Experienced Controls Engineer

PAR Systems; Shoreview (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Disability and life insurance

Paid time off, holidays, and parental‑

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

PAR Systems seeks a Controls Engineer to join the Critical Handling Solutions segment. You will design electrical systems and develop PLC/HMI software for crane and handling equipment used in demanding environments, including nuclear and aerospace contexts.

The role spans from concept through commissioning, with opportunities for mid- and senior-level engineers to lead architecture, design reviews, and mentoring. Travel up to 0–10% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Typically 3+ years of relevant controls engineering experience.
• Experience developing electrical designs and PLC/HMI software for industrial equipment.
• Practical understanding of motors, variable-frequency drives, feedback devices, networks, and motion-control fundamentals.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment across software, electrical, and mechanical interfaces.
• Clear technical communication and ownership of scope and schedule.
• Willingness to learn and work within nuclear quality, documentation, and design-review processes.
• Willingness to travel for customer-site installation and commissioning, generally 0-10%.

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical schematics, control-panel layouts, BOMs, and wiring designs; select motors, drives, protection devices, instrumentation, and control components.
• Program PLCs and HMIs for crane and handling equipment, including sequences, motion control, interlocks, alarms, diagnostics, and fault recovery.
• Configure drives and feedback devices; integrate hoist brake sequencing, travel limits, load monitoring, and coordinated motion.
• Support equipment builds, troubleshoot electrical and software issues, and participate in factory acceptance testing and site commissioning.
• Translate requirements into design documents and test procedures; maintain engineering records and follow quality processes.

Skills

Controls engineering

Electrical design

PLC programming

HMI programming

Motion control

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLCs

TIA Portal

Siemens HMIs

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

The age of automation is upon us, so join a company that is pushing the limits of what is possible. PAR Systems is a world leader in the design and development of cutting‑edge software, automation, and control systems in a variety of industries, including Life Science, Aerospace, Nuclear, and Marine. Our focus on technology, quality, and new ideas extends beyond our products, as we look to add diverse, dynamic, and dedicated people to our company.

We are looking for a Controls Engineer to join our Critical Handling Solutions (CHS) business segment. Our team designs and builds custom cranes, hoists, and specialized handling equipment for applications where safe, reliable movement matters. You will develop electrical designs and PLC/HMI software for equipment used in nuclear, aerospace, and other demanding industrial environments.

We are considering engineers from all levels of experience, with placement based on technical depth, independence, and leadership experience. Crane and nuclear experience are valuable, but engineers with strong backgrounds in motion control, custom machinery, or industrial material handling are encouraged to apply.

Success Criteria

You understand how electrical hardware, software, motors, drives, and mechanical systems work together. You enjoy developing a design, seeing it built, and working through the details that make equipment operate safely and reliably.

Working with mechanical engineers, project managers, manufacturing, quality, and customers, you will:

• Develop electrical schematics, control‑panel layouts, bills of materials, and wiring designs. Select motors, drives, protective devices, instrumentation, and control components.
• Program PLCs and HMIs for crane and handling equipment, including operating sequences, motion control, interlocks, alarms, diagnostics, and fault recovery.
• Configure drives and feedback devices, and integrate functions such as hoist brake sequencing, travel limits, load monitoring, and coordinated motion.
• Support equipment builds, troubleshoot electrical and software issues, and participate in factory acceptance testing and site commissioning.
• Translate requirements into clear design documents and test procedures, maintain accurate engineering records, and follow applicable standards and project quality processes.

Mid-career engineers will independently deliver assigned controls work, with guidance available for unfamiliar or complex applications. Senior engineers will also lead controls architecture and technical decisions, conduct design reviews, help estimate and plan work, and mentor other engineers.

The benefits you’ll gain when you join PAR Systems include:

• Custom equipment projects that you help take from concept to operation.
• Collaboration and development alongside experienced engineers.
• A benefits package including a 401(k) with company match; medical, dental, and vision insurance; disability and life insurance; paid time off, holidays, and parental leave; and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Typically 3 or more years of relevant controls engineering experience, with level determined by demonstrated capability and responsibility.
• Experience developing both electrical designs and PLC/HMI software for industrial equipment.
• Practical understanding of motors, variable-frequency drives, feedback devices, industrial communication networks, and motion-control fundamentals.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment across software, electrical, and mechanical interfaces.
• Clear technical communication, sound engineering judgment, and ownership of assigned scope and schedule.
• Willingness to learn and work within PAR's nuclear quality, documentation, and design-review processes.
• Willingness to travel for customer‑site installation and commissioning, generally 0-10%, depending on project requirements.
• U.S. Person

Especially Valuable Experience

• Cranes, hoists, winches, or related equipment that lifts, moves, and positions loads.
• Siemens PLCs and HMIs, TIA Portal, and Siemens or Magnetek drives.
• AutoCAD Electrical or comparable electrical design software.
• Hoist brake control, closed‑loop speed or position control, synchronized motion, and safety‑related controls.
• Relevant electrical and crane standards, including NEC/NFPA 70, NFPA 79, UL 508A, CMAA, or ASME NOG-1.
• Nuclear or other regulated projects involving NQA-1, requirements traceability, configuration control, or formal verification and validation.
• Technical leadership, design checking, mentoring, or a Professional Engineer license.