Senior Controls Engineer

MGS, a Coesia company; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation Time

Sick Time

Health benefits

401k

Job summary

MGS Machine, a leading packaging automation solutions provider based in Minnesota, is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead the controls design, programming, and integration of complex automated machinery. You will direct projects from concept through FAT, installation, and commissioning, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to budget and safety standards.

The role requires strong experience in PLC/HMI, motion control, robotics, and vision systems, plus the ability to mentor engineers

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field with 5+ years of automated machine design and controls experience
• Experience in packaging machinery or high-speed industrial automation environments

Responsibilities

• Lead controls engineering for assigned machines and projects.
• Develop, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, motion control, and robotics systems.
• Provide technical mentorship and coordinate cross-functional activities.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Mentorship

Lean Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Associate degree with extensive experience

Tools

PLC programming

HMI programming

Robotics

Vision systems

Electrical schematics

Job description

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.

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 the creation of machine programming and controls/electrical design for complex automated machinery. The Senior Controls Engineer will lead assigned machines, machine groups, and controls projects through the design process and serve as a primary technical contact, both internally and externally, from concept and manufacturing through assembly, debug, final acceptance, installation, and service. The role is responsible for delivering solutions that meet technical, budget, quality, and scheduling requirements while supporting continuous improvement and the adoption of new automation technologies.

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

Responsibilities

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

Preferred Qualifications

Education & Experiences

• With a bachelor's degree, 5+ years of automated machine design and controls engineering experience or an associate degree in an applicable field with 10+ years of automated machine design and controls engineering experience.
• Packaging machinery or closely related high-speed industrial automation. environment.

Technical Leadership

• 5+ years of experience serving as the 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.
• Experience providing technical direction to engineering peers and coordinating multidisciplinary project activities without requiring direct-report responsibility.

Advanced Automation

• Extensive experience with high-speed intermittent and continuous motion machinery, including systems operating at approximately 200+ PPM.
• Advanced experience integrating PLCs, motion-control systems, robotics, vision systems, safety systems, and other automation technologies.
• Experience integrating multiple pieces of equipment and third-party/OEM systems into a complete automated production or packaging solution.
• Demonstrated experience researching, evaluating, and implementing new controls technologies or developing new engineering solutions to meet emergency customer needs.
• Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in one or more areas of industrial automation or machine controls.
• Support continuous improvement by helping to define and implement new solutions to improve process efficiency and ease of production.

Customer & Business Support

• Experience serving as the primary technical interface with customers during design reviews, FAT, commissioning, installation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting sales, applications engineering, or proposal-development activities through technical review of customer requirements.

Staff Development

• Experience mentoring, training, or providing technical guidance to less experienced controls engineers or other technical staff.
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma, GAMP5, or similar engineering and process-improvement methodologies.

Physical Demands

• Possibly sitting for long periods of time at a computer.
• Ability to lift to 30 pounds.
• Occasional walking, bending, reaching, twisting, squatting, carrying, and grasping.
• 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 for 10% or less).
• Some exposure to dust, dirt, and noise.

Coesia 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
• 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 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. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply; placement toward the higher end of the range will generally reflect more extensive experience and demonstrated alignment with the preferred qualifications and higher-level responsibilities.

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.

Coesia and MGS Machine are equal opportunity employer and embraces diversity and inclusion.