug/alcohol testing for customer credentialing.
- Be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including a booster if eligible, unless a religious or medical accommodation is requested by the applicant and approved by Ecolab.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Ecolab will provide reasonable accommodation (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with our application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require accommodation assistance in this application process, please visit the Recruiting Support link in the footer of each page of our career website.

What Ecolab employees say

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About Ecolab

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ecolab is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1923