MGS Senior Controls Engineer

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Vacation Time

Paid Sick Time

401k with company match

Health benefit options

HSA contribution

Job summary

MGS Machine, based in Minneapolis, MN, is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead design and development of controls for complex automated packaging machinery. You will design, test, and implement PLC, HMI, motion control, robotics, and vision systems from concept through installation and service.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical leadership and collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams, with Lean Six Sigma experience and a track record of successful project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation Engineering or related; 3+ years automated machine design/controls experience.
• 3+ years experience with PLC programming, HMI interfaces, servo/stepper control, electrical schematics, and machine wiring.
• Experience with robotics, vision, barcode, check-weighing, laser, pneumatic, and vacuum systems.
• Experience supporting automated equipment through design, assembly, start-up, debugging, testing, installation, commissioning, and service.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for electrical design.

Responsibilities

• Concept Development/New Engineering Design for controls concepts and machine models.
• Project Technical Leadership for controls scope and team coordination.
• Deliver to Project Scope/Schedule/Budget and participate in reviews.
• Controls Programming and Integration across PLC, HMI, motion, robotics, and vision.
• Create and maintain project documentation and engineering records.
• Support FAT, installation, commissioning, and customer service.

Skills

Controls leadership

PLC programming

Collaboration/communication

Technical leadership

Packaging machinery experience

Lean Six Sigma familiarity

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls/Automation Engineering

3+ years automated machine design/controls

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

About the Company

MGS Machine is a leading packaging automation solutions provider headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a key player in the consumer goods industry, we specialize in designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art equipment for secondary packaging, product handling, and line integration. Our business portfolio encompasses a wide range of innovative solutions, including product handling, cartoners, case packers, and turn‑key packaging lines, in industries such as pharma, healthcare, food, personal care, and industrial goods. We strive to continuously expand our offerings and enhance our capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our customers. For more detailed information about MGS Machine and it comprehensive business landscape, please visit www.mgsmachine.com.

MGS is part of Coesia, a group of innovation‑based industrial and packaging solutions companies operating globally, headquartered in Bologna, Italy, and fully owned by Isabella Seràgnoli. Coesia's companies are leaders in automation solutions for multiple industries, ranging from automated processing and packaging machinery, testing and vision systems, to digital printing technologies, factory flow solutions and precision gears. Our customers include leading players in Consumer Goods, Healthcare & Pharma, Tobacco, Ceramic Tiles, Luxury Goods, Aerospace, Racing & Automotive, Electronics. Coesia has 141 operating units in 35 countries, a turnover of about 1.9 billion euros and over 8,000 employees. In the United States, Coesia employs over 900 people.

About the Role

This role is responsible for machine programming and controls/electrical design for complex automated machinery. The Senior Controls Engineer will lead assigned machines, machine groups, and controls projects through design and serve as a primary technical contact from concept through manufacturing, assembly, debug, acceptance, installation, and service. The role delivers solutions that meet technical, budget, quality, and schedule requirements while supporting continuous improvement and new automation technologies.

The position may be filled at the appropriate internal engineering level based on the selected candidate's experience, technical expertise, and ability to lead increasingly complex automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Concept Development/New Engineering Design – Develop controls concepts and designs for new machines, models, and modules. Design controls, electrical, and pneumatic systems and develop efficient, maintainable machine software
• Project Technical Leadership – Serve as controls technical lead for assigned machines or automation projects. Coordinate technical activities and guide engineering and project team members to support successful execution
• Deliver to Project Scope/Schedule/Budget – Plan and execute controls engineering work to project requirements, schedules, and budgets. Participate in concept, design, and project reviews
• Controls Programming and Integration – Develop, modify, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, motion control, robotics, vision, and other machine control systems. Integrate machines, systems, and OEM equipment into automated solutions
• Documentation – Create and maintain required project documentation, including functional specifications, electrical schematics, programs, operating documentation, and engineering records
• Machine Start-Up and Debug – Support machine assembly, start-up, debug, and testing. Verify I/O, configure control devices, troubleshoot electrical and programming issues, and support controls and quality testing
• Factory Acceptance Testing and Customer Support – Support FAT, design reviews, installation, commissioning, service, and troubleshooting. Serve as a technical resource for customers throughout the project
• Technical Expertise and Innovation – Maintain knowledge of emerging automation technologies and apply appropriate solutions to complex customer and machine‑control challenges
• Engineering Standards and Continuous Improvement – Develop and improve controls engineering standards, programming practices, and design methods. Support continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma, GAMP5, or similar practices where applicable
• Design Review – Evaluate controls and electrical designs to improve safety, reliability, maintainability, and efficiency while reducing cost and complexity
• Sales and Applications Support – Provide technical consultation during proposal and project development, including review of customer specifications and technical requirements
• Technical Mentorship – Share technical knowledge and provide guidance and support to less experienced engineers and technical team members
• Customer and Industry Representation – Represent MGS professionally in customer meetings, design reviews, service activities, trade shows, and other technical interactions
• Embody Values – Promote the Company's values through daily actions, decisions, teamwork, and customer interactions

What You Need to Be Successful

Minimum Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, Automation Engineering, or related discipline with 3+ years of automated machine design/controls experience; or associate degree in an applicable technical field with 7+ years of relevant experience.
• Controls/Automation: Experience with PLC programming, industrial computer/HMI interfaces, servo and/or stepper motor control, electrical schematics, and machine wiring.
• Experience with automated machinery using technologies such as robotics, vision, barcode, check‑weighing, laser, pneumatic, and/or vacuum systems
• Experience supporting automated equipment through design, assembly, start‑up, debug, testing, installation, commissioning, and/or service.
• Electrical Design: Proficiency with electrical design software; AutoCAD Electrical preferred.
• Project Execution: Experience estimating, planning, prioritizing, and executing engineering work within technical, schedule, and budget requirements; able to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Technical Leadership: Experience independently supporting or leading controls scope for a machine, machine group, or automation project, including coordinating controls activities and providing technical direction.
• Collaboration/Communication: Ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, assembly, project management, customers, and vendors; strong analytical, problem‑solving, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 5+ years, or associate degree with 10+ years, of automated machine design/controls engineering experience.
• Experience with packaging machinery or similar high‑speed industrial automation.
• 5+ years serving as technical lead for automated machines, machine groups, or complex controls/automation projects.
• Demonstrated ability to lead controls projects from concept through design, build, debug, FAT, installation, and commissioning.
• Advanced experience with high‑speed intermittent/continuous‑motion machinery, including systems operating at approximately 200+ PPM.
• Advanced integration experience with PLCs, motion control, robotics, vision, safety systems, and third‑party/OEM equipment.
• Experience researching and implementing new controls technologies, solving complex automation challenges, and developing or improving. engineering/programming standards or reusable design practices.
• Subject‑matter expertise in one or more areas of industrial automation or machine controls.
• Experience serving as a primary customer technical interface and/or supporting sales, applications, or proposal development.
• Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to less experienced engineers or technical staff.
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma, GAMP5, or similar process‑improvement methodologies.

Physical Demands

• Possibly sitting for long periods of time at a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Occasional walking, bending, reaching, twisting, squatting, carrying, and grasping.

Work Environment

• Work is split between an office environment and manufacturing floor, with the need to visit production facilities as required
• Some travel may be required (typically 10% or less)
• Some exposure to dust, dirt, and noise

Our Offer

MGS Machine offers a competitive benefit package which includes, among other things:

• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Sick Time
• 12 Paid observed calendar holidays - Paid 4th of July week Shutdown
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401k with up to 6% company match with no vesting period
• Multiple health benefit & insurance plan options
• HSA company contribution for individual & employer family coverage
• Company paid life insurance
• Company paid short-term disability (80% wager placement) & long-term disability
• Wellness Reimbursement Programs
• Gym Reimbursement opportunities

The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000–$130,000 annually. This role may be filled at more than one engineering level based on the selected candidate's experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated scope of responsibility.

Base salary will be determined within the posted range based on factors such as education, relevant experience, technical capabilities, certifications, and alignment with the qualifications and level at which the candidate is hired.

In addition to base salary, MGS Machine offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support overall well‑being, including health benefits, retirement plans, financial wellness resources, paid time off, and other benefits. Benefits may vary based on role, location, and employment status. This position may also be eligible for an annual incentive program based on individual and company performance.

Join the Team!

Why MGS?

Joining MGS means becoming part of a supportive, innovative, and global organization where your work directly impacts the success of our customers and industries around the world.

At MGS, we celebrate diversity and inclusion and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.