Controls Engineer

Forwardtech; Minnesota; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401k with company match

Paid holidays

PTO

Disability insurance

Flexible benefit plan

Job summary

Forwardtech is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission automation systems in collaboration with the production teams. You will troubleshoot and prototype, support with lab work, and ensure projects stay on time and within budget.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of controls engineering experience and hands-on skills with Rockwell software and AutoCAD Electrical; familiarity with NEC, UL508A, NFPA is expected, plus strong communication and a proactive mindset.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of controls engineering experience.
• Knowledge of NEC, UL508A, NFPA codes.
• Experience with equipment specifications and cost-effective solutions.

Responsibilities

• Program and troubleshoot automated equipment using Rockwell software.
• Develop control panel and control system schematics using safety circuits, PLCs, VFDs, servo drives, robotics, HMIs, designed in AutoCAD Electrical.
• Create and maintain BOMs and engineering changes; review specs and standards.
• Control system upgrades and integration of new/existing equipment.
• Ensure work complies with codes and documentation; participate in continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with vendors and Forward Tech team to maintain schedules and budgets.
• Provide assistance to manufacturing, assembly, customer service, and sales throughout a project.

Skills

Go-getter attitude

Strong verbal and written comms

Electrical aptitude

Rockwell software

AutoCAD Electrical

Technical writing

Time management

Independent & team work

Willingness to travel

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

2-Year Automation Degree

Relevant experience

Tools

Rockwell software

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Work Days

Standard: Monday to Friday
Special cases: weekends may be required during travel

Work Hours

Standard: 8AM to 5PM
Special cases: week nights and weekend hours during travel

Travel Requirements

Some overnight travel is required, 15% (more travel available if desired)

Benefits

Health, Dental, Vision, Life, 401k (Roth or Traditional) w/ company match, 10 Paid Holidays, PTO, Aflac, Short- & Long-Term Disability, Flexible Benefit Plan

Physical Requirements

Some lifting may be required, up to 50lbs

Drug Testing Required

Yes

Education Required

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, 2-Year Automation Degree, or relevant experience

Special License Requirements

N/A

Certification Requirements

N/A

Driver’s License

Valid driver’s license required

Passport

Passport not required, but ability to obtain one may be necessary for possible international travel

Job Description / Responsibilities

The Controls Engineer will be responsible for designing, programming, and commissioning control and automation systems. Requires work with Forward’s production systems and personnel to ensure on-time completion of projects. The applicant will assist with laboratory level work (prototyping/new technology vetting), trouble‑shooting and concept development with the production group, and in general you will work with a wide variety of internal resources to ensure projects stay on‑time and within budget.

Under minimum supervision, applicant will troubleshoot various automated production equipment. You will build and maintain strong relationships with customers across many different industries and continue to learn the intricacies of plastic welding, leak/burst testing, and automation equipment.

The Controls Engineer will have strong experience with programmable controllers, robotics, vision systems, HMIs, control system design, and have hands‑on troubleshooting experience. A go‑getter type personality with a strong desire to succeed will help the applicant thrive and grow in this position.

Common tasks for this position include

• Program and troubleshoot automated equipment using Rockwell Automation software
• Develop control panel and control system schematics utilizing safety circuits, PLCs, VFDs, servo drives, robotics, automation networks, HMIs, etc. – all designed in AutoCAD Electrical software
• Create and maintain BOMs and engineering changes associated with projects and resolve job specification differences
• Review specifications and standard practices – inclusive of the internal hardwired and logic standards, general specifications, and scope of work
• Control system upgrades of existing equipment and integration of new/existing equipment
• Ensure work is completed in accordance with relevant codes and with proper documentation
• Participate in continuous improvement activities to improve processes, efficiency, quality, and service
• Work closely with vendors in identifying appropriate equipment necessary for the project
• Work with the Forward Tech team in general to maintain project schedules, standards, and budgets
• Provide assistance to other functional organizations (manufacturing, assembly, customer service, sales) throughout the life of a project

Experience Required

• 2+ years of controls engineering experience
• Familiar with common US and International Codes such as NEC, UL508A, and NFPA
• Experience with equipment specifications
• Experience in developing new concepts and cost‑effective solutions

Required Skills / Qualifications

• Driven, energetic, self-starter type individual with go‑getter attitude
• Ambitious person with strong verbal and written communication skills
• Electrical aptitude with knowledge of controls concepts
• Competent with Rockwell software and AutoCAD Electrical
• Creative, out of the box thinker with strong technical writing skills
• Willingness and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Strong time management skills with ability to multi‑task daily
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Open to limited travel and developing new relationships
• Highly organized with a positive attitude, strong work ethic

Preferred Skills / Qualifications

• Familiar with plastic welding, leak testing, and industrial automation
• Familiar with OEM equipment budgeting and concepting
• Familiar with suppliers to OEMs and the equipment offerings they provide
• Familiar with Exor platform and Codesys software/programming