Lead PLC Engineer

Knobelsdorff Electric Inc.; Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 148,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

HSA contributions

Company-paid life insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Six holidays

Education reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

Knobelsdorff Electric Inc. in Eagan, MN is seeking a Lead PLC Engineer to drive complex industrial automation projects from concept through startup.

You will lead the design, programming, testing, and commissioning of reliable control systems, while mentoring engineering teams and ensuring performance and safety throughout the project lifecycle. This role offers a competitive compensation package and opportunities to grow within a family-owned company focused on automation, electric, energy, and

Qualifications

• 7+ years of PLC or industrial controls engineering experience, including technical leadership responsibilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience leading PLC projects through design, testing, commissioning, and startup.
• Strong PLC programming experience, including sequencing, interlocks, fault handling, and equipment control.
• Experience with instrumentation, VFDs, remote I/O, packaged equipment, and industrial control systems.
• Experience integrating PLCs with SCADA platforms and industrial networks.
• Strong troubleshooting, testing, code review, and configuration management skills.
• Excellent communication, documentation, collaboration, and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of PLC functional designs based on process requirements and customer needs.
• Design and program structured PLC applications using established standards and reusable components.
• Define operating sequences, interlocks, fault responses, and control strategies.
• Coordinate PLC integration with instrumentation, drives, remote I/O, and packaged equipment.
• Collaborate with SCADA and network engineers to support reliable system communications.
• Develop and execute testing plans, including simulation, FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities.
• Review PLC applications developed by other engineers and provide technical mentorship.
• Troubleshoot software, electrical interface, and field device issues during startup and operation.
• Manage software versions, system changes, backups, and release processes.
• Provide engineering estimates, project updates, and technical guidance throughout project execution.
• Prepare handover documentation, source code backups, test records, and as-built packages.
• Support continuous improvement of engineering standards, libraries, and development practices.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial controls

Leadership

SCADA integration

Instrumentation

VFDs

Remote I/O

Electrical engineering

Education

B.E. Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA platforms

Industrial networks

Job description

# Lead PLC Engineer**Location:** Eagan, MN, United States**Type:** Full-time**Pay Range:** $147,753 – $162,291 yearly**Experience Level:** Experienced**Department:** Automation**Travel Requirement:** Yes - Up to 30%## Company Description**Working at Knobelsdorff (KE)**Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core value. Starting your career with KE means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, KE is the place for you.### This third party embed for YouTube Video is being blockedWe need your permission to load this Service (YouTube Video). The embedded third party Service is not allowed to display until you provide consent. For this third party feature to load, please click 'accept'.Powered by Usercentrics Consent Management Platform## Job Description**Job Purpose**This role supports KE Automation by leading PLC application engineering for complex industrial automation and mission-critical projects. You’ll be responsible for designing, programming, testing, and commissioning reliable control systems that directly impact operational performance, equipment reliability, and customer success. Success in this role means delivering maintainable, well-documented control solutions while mentoring engineering teams and ensuring systems perform as intended throughout the project lifecycle, all while upholding KE’s commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you're someone who enjoys solving technical challenges and leading projects from concept through startup, this position is built for you.**What You'll Do**You’ll be part of a team that gets things done, works with purpose, and takes pride in the results. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:* Lead the development of PLC functional designs based on process requirements and customer needs* Design and program structured PLC applications using established standards and reusable components* Define operating sequences, interlocks, permissives, fault responses, and control strategies* Coordinate PLC integration with instrumentation, drives, remote I/O, and packaged equipment* Collaborate with SCADA and network engineers to support reliable system communications* Develop and execute testing plans, including simulation, FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities* Review PLC applications developed by other engineers and provide technical mentorship* Troubleshoot software, electrical interface, and field device issues during startup and operation* Manage software versions, system changes, backups, and release processes* Provide engineering estimates, project updates, and technical guidance throughout project execution* Prepare handover documentation, source code backups, test records, and as-built packages* Support continuous improvement of engineering standards, libraries, and development practices## Qualifications**What You Bring**You’re someone who shows up ready to work hard, learn fast, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring:* 7+ years of PLC or industrial controls engineering experience, including technical leadership responsibilities* Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience* Experience leading PLC projects through design, testing, commissioning, and startup* Strong PLC programming experience, including sequencing, interlocks, fault handling, and equipment control* Experience with instrumentation, VFDs, remote I/O, packaged equipment, and industrial control systems* Experience integrating PLCs with SCADA platforms and industrial networks* Strong troubleshooting, testing, code review, and configuration management skills* Excellent communication, documentation, collaboration, and mentoring abilities**Pay Range**We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.**Pay Range:** $147,753.00-$162,291.00 per year**Total Rewards Statement**As a full-time employee at KE, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.* 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees* HSA contributions to support your medical expenses* Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage* 401(k) with competitive company match* Paid weekly with competitive wages* PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement* Exclusive employee discounts through Working AdvantageWe believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.**Physical Requirements**The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.Typical requirements may include:* Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods* Ability to navigate manufacturing facilities and customer project sites, including stairs and uneven surfaces* Ability to carry laptops, project documentation, and equipment needed for site visits* Ability to wear required PPE while working in industrial environments* Ability to travel to customer and project sites as needed**Accessibility:** If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact KE Human Resources at [e-mail].**Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)**KE is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:* EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)**KE E-Verify**KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.