Automation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Automation Engineer jobs in Minnesota are concentrated in manufacturing, medical device production, and food processing, with steady demand across experience levels from entry-level controls technicians to senior systems architects. The Twin Cities metro anchors most of the hiring, followed by Rochester and St. Cloud, where employers like Medtronic, 3M, and General Mills maintain large engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties in Minnesota include PLC programming, robotics integration, and SCADA systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Title: PLC Automation Engineer
Location: Detroit Lakes, MN (Remote after one year)
Relocation assistance available
Full-time | Direct Hire
Overview:
· Join a growing automation team designing and programming advanced conveyor automation systems in a production environment.
Description:
· This is a hands-on programming role with the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and eventually transition to a hybrid or remote setup after becoming fully established.
What You'll Do:
· Program PLC-based automation systems using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix and Beckhoff TwinCAT platforms.
· Develop HMI applications and integrate conveyors, robotics, motion controls, sensors, scanners, printers and industrial devices.
· Design electrical control systems, support startup, commissioning and troubleshooting.
· Create technical documentation and mentor junior automation engineers.
What We're Looking For:
· Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of automation experience or associate degree with 10+ years.
· Strong PLC programming in Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
· Experience with Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, Beckhoff TwinCAT and industrial automation systems.
· Knowledge of HMI development, VFDs, motors, electrical controls and industrial networking.
· Experience designing and supporting automated manufacturing systems.
· Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, profit sharing, PTO, disability coverage and employee assistance program.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000 / ControlLogix): 3 years (Required)
- Beckhoff TwinCAT: 4 years (Preferred)
- Industrial Automation: 4 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Title: PLC Automation Engineer
Location: Detroit Lakes, MN (Remote after one year)
Relocation assistance available
Full-time | Direct Hire
Overview:
· Join a growing automation team designing and programming advanced conveyor automation systems in a production environment.
Description:
· This is a hands-on programming role with the opportunity to mentor junior engineers and eventually transition to a hybrid or remote setup after becoming fully established.
What You'll Do:
· Program PLC-based automation systems using Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix and Beckhoff TwinCAT platforms.
· Develop HMI applications and integrate conveyors, robotics, motion controls, sensors, scanners, printers and industrial devices.
· Design electrical control systems, support startup, commissioning and troubleshooting.
· Create technical documentation and mentor junior automation engineers.
What We're Looking For:
· Bachelor's degree with 5+ years of automation experience or associate degree with 10+ years.
· Strong PLC programming in Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
· Experience with Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, Beckhoff TwinCAT and industrial automation systems.
· Knowledge of HMI development, VFDs, motors, electrical controls and industrial networking.
· Experience designing and supporting automated manufacturing systems.
· Excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, profit sharing, PTO, disability coverage and employee assistance program.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000 / ControlLogix): 3 years (Required)
- Beckhoff TwinCAT: 4 years (Preferred)
- Industrial Automation: 4 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
See All 37 Automation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
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Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Electronics & Hardware
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Medical Devices
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across Minnesota.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience with PLCs from Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms
- Proficiency in SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial communication protocols
- Knowledge of robotics integration, machine vision systems, or conveyor automation
- Familiarity with FDA validation requirements relevant to Minnesota's medical device industry
- Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics, P&ID diagrams, and technical drawings
Automation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation engineer in Minnesota?
Most automation engineer positions in Minnesota require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, controls engineering, or mechatronics. Minnesota does not require a state-specific license for most private-sector automation roles, though professional engineer licensure through the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID strengthens candidacy for senior positions. Employers in the medical device sector often expect familiarity with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, making that knowledge a practical requirement for many local roles.
How much do automation engineers make in Minnesota?
Automation engineers in Minnesota earn a median of about $108,850 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $73,790 for the lowest 10% to over $167,120 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation engineers in Minnesota?
Employers hiring automation engineers in Minnesota right now include Tesla, Delkor Systems, and Jobot, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Minnesota's dense concentration of medical device manufacturers, food production facilities, and industrial equipment makers means automation engineering roles appear consistently across a wide range of company sizes and sectors.
Which Minnesota cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Brooklyn Park have the most automation engineer openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities metro drives the bulk of demand because of its headquarters-level operations for companies like Medtronic, 3M, and General Mills, while Rochester draws openings tied to precision manufacturing and medical technology, and St. Cloud's industrial base supports roles in food processing and plastics automation.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation engineers typically work on-site to program, test, and maintain physical systems, so the role is less remote-friendly than desk-based engineering disciplines. About 43% of automation engineer openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those postings tend to cover project management, system architecture review, or off-site commissioning support rather than hands-on controls work.
How can I get hired as a automation engineer in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a controls technician or manufacturing engineer associate role, which large Minnesota employers like Medtronic and General Mills post as stepping stones into full automation engineering. A two- or four-year degree in electrical technology or mechatronics from institutions like Dunwoody College of Technology or Minnesota State University gives candidates a concrete credential. Building a portfolio of PLC ladder logic projects and pursuing an entry-level certification in Rockwell Automation or Siemens platforms strengthens applications significantly for Minnesota's manufacturing-heavy market.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current Minnesota openings across the Twin Cities, Rochester, St. Cloud, and surrounding areas. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 37 Automation Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
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