Sr. Controls Engineer

Socket.dev; Minnesota; On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind in Minnesota is seeking a Sr. Controls Engineer to design, implement, test, and support electrical equipment and data acquisition systems used in wind tunnel and hypersonic ground test projects.

You will develop custom one-off equipment, validate control systems, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, while travel is required to client and site reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.
• 10+ years of practical work experience in controls, electronics, data acquisition systems or similar role.
• Due to security requirements, US Person status required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electronic subsystems, data acquisition, control loops, and instrumentation for wind tunnel and hypersonic ground test projects.
• Document design criteria, calculations, procurement specifications, validation plans, and product manuals; participate in design reviews.
• Interface with procurement, production, and installation teams; travel to customer/subcontractor sites for reviews and commissioning.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Data acquisition systems

LabVIEW

PLC programming

Automation systems

Instrumentation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

P&ID drawing

Job description

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission‑critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs - from R&D to flight testing, If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Sr. Controls Engineer

Responsible for design, implementation, test, and support of electrical equipment, wiring, control equipment and data acquisition systems used in wind tunnel and hypersonic ground test projects. This is a diverse role that includes designing and validating predominantly custom one-off equipment and components for new tunnel facilities as well as major capability upgrades to existing facilities.

Responsibilities:

• Design & Analysis -Develop or reuse system design solution to meet customer requirements. Partner with designers and project team to deliver complete design package (drawings, BOMs, Etc.). Design and develop electronic subsystems, including data acquisition systems, control and integration of electro‑mechanical valves and instrumentation (temperatures, pressures, flow, etc.), control loops, electrical control systems, junction boxes, and panel layouts.
• Scope, Schedule, Budget -Perform engineering tasks on schedule and within budget. Ensure system design aligns with as-sold scope, customer requirements, quality standards, and industry codes. Communicate regularly with project team on status, issues, and variances to plan.

• Document & Present- Document and present work in accordance with quality requirements. Prepare design criteria, calculation packages, procurement specifications, technical reports, validation plans, and product manuals. Participate and lead internal and customer design reviews.

• Support - Interface with procurement, production, and installation teams to quickly resolve issues discovered during assembly and test. Travel to customer and subcontractor sites for design reviews, site surveys, and system commissioning.

• Quote- Assist marketing in developing proposals for future work. Develop concepts, cost estimates, proposal write-ups, analyses, options, and recommendations.

Preferred Education / Experience:

• Bachelors or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from accredited university or related discipline.
• 10+ years of practical work experience in controls, electronics, data acquisition systems or similar role or;
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to above.
• Due to security requirements, US Person status required.

Preferred Knowledge / Ability:

• Experience with design and implementation of automation or data acquisition systems in an industrial setting.
• Proficiency with LabVIEW or PLCs with at least 5 years’ experience highly desired.
• Strong PLC, electro‑mechanical systems, and software programming experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with one-line power diagrams and electrical load sizing
• Experience with designing and reviewing P&ID drawing (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams).
• Experience with sensor hardware selections (thermocouples, RTD’s, pressure transducers, LVTD’s, switches, etc.)
• Must be a self-starter, able to balance priorities between multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively and productively as an individual contributor and collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and positive attitude.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally. Travel typically is less than 15%.

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre‑employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.