Controls Engineer

Konik; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with Roth option

Paid time off

Health savings account (HSA)

Dental and vision insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Discretionary profit‑sharing bonus

Job summary

Konik is seeking a Controls Engineer in Minneapolis, MN to develop and integrate advanced motion control systems for industrial and defense applications. You will work with PLCs, servo and stepper motors, drives, sensors, robotics, and HMIs, bridging hardware and software from design through testing.

The role emphasizes hands-on system integration, software development, and electrical design across CANopen, EtherCAT, and EtherNet/IP networks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of experience with industrial automation, controls, or motion control systems.
• Experience with servo and stepper motors, drives, PLCs, sensors, feedback devices, and industrial communication networks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate controls solutions for servo motors, stepper motors, drives, actuators, sensors, and other automation components.
• Program PLCs, controllers, and motion systems to support positioning, speed, and movement requirements.
• Develop and maintain motion‑control software and communication libraries using CANopen, EtherCAT, and EtherNet/IP.
• Support the selection and integration of motors, drives, encoders, feedback systems, cabling, and safety components.
• Review system architecture and electrical designs to ensure components work together effectively.
• Create and update electrical schematics, wiring documentation, and system specifications.
• Build, program, and troubleshoot electrical control systems and automated test equipment.
• Perform system testing, debugging, and product qualification to verify performance and reliability.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related technical field

Tools

Allen-Bradley

Siemens

B&R

CANopen

EtherCAT

EtherNet/IP

Job description

Direct Hire | Minneapolis, MN | $80k - $110k

Controls Engineer – Motion Control & Automation

We are looking for a Controls Engineer to support the development and integration of advanced motion control products and custom automation systems. This role combines controls engineering, software development, electrical design, and hands‑on system integration.

You will work with PLCs, servo and stepper motors, drives, feedback devices, robotics, HMIs, and industrial communication networks to develop and improve motion control solutions used in industrial and defense applications.

This is a great opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working across both hardware and software, solving technical challenges, and seeing projects through development, testing, and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and integrate controls solutions for servo motors, stepper motors, drives, actuators, sensors, and other automation components.
• Program PLCs, controllers, and motion systems to support positioning, speed, and movement requirements.
• Develop and maintain motion‑control software and communication libraries using protocols such as CANopen, EtherCAT, and EtherNet/IP.
• Support the selection and integration of motors, drives, encoders, feedback systems, cabling, and safety components.
• Review system architecture and electrical designs to ensure components work together effectively.
• Create and update electrical schematics, wiring documentation, and system specifications.
• Build, program, and troubleshoot electrical control systems and automated test equipment.
• Perform system testing, debugging, and product qualification to verify performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• At least 2 years of experience with industrial automation, controls, or motion control systems.
• Experience with servo and stepper motors, drives, PLCs, sensors, feedback devices, and industrial communication networks.
• Familiarity with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or B&R.
• Experience with servo systems from manufacturers such as Rockwell, Siemens, Kollmorgen, Copley, Elmo, or Control Techniques.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols such as CANopen, EtherCAT, and EtherNet/IP.
• Experience with electrical schematics, wiring, system integration, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with industrial robotics is a plus.
• Programming experience with JavaScript, HTML, XML, and CSS is a plus.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with a variety of technical and non‑technical teams.

Additional Requirement: This position requires access to ITAR‑controlled technical information. Candidates must be legally eligible to access this information under applicable U.S. export control regulations.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with Roth option
• Life and disability insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Discretionary profit‑sharing bonus

Konik is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other protected class status.

Konik has been a leader in the technical staffing industry for more than 50 years, providing the fastest and easiest link between employees and employers. Konik has specialized in placing professional, qualified personnel in Minnesota and western Wisconsin businesses since its inception and maintains a strong commitment to customer service.