Associate Controls Engineer

Molex; Little Falls (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Molex’s Aerospace & Defense Solutions (ADS) division seeks an Associate Controls Engineer to develop, implement, and improve automation and control systems in our manufacturing environment. You’ll gain hands-on experience with industrial automation, equipment, and controls while collaborating with experienced engineers and operations partners.

You will work on projects from design through implementation, improving reliability, safety, and production efficiency alongside operations, maintenance,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Automation or related field.
• Knowledge of industrial automation and control systems.
• PLC programming experience from coursework/internships/co-ops/projects.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and industrial control systems.
• Support automation projects from design through implementation.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation issues on manufacturing equipment.
• Participate in equipment installation, commissioning, upgrades, and validation.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, controls documentation, and standard work.
• Work with sensors, actuators, motors, drives, networks, and other automation components.
• Analyze equipment performance and downtime data to identify improvements.
• Partner with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to improve reliability and performance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, safety, quality, and productivity.

Skills

PLC programming

Schematic reading

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Hands-on manufacturing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics/Automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

AutoCAD Electrical

HMI development

Job description

As an Associate Controls Engineer, you will support the development, implementation, and improvement of automation and control systems within our manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer looking to build hands-on experience with industrial automation, manufacturing equipment, and controls while working alongside experienced engineers and operations partners.

You will have the opportunity to apply your engineering knowledge to real-world manufacturing challenges, develop your technical capabilities, and take increasing ownership of automation and controls projects.

Our Team

You’ll be part of a collaborative engineering and manufacturing team focused on improving automation, equipment reliability, safety, and production efficiency. The team works closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering partners to solve problems and continuously improve our manufacturing processes.

What You Will Do

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and industrial control systems
• Support automation and manufacturing improvement projects from design through implementation
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation issues on manufacturing equipment
• Participate in equipment installation, commissioning, upgrades, and validation
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, controls documentation, and standard work
• Work with sensors, actuators, motors, drives, industrial networks, and other automation components
• Analyze equipment performance and downtime data to identify improvement opportunities
• Partner with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and manufacturing performance
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, safety, quality, and productivity
• Follow applicable safety requirements and engineering standards while working in a manufacturing environment

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering field
• Knowledge of industrial automation, electrical controls, and control system fundamentals
• Experience with PLC programming through coursework, internships, co-ops, projects, or professional experience
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams
• Comfortable working hands-on with equipment in a manufacturing environment

What Will Put You Ahead

• Previous internship, co-op, or professional experience in controls engineering, automation, or manufacturing engineering
• Experience programming Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms
• Experience developing or modifying HMI applications
• Familiarity with industrial communication networks and protocols
• Experience with variable frequency drives, servo systems, sensors, actuators, or robotics
• Experience using AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design software
• Exposure to equipment commissioning, machine controls, or manufacturing automation projects
• Experience identifying root causes and implementing improvements to equipment reliability or performance

For this role, we anticipate paying $65,000- $70,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.

Hiring Philosophy

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .

Who We Are

Aerospace & Defense Solutions (ADS)

Molex's Aerospace & Defense Solutions (ADS) Division delivers mission-critical connectivity, signal technologies, and electronic solutions designed for the most demanding environments. Drawing on decades of engineering excellence and innovation, we support aerospace, defense, space, and other high-reliability markets where performance is essential and failure is not an option.

From enabling next-generation communications and data transfer to providing rugged interconnect and electronic solutions for mission-critical systems, our technologies help customers advance capabilities across air, land, sea, and space. At ADS, we combine deep technical expertise, operational excellence, and a culture of principled entrepreneurship to create value for our customers, communities, and one another.

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense through innovation, reliability, and purpose-driven solutions.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aqui , or tu ).