Associate Controls Engineer

RiseMe; Cokato (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

ESOP

401(k) match

Paid time off (PTO)

Company‑paid life insurance

AD&D insurance

Short‑term disability

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Professional development

Job summary

APT is seeking an Associate Controls Engineer to design, program, test, and commission PLC/HMI control systems for food and dairy facilities across North America. You will work directly with senior engineers, contributing to project success and customer satisfaction.

You will gain hands‑on experience, learn rapidly, and grow toward leadership roles within a 100% employee‑owned company that values mentorship and hands‑on development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or equivalent automation experience.
• Strong attention to detail and mechanical aptitude.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement PLC and HMI programming, including custom reporting.
• Design, test, and commission control systems with senior engineers.
• Support projects from concept through completion, including on‑site commissioning.
• Collaborate with process engineers on control system strategies, I/O layouts, and equipment lists.
• Redline and update drawings for accuracy.
• Participate in FAT and in‑house testing.
• Create SOPs and training materials; provide end‑user training.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Multitasking

Independent work

Team collaboration

Travel up to 30%

US work authorization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering

GPA 2.5 or higher (preferred)

Tools

PLC programming

HMI programming

FAT testing

Job description

Description

Why Join Us

At APT, we design and deliver the automation systems that power food and dairy plants across North America. As an Associate Controls Engineer, you won’t be stuck in the background — you’ll work directly on real projects, alongside experienced engineers, building the skills that will launch your career. From programming PLCs and HMIs to commissioning systems at customer sites, you’ll see your work come to life and make a direct impact. We invest in our people and their growth. This role is designed to help you build technical expertise, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for a long-term career in automation engineering.

Job Overview

The Associate Controls Engineer works directly with senior engineers and the Controls Team Lead to contribute to the design, programming, testing, and commissioning of control systems. This role offers hands‑on exposure to a wide range of technologies and customer applications, helping you build a foundation for a long‑term career in automation engineering.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and implement PLC and HMI programming, including custom reporting.
• Apply technical knowledge in the design, assembly, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of PLC‑based control systems.
• Support projects from concept through completion, including on‑site commissioning and start‑up at customer facilities.
• Collaborate with process engineers on control system strategies,I/O layouts, and equipment lists.
• Redline and update drawings to ensure accuracy.
• Participate in in‑house testing and customer FactoryAcceptance Testing (FAT).
• Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) and training materials.
• Provide end‑user training on system operation.
• Participate in the on‑call support rotation forcustomer technical support.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electricalengineering (or equivalent experience in automation).
• Strong attention to detail and demonstratedmechanical aptitude.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Self‑starter who works well independently and in ateam.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.
• Right to work in the U.S. that is not based solely onpossession of a student visa or a visa sponsored by a third‑party employer.

Preferred:

• Previous manufacturing, co‑op, or internship experience.
• Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge automation technologies.
• Opportunities to work directly with customers in real production environments.
• Mentorship and training from senior engineers andleadership.
• A pathway to grow into project leadership and seniorengineering roles.
• A collaborative, supportive team culture where yourideas are valued.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary range: $80,000 - $85,000

• The salary range provided reflects the anticipated base compensation for this position. At APT, we are committed to offering compensation that is competitive and aligned with market standards, considering factors such as skills, experience, education, certifications, and performance. As a result, compensation for the successful candidate(s) may fall anywhere within the stated range. Our goal is to support our employees by offering an industry‑leading wage that recognizes and rewards your contributions.

Benefits:

At APT, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package that supports the health, well‑being, and financial security of our employees. As a 100% employee‑owned company, we value the contributions of our team members and offer benefits designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. These benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision plans, and HSA savings to suit your needs.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): A benefit that allows you to share in the success and growth of APT as a 100% employee‑owned company. There is no cost to you to participate.
• Retirement Plans: 401(k) plan with company match to help you prepare for the future.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous PTO, including bereavement pay, and eight (8) paid holidays.
• Company‑Paid Life Insurance: Basic life insurance coverage at no cost to you.
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: Provided at no cost to you.
• Voluntary Life Insurance: Optional additional coverage for you, your spouse, and / or child(ren) to meet your needs.
• Company‑Paid Short‑Term Disability (STD): Coverage provided at no cost to you in the event of illness or injury.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Resources to support mental, financial, physical health and well‑being.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and career growth.