Experienced Controls Engineer

Aagard; Alexandria (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No-Cost Healthcare

401(k) with Company Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Job summary

Aagard seeks a seasoned Controls Engineer in Minnesota to design, test, and deliver motion and timing control software for our machines. You will write and test code, develop control solutions, support field issues, and lead project activities with minimal supervision.

You’ll collaborate across disciplines, travel up to 30% domestically and internationally, obtain a passport, and contribute to a standards-driven engineering culture that emphasizes reliability and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering/physics/math field with 5+ years experience or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of programming practices and concepts related to motion and timing
• Knowledge of mechanical, controls, and electrical systems and components
• Experience with Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley products preferred
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% and obtain/maintain a valid passport

Responsibilities

• Write and Test Code for motion control per standards and project requirements
• Develop and maintain control code to ensure on-time power-up and reliability
• Test machines to verify control solutions meet project requirements and timeline
• Provide engineering support to internal and external customers during commissioning and field issues
• Lead projects and participate in design reviews to drive quality and consistency

Skills

Motion control programming

Visualization skills

Technical communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics-related field

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

PCs, Servos, PLCs

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Annual Pay Range: $90,000-$110,000. Additional compensation for road pay.

Key Obsessions:

• Write and Test Code
• Write control code for machine motion, following Aagard standards, customer specifications, and project requirements.
• Control code should be on time, accurate , and complete for machine power up.
• Test the machine to verify the control code and machine concepts meet the project requirements and timeline.
• Collaborate in the development and maintenance of Aagard’s controls standards to drive consistency and quality.
• Provide Engineering Support for Internal and External Customers
• Support commissioning and machine acceptance phases, ensuring machines perform at peak reliability.
• Provide troubleshooting and engineering support for field issues, equipment retrofits, and related challenges.
• Deliver training to internal and external customers on HMI (Human Machine Interface) and machine operation.
• Respond quickly to minimize downtime, ensuring Aagard machines are the best running and most trusted in customer facilities.
• Lead Projects
• Lead assigned projects with minimal supervision, ensuring timely execution and results.
• Actively participate in design reviews and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
• Communicate openly and professionally across departments and with customers.
• Represent Aagard with professionalism in the field and during customer interactions

Knowledge and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or Mathematics-related field plus 5 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and/or experience
• Strong knowledge of programming practices and concepts related to motion and timing
• Knowledge of mechanical, controls, and electrical systems
• Knowledge of electrical and electronic components
• Experience or training with PC’s servos, and PLC’s
• Previous experience with Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley products preferred
• Strong visualization skills and the ability to conceptualize control solutions
• Ability to handle confidential information with tact and discretion
• Experience with Microsoft products including proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Strong prioritization, time management, organization, proactive decision-making, and attention to detail
• Confidence and ability to communicate professionally with internal and external customers verbally and in writing
• Ability to walk or stand up to 100 percent of the time
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or climb
• Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time, which may include any day of the week. Additional compensation for road pay
• Must obtain and maintain a valid passport. (cost reimbursed by Aagard)

Benefits Offered:

At Aagard, we believe in investing in you—your health, your career, your financial future, and your well-being. Our total rewards package is designed to support you and your family with meaningful benefits.

Comprehensive Healthcare for You and Your Family

• No-Cost Coverage: Preventive & major medical coverage for you and your family—fully paid by Aagard.
• Flexible Health Options: Choose your own plan with company contributions through our Traditional Individual Insurance.
• Payment-in-lieu: Receive extra compensation if you’re insured elsewhere.
• Company-Paid Benefits: Dental, Life, and Disability insurance—all included.
• Wellness Support: Reimbursements for gym memberships, nutrition counseling, mental health services, vision screenings, and more.
• 401(k) with Company Match: 50% match on the first 10% of your contributions.
• Quarterly Profit Sharing: Celebrate success with rewards that grow with our company.

Time Off

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy time for rest and relaxation.
• 9 Paid Holidays throughout the year.
• Paid Bereavement Leave for life’s difficult moments.
• Volunteer Time Off: Make an impact with paid time to support causes you care about.
• Pathways to Leadership: Build your future with mentorship and servant leadership programs.
• Educational Support: Scholarships and tuition reimbursement to help you grow.

Unique Offerings That Set Us Apart

• Celebrate, Care, and Connect: Our on-staff chaplain is here to support you through life’s milestones, challenges, and celebrations.
• Supporting Our Community: Aagard matches your charitable contributions, helping you give back and make a difference.
• Team Building Events & Lunch & Learns: Connect, learn, and grow with your peers.
• Complimentary Perks: Enjoy fresh fruit, hot beverages, and local business discounts.

At Aagard, you’re not just joining a company—you’re joining a team that cares. Your contributions matter here, and we’re proud to offer benefits that help you thrive at work and beyond.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.