Controls Engineer

GEOTEK LLC; Stewartville (MN); On-site; USD 66,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO & holidays

401k match

HSA contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Profit sharing

Company events

Job summary

GEOTEK LLC is seeking an Automation Engineer to own and advance automation on the production floor in Stewartville, MN. This hands-on role blends software and hardware, requiring you to manage PLC controls, robotics, and hydraulic systems while identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, and efficiency.

You’ll troubleshoot on the shop floor, write code and work instructions, and collaborate with manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 2+ years of experience in automation or robotics.
• Hands-on experience with Allen‑Bradley PLC programming; other PLC environments a plus
• Experience programming and supporting Fanuc or similar robotic systems
• Background applying lean and six sigma in a manufacturing environment; six sigma certification a plus
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with solid math fundamentals
• Comfortable working across the floor and the office — this isn’t a desk‑only role

Responsibilities

• Own existing factory automation — software, controls, mechanical and hydraulic systems
• Identify cost-reducing automation opportunities and lead implementation end-to-end
• Develop, test, and document operational sequences and processes for new and existing products
• Troubleshoot complex production problems, determine root cause, and drive countermeasures
• Analyze production data to identify trends and recommend process improvements
• Estimate manufacturing costs, process time, and manpower requirements for automation initiatives
• Create and modify work instructions; train production employees and supervisors on new processes
• Apply lean and six sigma principles to drive measurable improvements in the factory

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC programming

Fanuc robotics

Lean Six Sigma

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

Fanuc robots

Job description

Brief Description

Automation Engineer

Stewartville, MN | Full-Time | On-Site

About The Role

GEOTEK engineers and manufactures high-performance pultruded composite structural products used in electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure across North America and globally. We’ve been doing this for over 30 years and are continuing to grow.

We’re looking for an Automation Engineer to own and advance the automation capabilities on our production floor. This role sits at the intersection of software and hardware — you’ll be responsible for existing factory automation systems (PLC controls, robotics, mechanical and hydraulic systems) while also identifying and leading new automation opportunities that improve safety, quality, and efficiency.

It’s a hands‑on role. You’ll be on the floor troubleshooting real problems, then back at your desk writing code, developing work instructions, or presenting your findings. If you like seeing the direct impact of your work, this environment delivers that.

What You’ll Do

• Own existing factory automation — software, controls, mechanical and hydraulic systems
• Identify cost-reducing automation opportunities and lead implementation end-to-end
• Develop, test, and document operational sequences and processes for new and existing products
• Troubleshoot complex production problems, determine root cause, and drive countermeasures
• Analyze production data to identify trends and recommend process improvements
• Estimate manufacturing costs, process time, and manpower requirements for automation initiatives
• Create and modify work instructions; train production employees and supervisors on new processes
• Apply lean and six sigma principles to drive measurable improvements in the factory

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 2+ years of experience in automation or robotics
• Hands‑on experience with Allen‑Bradley PLC programming; other PLC environments a plus
• Experience programming and supporting Fanuc or similar robotic systems
• Background applying lean and six sigma in a manufacturing environment; six sigma certification a plus
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with solid math fundamentals
• Comfortable working across the floor and the office — this isn’t a desk‑only role

Physical Work Conditions

Time should be split between test labs and the office or meeting rooms ranging anywhere from 25% to 75% in engineering labs. While working in the labs there will be work with and around moving machinery, fumes and chemicals. Office work requires sitting at a desk, using a computer and phone.

The compensation range for this position is $66,265 - $113,312 annually. Final offers may vary based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The posted range represents the expected earning potential for this position within the current organizational budget and market conditions.

Who We Are

For over 30 years, GEOTEK has been internationally recognized for industry leading composite technologies, engineering, and service. The company has grown PUPI® into the leading global provider of fiberglass crossarms and is committed to adding and developing other market‑leading composite brands for the world’s infrastructure. The company was founded in 1990 to manufacture and market Common Sense Fencing and other pultruded fiberglass products. Early on GEOTEK also began producing utility composite crossarms for Pultruded Utility Products, Inc., a company it acquired in 2000 and renamed Pultruded Utility Products International (PUPI) to reflect the global opportunity for these products. PUPI (pronounced “puppy”) is a brand of GEOTEK. Using proprietary processes and several patented inventions, GEOTEK manufactures and distributes engineered fiberglass composites that are used by the transmission and distribution power lines and substations. The company is well positioned for sustained growth and profitability through market expansion and new product offerings.

Our Purpose

As the global leader in composite crossarms, we aim to broaden our engineered composite products in infrastructure applications with light poles and beyond.

Mission

Enhance the world’s infrastructure with engineered composite products.

Vision

Develop, acquire, and grow respected composite product brands; where each product line delivers market‑leading reliability, performance, and value to global infrastructure customers.

Values

TRUE Values

• TEAM –we before me
• RELIABLE –every day in every way
• URGENT –the drive to do
• ENTERPRISING –be curious

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Ancillary Benefits
• Generous PTO and 9 paid holidays
• 401k with 4% company match
• HSA employer contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Profit Sharing
• Company Events (steak cookouts, holiday parties, community giving, and more)

Learn more at GEOTEK.com