Controls Engineer

Keystone Distinction Group; Grand Forks (ND); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group in Grand Forks, ND, seeks a Controls Engineer to drive automation across high-speed production lines and optimize plant operating systems. You will be the SME for PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, and control panels, collaborating with technicians, supervisors, and managers to tackle complex problems.

This data-driven role emphasizes continuous improvement and reliability engineering to keep operations running at peak efficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline (BSEE preferred).
• 10+ years of related experience in lieu of a degree.
• 5+ years of related experience with degree or certification.
• Proficiency with Rockwell Studio 5000, RSLogix 5000/500, and FactoryTalk View Studio.
• Hands-on experience designing control panels for new production equipment with Allen-Bradley PLCs, VFDs, and HMIs.
• Strong troubleshooting with electrical tools: multimeters, loop simulators, megger.
• Experience with SCADA systems for plant-wide monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Optimize Next-Gen Production: design, test, and integrate advanced modifications for high-speed production lines.
• Drive Automation Innovation: implement and recommend for current and future high-speed automation projects.
• Ensure Peak System Performance: conduct proactive maintenance to maximize uptime and reliability.
• Master Complex Troubleshooting: diagnose and resolve automation, instrumentation, and robotic system challenges.
• Solve Critical Problems Fast: independently troubleshoot complex electrical and control systems when data is minimal.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field (BSEE preferred)

10+ years of related experience in lieu of a degree

5+ years of related experience with degree or certification

Tools

Studio 5000

RSLogix 5000/500

FactoryTalk View Studio

Allen-Bradley PLCs

VFDs

HMIs

SCADA systems

Job description

Controls Engineer

Are you ready to drive the future of automation? As a Controls Engineer, you will step into a vital, forward-thinking role as our resident subject matter expert in PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, and advanced plant operating systems. Working alongside a collaborative, diverse team of technicians, supervisors, and managers, you will be the go-to problem solver tackling high-impact automation challenges. We are looking for a data-driven self-starter who brings fresh ideas to the table, champions continuous improvement, and designs the cutting-edge reliability strategies that keep our operations running at peak efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Optimize Next-Gen Production: Partner with the engineering team to design, test, and seamlessly integrate advanced modifications for high-speed processing production lines.


• Drive Automation Innovation: Spearhead the implementation, design, and strategic recommendations for current and future high-speed automation projects.


• Ensure Peak System Performance: Conduct proactive periodic maintenance to maximize system uptime and reliability.


• Master Complex Troubleshooting: Rapidly diagnose and resolve advanced automation, instrumentation, and robotic system challenges across all material transfer applications.


• Solve Critical Problems Fast: Leverage deep technical expertise to independently troubleshoot complex electrical and control systems, even when documentation or data is minimal.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education & Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related discipline (BSEE preferred). We also highly value practical expertise and will welcome:
  
  
  
  • 10+ years of related experience in lieu of a degree, OR
  
  
  • 5+ years of related experience combined with a technical degree or certification.
  
  
  
  


• Automation Software Expertise: Advanced proficiency with the Rockwell Software suite, including Studio 5000, RSLogix 5000/500, and FactoryTalk View Studio.


• Hardware Mastery: Direct, hands-on experience designing and laying out control panels for new production equipment, alongside extensive knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLCs, VFDs, and HMIs.


• Advanced Diagnostics: Highly skilled in utilizing specialized electrical troubleshooting tools, including multimeters, loop simulators, and meggers.


• System-Level Vision: Proven experience working with SCADA systems to monitor and optimize plant-wide operations.