Automation/Controls Engineer

Paycom - ATS; Crookston (MN); On-site; USD 79,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & Vision

HSA options

401(k) retirement plan

PTO & holidays

Annual bonus

Job summary

Paycom - ATS is seeking an Automation/Controls Engineer for its Crookston, MN facility. The role focuses on designing, programming, and maintaining PLC-based control systems and supporting HMI/SCADA applications for monitoring and data collection.

You will troubleshoot production equipment, create electrical schematics, and assist with commissioning and process improvements, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and maintenance teams to drive safety, efficiency, and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years in industrial automation or controls engineering.
• Hands-on PLC programming with Allen-Bradley or similar.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms (FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware).

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems.
• Develop and support HMI and SCADA applications for monitoring and control.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation issues on production equipment.
• Create and maintain control narratives, I/O lists, electrical schematics, and documentation.
• Support commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment and upgrades.
• Collaborate with maintenance and process teams to integrate automation solutions.
• Implement data collection, historian, and industrial networking systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and electrical codes.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Electrical schematics

Industrial sensors

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

FactoryTalk

Ignition

Wonderware

ControlLogix

CompactLogix

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: W.A.F. - Crookston - Crookston, MN 56716

Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: $79,000.00 - $105,000.00 Salary/year, Travel Percentage: Up to 25%, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineer

What You'll Do

• Design, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
• Develop and support HMI and SCADA applications for monitoring, control, and data collection
• Troubleshoot and debug electrical, controls, and automation issues on production and process equipment
• Create and maintain control narratives, I/O lists, electrical schematics, and technical documentation
• Support commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment, upgrades, and process improvements
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, process, and maintenance teams to integrate automation solutions
• Implement and support data collection, historian, and industrial networking systems
• Ensure control systems comply with applicable safety standards, electrical codes, and company best practices
• Provide on-site support for production issues, downtime reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Assist with vendor coordination and equipment specifications
• Proficiency in setting up and configuring robot platforms such as FANUC, ABB and KUKA

What We're Looking For

• Has a strong understanding of industrial sensors, actuators, and control hardware
• Possesses the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Has strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Can effectively communicate and has documentation skills
• Has the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Is safety-minded

Why WAF - Crookston?

Because we're growing.

We're investing in new equipment, new technology, automation, and our people. This position is being added because we're looking toward the future — and we want an engineer who wants to be part of that future.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Solve real-world problems
• Work with automation and new technology
• Bring your ideas to the table
• Improve efficiency and processes
• See your work make an impact on the plant floor
• Help shape the future of a growing manufacturing operation

This isn't about maintaining the status quo.

It's about making things better.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-paid short-term & long-term disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & paid holidays
• Up to an 8%annual bonus
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Voluntary accident & critical illness insurance
• Up to $400/month daycare reimbursement
• $1,000 employee referral bonus
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
• Hands‑on experience with PLC programming (Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix preferred)
• Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms (FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware, etc.)

Education and Experience

Desired Education and Experience:

• Experience in manufacturing, process industries, or heavy industrial environments
• Familiarity with industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet)
• Experience with VFD's, motion control, and servo systems
• Knowledge of PLC's and machine safety standards
• Experience with data logging, historians, MES, or manufacturing analytics systems
• Robotic programming experience

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Standing & Walking: Frequently required - Engineers may need to patrol equipment, inspect robots and controls, and troubleshoot on the production floor. Surfaces may be uneven or change between office, and production areas.
• Sitting: Moderate requirement - Work at a desk for programming, documentation, analysis, and meetings.
• Lifting & Carrying: Occasional to frequent lifting (10-25 lbs). Anything over 50 lbs requires two people.
• Bending, Stooping, Kneeling: Occasional - Accessing equipment components, routing cables, checking sensors and actuators. Getting into confined spaces around machines.
• Reaching & Handling: Frequent: Operating controls, connectors, keyboards, handheld diagnostic tools. Reaching into panels or around machinery.
• Vision & Hearing: Essential: Ability to read screens, schematics, labels, and indicators. Hearing alarms, signals, and communications in a noisy industrial environment.
• Fine Motor Skills: Required: Precise manipulation of small components, wiring, connectors, switches, and instruments. Typing and use of handheld tools.
• Environmental Conditions: High heat, dust, fumes, noise, vibration.