Controls Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Controls Engineer jobs in Minnesota are concentrated in the Twin Cities metro, Rochester, and Duluth, where manufacturers, food processors, and medical device companies drive steady demand for automation and process control expertise. Employers like Eaton, Cargill, and Mayo Clinic Health System maintain lasting controls engineering teams across the state, with openings at every experience level from early-career to senior systems architect. The most in-demand specialties in Minnesota include PLC programming, SCADA systems, and process automation for food, medical device, and industrial manufacturing environments. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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As an Associate Controls Engineer, you will support the development, implementation, and improvement of automation and control systems within our manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer looking to build hands-on experience with industrial automation, manufacturing equipment, and controls while working alongside experienced engineers and operations partners.
You will have the opportunity to apply your engineering knowledge to real-world manufacturing challenges, develop your technical capabilities, and take increasing ownership of automation and controls projects.
Our Team
You'll be part of a collaborative engineering and manufacturing team focused on improving automation, equipment reliability, safety, and production efficiency. The team works closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and engineering partners to solve problems and continuously improve our manufacturing processes.
What You Will Do
- Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and industrial control systems
- Support automation and manufacturing improvement projects from design through implementation
- Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation issues on manufacturing equipment
- Participate in equipment installation, commissioning, upgrades, and validation
- Develop and maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, controls documentation, and standard work
- Work with sensors, actuators, motors, drives, industrial networks, and other automation components
- Analyze equipment performance and downtime data to identify improvement opportunities
- Partner with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to improve equipment reliability and manufacturing performance
- Support continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, safety, quality, and productivity
- Follow applicable safety requirements and engineering standards while working in a manufacturing environment
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering field
- Knowledge of industrial automation, electrical controls, and control system fundamentals
- Experience with PLC programming through coursework, internships, co-ops, projects, or professional experience
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Ability to work effectively with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams
- Comfortable working hands-on with equipment in a manufacturing environment
- Previous internship, co-op, or professional experience in controls engineering, automation, or manufacturing engineering
- Experience programming Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms
- Experience developing or modifying HMI applications
- Familiarity with industrial communication networks and protocols
- Experience with variable frequency drives, servo systems, sensors, actuators, or robotics
- Experience using AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design software
- Exposure to equipment commissioning, machine controls, or manufacturing automation projects
- Experience identifying root causes and implementing improvements to equipment reliability or performance
For this role, we anticipate paying $65,000- $70,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
Aerospace & Defense Solutions (ADS)
Molex's Aerospace & Defense Solutions (ADS) Division delivers mission-critical connectivity, signal technologies, and electronic solutions designed for the most demanding environments. Drawing on decades of engineering excellence and innovation, we support aerospace, defense, space, and other high-reliability markets where performance is essential and failure is not an option.
From enabling next-generation communications and data transfer to providing rugged interconnect and electronic solutions for mission-critical systems, our technologies help customers advance capabilities across air, land, sea, and space. At ADS, we combine deep technical expertise, operational excellence, and a culture of principled entrepreneurship to create value for our customers, communities, and one another.
Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense through innovation, reliability, and purpose-driven solutions.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
See All 64 Controls Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
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Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Agriculture & Farming
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Minnesota.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a related technical field
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs using Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA systems design, configuration, and real-time monitoring
- Familiarity with industrial networking protocols such as EtherNet/IP and Modbus
- Experience with control panel design, wiring schematics, and instrumentation selection
- Professional Engineer licensure in Minnesota preferred for senior or systems-lead roles
Controls Engineer Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Minnesota?
Most Minnesota employers require a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering as the foundation for a controls engineering role. Licensure as a Professional Engineer through the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design strengthens candidacy for senior positions and client-facing work. Early-career engineers typically build skills through plant engineering roles at manufacturers or integrators before moving into dedicated controls engineering positions.
How much do controls engineers make in Minnesota?
Controls engineers in Minnesota earn a median of about $102,660 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $77,010 for the lowest 10% to over $158,740 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Minnesota?
Minnesota controls engineer roles are posted by PAR Systems, SpecSys, and Tesla and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Minnesota's deep base of food processing, medical device, and industrial manufacturing companies means controls engineering demand extends well beyond the Twin Cities into regional manufacturing hubs.
Which Minnesota cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Shoreview have the most controls engineer openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities anchor the market through headquarters and regional operations of large manufacturers and systems integrators, while Rochester draws openings tied to medical device and healthcare infrastructure, and Duluth reflects industrial and utility-sector demand in the northern part of the state.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is largely hands-on work tied to physical plant equipment, so most roles require an on-site presence for commissioning, troubleshooting, and integration. About 52% of controls engineer openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to involve design, programming review, or project management rather than active floor work.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an engineering technician or automation technician role at a Minnesota manufacturer or systems integrator, where hands-on PLC and instrumentation exposure is built on the job. Large employers like Eaton and Cargill run new-graduate engineering programs that rotate through controls and automation functions. A portfolio of PLC programming projects and progress toward Professional Engineer licensure through the Minnesota licensing board both strengthen a new candidate's application significantly.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and location, and apply directly to each position that fits.
See All 64 Controls Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
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