Automation Controls Engineer III

Delkor Systems; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus $20,000

Job summary

Delkor Systems is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer III to design and lead automation for new machinery, including PLC, servo, and HMI implementations. The role emphasizes project leadership, cross-functional collaboration with sales, PM, and service teams, and mentoring of junior engineers.

You will manage from concept through field test, maintain code standards, and drive safety risk assessments in accordance with OSHA and industry directives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or equivalent; 8+ years in PLC/servo control systems.
• Experience with Rockwell PLCs, VFDs, servo drives and HMIs is preferred.
• Background in packaging/automation projects is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead automation controls for machinery and packaging lines.
• Provide project management from order entry to field test completion.
• Coordinate with sales, PM and service to resolve field issues.
• Mentor peers and drive improvements in design and processes.
• Ensure safety standards compliance and risk assessments.

Skills

Electrical design

Schematic analysis

Leadership

Team collaboration

Troubleshooting

Fast-paced work

Education

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering

Alternative engineering degree 2-year + 8+ years experience

Tools

Rockwell PLCs (ControlLogix/CompactLogix)

VFDs (PowerFlex525/527)

Kinetix servo drives

HMIs (PanelView/Optix)

3D CAD systems

Emulate 3D

Product Data Management

Job description

• Estimate time and material costs for new product machinery quotes
• Develop the prototype machine automation specifications, configurations, options list and cost targets; publish and maintain specifications for approval at milestone reviews
• Direct concept automation development on test components and test rigs
• Report time-plan deviations, project risks, cost overruns, etc. to the Controls Engineering Supervisor
• Create/Improve existing code base to improve efficiency or add new features
• Stay up to date on new hardware releases and determine how they could improve Delkor's product offerings
• Engineer entirely new equipment and machinery lines:
• Develop the overall automation controls platform
• Specify type of control used to deliver expected results, servo versus pneumatics, sensor types, controls hardware utilized
• Develop the software for new machines while maintaining Delkor's programing standards
• Utilize technical design reviews as a driver for peer review and communication throughout the project
• Follow all industry safety standards as dictated by the relevant government entities (OSHA, EU Machinery Directive, local authorities, etc.) and drive the use of Safety Risk assessment in evaluating machinery for hazards
• Lead and direct the efforts of other department engineers related to new equipment and machinery lines
• Provide technical project management and leadership from project order entry through field test completion for newly developed machinery:
• In cooperation with the production scheduler, maintain and report weekly project status
• In cooperation with sales and project management, draft and communicate the project plan, automation specifications and change orders to the customer
• Act as the primary interface with the customer on all technical matters regarding automation
• Direct the assembly and validation staff in day-to-day build and test activities
• Coordinate with Sales, Project Management and Service Department to solve technical issues in the field
• At field test completion, transfer the completed prototype documentation package to the commercial products engineering team
• Propose improved work processes with the intent of reducing lead time and costs while improving quality, safety and sharing expertise with co-workers:
• Mentor and educate co-workers in best machinery development practices
• Contribute to the establishment and refinement of the product development process
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) with the Engineering Department and develop expertise in assigned area of key competency; mentor and educate others in area of expertise
• Report machine performance and safety concerns to the Director of Automation
• Stay abreast of and inform co-workers on technical advances in the field of machinery automation
• Manage Program for Product Line:
• Be the owner of a commercialized product line
• Preform regular updates on code base to maintain Delkor's current standard
• Look for improvements in code base and share with others to improve all Delkor product lines
• Perform other tasks or duties as assigned

Job Details

Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop new machinery concepts:
• Estimate time and material costs for new product machinery quotes
• Develop the prototype machine automation specifications, configurations, options list and cost targets; publish and maintain specifications for approval at milestone reviews
• Direct concept automation development on test components and test rigs
• Report time-plan deviations, project risks, cost overruns, etc. to the Controls Engineering Supervisor
• Create/Improve existing code base to improve efficiency or add new features
• Stay up to date on new hardware releases and determine how they could improve Delkor's product offerings
• Engineer entirely new equipment and machinery lines:
• Develop the overall automation controls platform
• Specify type of control used to deliver expected results, servo versus pneumatics, sensor types, controls hardware utilized
• Develop the software for new machines while maintaining Delkor's programing standards
• Utilize technical design reviews as a driver for peer review and communication throughout the project
• Follow all industry safety standards as dictated by the relevant government entities (OSHA, EU Machinery Directive, local authorities, etc.) and drive the use of Safety Risk assessment in evaluating machinery for hazards
• Lead and direct the efforts of other department engineers related to new equipment and machinery lines
• Provide technical project management and leadership from project order entry through field test completion for newly developed machinery:
• In cooperation with the production scheduler, maintain and report weekly project status
• In cooperation with sales and project management, draft and communicate the project plan, automation specifications and change orders to the customer
• Act as the primary interface with the customer on all technical matters regarding automation
• Direct the assembly and validation staff in day-to-day build and test activities
• Coordinate with Sales, Project Management and Service Department to solve technical issues in the field
• At field test completion, transfer the completed prototype documentation package to the commercial products engineering team
• Propose improved work processes with the intent of reducing lead time and costs while improving quality, safety and sharing expertise with co-workers:
• Mentor and educate co-workers in best machinery development practices
• Contribute to the establishment and refinement of the product development process
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) with the Engineering Department and develop expertise in assigned area of key competency; mentor and educate others in area of expertise
• Report machine performance and safety concerns to the Director of Automation
• Stay abreast of and inform co-workers on technical advances in the field of machinery automation
• Manage Program for Product Line:
• Be the owner of a commercialized product line
• Preform regular updates on code base to maintain Delkor's current standard
• Look for improvements in code base and share with others to improve all Delkor product lines
• Perform other tasks or duties as assigned

Education And Experience

• Four-year degree in Electrical Engineering or two-year degree in Engineering (or equivalent) and 8 years of related experience specifying, designing and programming PLC, HMI and servo control systems.
• Minimum 6 year of experience with servo-driven high-speed machinery required
• Minimum 4 years of experience with RSLogix5000
• Experience with Rockwell Automation PLCs (ControlLogix, CompactLogix), VFDs (PowerFlex525 and 527), servo drives (Kinetix 5700, 5500 and ArmorKinetix) and HMIs (Optix or PanelView) preferred
• Experience with 3D parametric CAD systems preferred
• Experience with 3D emulation software (Emulate 3D) preferred
• Experience with Product Data Management systems preferred
• Experience with packaging machinery preferred
• Experience with cam-driven machinery preferred
• Experience with Fanuc Robotics preferred
• Experience specifying robotics and pick-&-place solutions preferred
• Experience managing development projects preferred
• Experience working with end-customer preferred

Technical Skills And Abilities

• Able to manage the design of control systems for machinery or integration projects (integrated packaging lines)
• Able to read, understand, analyze and problem solve electrical schematics and engineering related software programs
• Able to use standard computer programs for work processing including Microsoft Office products.
• Able to tutor and/or lead others on designs and projects
• Must exhibit a high level of inquisitiveness, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities
• Able to adapt to a fast-paced environment

Interpersonal Communication

• Communicates clearly and effectively (verbally and non-verbally) to individuals and groups, internally and externally, to exchange ideas and convey detailed information accurately
• Works well with a variety of people and personalities, and with other Delkor departments
• Works collaboratively, as a team member, to suggest ideas and resolve issues in a positive manner

Work Ethic

• Self-motivated and able to work independently and accurately with minimal supervision.
• Takes ownership of his or her area(s) of responsibility
• Understands the need to work productively, making good use of his or her time
• Strong leadership skills including the ability to independently problem solve engineering issues
• Innovative in developing more efficient and effective methods of completing assigned tasks
• Well organized with a strong aptitude for details
• Able to maintain a positive work environment, even when encountering challenging situations

Physical Requirements

• Sit at a desk or in meetings for extended periods of time that often include extensive time on a computer
• Stand and walk for a portion of the day to interact with other employees
• See and judge distances and space relationships to successfully complete detailed activities to fine tolerances, including reading engineering schematics, spreadsheets and other documents
• Possess arm and hand mobility and strength to lift, bend, hold, reach, carry, push and pull packages, supplies, and the like used by the Engineering Department and to support the production floor

Work Environment

• Seventy to eighty percent (70-80%) of the work is performed in an office setting, carrying out detail work sitting at a desk and working on the computer, or working at an office table
• Twenty percent (20%) of the work is performed on an assembly floor or at customer sites with exposure to tools, dirt, dust, chemicals, metals and plastics, varying temperatures, construction noises and odors from production processes
• The estimated amount of time spent traveling to customer sites is twenty percent (20%)

Tools and Equipment

• Use general office equipment such as computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, copiers, e-mail, calculator and other such equipment
• Use basic hand tools including as wrenches, pliers, screwdriver, voltmeter, etc

Salary Range

• The salary range for this position is $135,000 - $160,000 per year. At Delkor, we are committed to ensuring that each employee’s compensation reflects their experience, performance, and skills relevant to their current role. This salary range accounts for various factors considered in the hiring process, including but not limited to education, skills, work experience, and certifications. As a result, the final salary offer for the selected candidate(s) may fall anywhere within this range.
• Controls Engineer III is eligible for a $20,000 sign-on bonus.
• In addition to base salary, Delkor provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being. Our benefits include health, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k)-retirement plan, paid time off, life and disability insurance, and a variety of additional voluntary benefits.

EEO Policy Statement

• Delkor is an Equal Opportunity Employer