Controls Engineer

Calqulate; Grand Forks (ND); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Calqulate is seeking a Controls Engineer to lead automation initiatives in a fast-paced plant environment. You will serve as the subject matter expert for PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, and SCADA, collaborating with engineers, technicians, and managers to improve reliability and performance.

The role emphasizes hands-on panel design, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement, with a focus on high-speed production line optimization and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline; 10+ years experience may substitute.
• Alternatively, 5+ years experience with a technical degree or certification.

Responsibilities

• Optimize production lines through advanced modifications and integration.
• Drive automation projects from design to implementation and handoff.
• Ensure peak system performance with proactive maintenance and diagnostics.
• Troubleshoot complex automation and control systems across applications.
• Provide rapid problem solving when documentation is limited.

Skills

Data-driven

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

RSLogix 5000/500

FactoryTalk View Studio

Allen-Bradley PLCs

VFDs

HMIs

Panel design

Multimeters

Loop simulators

Meggers

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.