Controls Engineer

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc.; Blaine (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty Personnel Services, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer to design, develop, and program control systems for automated equipment in line with customer specifications.

The role requires five+ years of experience in PLC programming, electrical design, and integration, with an associate degree or higher preferred. The position involves managing projects from concept through startup, collaborating with engineering teams, and traveling domestically about 25% (potential for

Qualifications

• Minimum five years designing and programming control systems for automated equipment.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control, electrical design, pneumatics and hydraulics.
• Experience designing and programming machine safety systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical docs.
• Willingness to travel ~25% domestically with potential for international travel.

Responsibilities

• Design and program automated equipment per specs and standards.
• Develop electrical and pneumatic control system designs.
• Specify components for equipment designs.
• Document and maintain electrical schematics and control docs.
• Design and program machine controls including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control.
• Develop machine safety circuits using safety PLCs and devices.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety measures.
• Ensure compliance with UL 508 standards.
• Perform programming, debugging, troubleshooting, and system integration.
• Prepare equipment for customer run-off and certification.
• Support installation, startup, and commissioning at customer sites.
• Collaborate with customers and internal teams to resolve issues.
• Travel to customer sites as required, approx. 25% domestically.

Skills

PLCs

HMIs

Robotics

Motion control

Electrical design

Pneumatics

Hydraulics

Troubleshooting

Problem solving

Schematic reading

Education

Associate degree or higher in Electrical/Controls/Automation or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

RSLogix 500

FactoryTalk View

Other Allen-Bradley software

PLC and HMI programming

Robotics and motion control systems

Job description

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and programming control systems for automated equipment in accordance with company and customer specifications. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in controls engineering, including PLC programming, electrical design, and automated equipment integration. An associate degree or higher in a related technical field is preferred.

This position is responsible for managing projects from initial concept and design through programming, debugging, installation, and final customer acceptance. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with engineering and project teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and program automated equipment in accordance with company and customer specifications, standards, and established procedures.
• Develop electrical and pneumatic control system designs for various types of automated equipment.
• Specify electrical, controls, and automation components required for equipment designs.
• Develop, document, and maintain electrical schematics and control system documentation.
• Design and program machine control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and motion control applications.
• Design and program machine safety circuits using safety PLCs and associated safety devices.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement appropriate safety devices and control measures.
• Ensure electrical and control system designs comply with applicable UL 508 standards.
• Perform machine programming, debugging, troubleshooting, and system integration.
• Prepare equipment for customer run-off, testing, and final certification.
• Support equipment installation, startup, and commissioning at customer facilities.
• Work directly with customers and internal teams to resolve technical issues and ensure successful project completion.
• Travel to customer sites as required, averaging approximately 25%, primarily domestic, with potential for international travel.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Minimum of five years of experience designing and programming control systems for automated equipment.
• Associate degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a related technical field preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control, electrical design, pneumatics, and hydraulics.
• Experience designing and programming machine safety systems.
• Knowledge of electrical design standards and UL 508 requirements.
• Ability to read, develop, and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage projects from concept through installation and startup.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25%, primarily domestic, with potential for international travel.

Required Software and Technical Experience

• AutoCAD
• Allen-Bradley Studio 5000
• RSLogix 500
• FactoryTalk View
• Other related Allen-Bradley programming and engineering software
• PLC and HMI programming
• Robotics and motion control systems

This position involves working in both an office and manufacturing environment, with occasional travel to customer facilities for equipment installation, startup, troubleshooting, and commissioning. The Controls Engineer must be comfortable working hands-on with automated machinery and collaborating with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.