Smart Farm Automation Engineer

Forsman Farms, Inc.; Cokato (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Forsman Farms, Inc. is seeking an experienced Automation Controls Specialist to develop, support, troubleshoot, and improve our farm automation systems across operations, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and ease of use.

This role is roughly 90% office-based and 10% field-based, collaborating with operations, maintenance, electrical, and management to translate problems into practical, intuitive automation solutions and provide both remote and on-site support.

Qualifications

• Industrial controls and automation programming experience.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley Studio 5000.
• Experience with Inductive Automation Ignition Vision and Perspective.
• Working knowledge of industrial communications, such as Modbus, EtherNet/IP, or BACnet.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and troubleshoot control systems.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical team members.
• Experience with Python scripting, SQL/databases, industrial networking, VFDs, instrumentation, and electrical troubleshooting is helpful but not required.
• Relevant field experience and demonstrated controls and automation ability are acceptable in place of formal education.

Responsibilities

• Support, troubleshoot, maintain, and improve PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, VFDs, instrumentation, sensors, and other automation and control systems.
• Work with operations, maintenance, electrical, and other departments to identify problems, understand needs, and develop practical solutions.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot control systems and automation applications.
• Develop and maintain user interfaces and control solutions that are intuitive, reliable, and easy to operate and troubleshoot.
• Troubleshoot communication and connectivity issues between control systems, equipment, and devices.
• Support system upgrades, testing, commissioning, startup, and implementation of new automation solutions.
• Provide remote and field-based troubleshooting and technical support as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve system reliability, efficiency, functionality, and ease of use.
• Document system changes, troubleshooting activities, and other technical information as needed.
• Use sound judgment when troubleshooting critical issues, including knowing when to involve others or seek additional support.

Skills

Industrial controls

Automation programming

Strong problem-solving

Tools

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Ignition Vision

Ignition Perspective

Modbus

EtherNet/IP

BACnet

Python scripting

SQL/databases

Industrial networking

VFDs

Instrumentation

Job description

Forsman Farms, Inc. is seeking an experienced Automation Controls Specialist to develop, support, troubleshoot, and improve our farm automation systems across operations, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and ease of use.

This role is roughly 90% office-based and 10% field-based, collaborating with operations, maintenance, electrical, and management to translate problems into practical, intuitive automation solutions and provide both remote and on-site support.