Sr Controls & Electronics Engineer

Sonny's Enterprises Inc. - Conveyorized Car Wash Equipment Leader; Savage (MN); On-site; USD 99,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical

STD coverage

401(k) with match

Job summary

Sonny’s Enterprises, the world’s largest manufacturer of conveyorized car wash equipment, is seeking a Senior Controls & Electronics Engineer to lead control system design, development, and implementation. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver robust, efficient solutions and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role requires strong background in control design, programming, and troubleshooting, with focus on C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink for embedded systems, and a commitment to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Control Systems Engineering or related field.
• 7–12 years’ experience as a Controls Systems Engineer or related role.
• Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming and systems; VFDs and motor control.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and implement advanced control systems, algorithms, and strategies to enhance product performance and reliability.
• Design and develop electronic circuits, PCBs, and embedded systems for integration into products.
• Program and optimize embedded systems for control and communication, using languages such as C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to integrate controls and electronics into complex systems.
• Design and execute validation plans for control systems and electronics, including developing test plans, analyzing results, and making necessary design adjustments.
• Ensure designs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., IEC, ISO, UL) for safety, emissions, and environmental performance.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Embedded control

C/C++

Python

LabVIEW

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical/Control Systems Engineering

Tools

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

DMM

Oscilloscope

Job description

Sonny's Enterprises is the world's largest manufacturer of conveyorized car wash equipment, parts, and supplies. We are the industry leader, recognized and awarded by the International Car Wash Association for innovating new technologies to advance the industry with products proudly designed and built in the USA. Our culture thrives on finding new and better ways to accelerate what’s next. We embrace change and the opportunity it produces to maximize the potential of our most valuable resource — our PEOPLE! We invite you to explore our opportunities and grow your career with us.

The Senior Controls & Electronics Engineer will play a crucial role in the design, development, and implementation of control systems for Sonny’s Enterprises. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, collaborating with controls and mechanical engineers to create robust and efficient solutions. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in control system design, programming, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Control Systems Design: Develop, test, and implement advanced control systems, algorithms, and strategies to enhance product performance and reliability.
• Electronics Design and Development: Design and develop electronic circuits, PCBs, and embedded systems for integration into products.
• Embedded System Programming: Program and optimize embedded systems for control and communication, using languages such as C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink.
• System Integration: Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to integrate controls and electronics into complex systems.
• Testing and Validation: Design and execute validation plans for control systems and electronics, including developing test plans, analyzing results, and making necessary design adjustments.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure designs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., IEC, ISO, UL) for safety, emissions, and environmental performance.
• Design for Reliability and Manufacturability (DFM): Implement best practices for DFM and Design for Testability (DFT) to ensure high product quality and efficiency in manufacturing.
• Prototype, test, and optimize PID loops that include multiple I/O, VFDs, and PLCs.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define sensor, computing, network, and redundancy requirements.
• Lead and/or assist in the development of machine specifications.
• Provide documentation and support to the field team.
• Promote a safe working environment by following all safety procedures.
• Appropriately elevate downtime situations to vendors or headquarters for support to restore equipment operation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable internal processes and regulations.
• You may also be responsible for completing the CAD drawings.
• Perform controls systems assessments to maintain and improve equipment reliability.
• Recommend hardware and software changes as well as upgrades to existing systems.
• Take initiative to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Provide sketches, markups and direction to designers to develop project drawings.
• Create bills of materials and lead the quoting process with outside vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Formal Training:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Control Systems Engineering or related field.

Experience:

• 7-12 years’ experience as a Controls Systems Engineer or related role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects.
• Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming and systems.
• Experience with VFDs, motor and pump control.
• Proficiency with fast-development platforms for R&D purposes (Arduino, Rapsberry Pi)
• Programming in C languages, Python, Javascript, LabView, etc.
• Fluent in controls systems writing protocols and databases.
• Comfortable with algorithm design and programmable logic practices.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Eagerness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Materials and Equipment Used

• Office Equipment and CRM/SAP System.
• Electrical Testing Equipment (DMM, Oscilloscope, etc.).

The pay for this position is dependent upon experience, between $98,521.50 and $133,287.00.

We offer a 100% employer-paid medical plan for eligible employees. In addition, the Company provides employer-paid Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage.

Employees and their eligible family members may also elect from a variety of voluntary, employee-paid benefit options, including additional medical plan choices, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), Long-Term Disability (LTD), life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a Company matching contribution.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sonny’s is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, veteran status, and any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws.