Project Controls Specialist Jobs in Minnesota
Project Controls Specialist jobs in Minnesota are consistently in demand, with the strongest hiring concentrated in construction, infrastructure, and engineering sectors serving the Twin Cities metro, Duluth, and Rochester. Large project-driven employers such as Mortenson Construction, Black & Veatch, and the Metropolitan Council maintain ongoing needs for project controls professionals from entry-level schedulers to senior cost analysts. Schedule control, earned value analysis, and capital project reporting are the most sought-after specialties across Minnesota's active construction and public infrastructure markets. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.
Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.
Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs.
The below job summary and responsibilities reflect the staff engineer level role. The successfully chosen candidate will be placed at a level that is commensurate with their skills and experience as different skills and/or experience will be required at the entry, senior and principal engineer levels.
Position Summary
This position is designed to develop and apply technical expertise in industrial automation, controls, and power system applications. Performs engineering work involving programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control systems, protective relaying, industrial communications networks, hydraulic systems, and associated electrical/electromechanical equipment. Responsibilities include supporting the design, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of industrial control systems using established engineering principles and industry standards.
The successful candidate should have working knowledge of PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) and/or Modicon (Schneider Electric), including experience with Function Block programming. Familiarity with GE Cimplicity HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, hydraulic control systems, instrumentation, and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) protective relays is desired.
Under general direction, demonstrates complete understanding & wide application of engineering technical principle, theories, & concepts in the field. Independently determines & develops approaches to solutions. Receives technical guidance on complex problems; completed work reviewed for adequacy in meeting objectives. May lead small-medium non-critical projects or critical projects under direction of higher level engineer/supervisor. May provide work direction to other professionals &/or staff. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Frequent inter-organizational & outside customer contact. Demonstrates a broad knowledge & proficiency of precedents in the specialty area, a good knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.
Essential Responsibilities
- Uses & applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, & techniques to perform activities/assignments that may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials or methods & difficult coordination requirements.
- Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.) Utilizes & may assist with the development of procedures requiring a broad knowledge & proficiency in a specialty area & has a general knowledge of related disciplines.
- Works under the general direction of a higher level engineer or supervisor for routine engineering projects. Provide ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, testing/diagnostics & Regulatory. May provide field engineering oversight &/or direction for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections, etc.
- May lead small-medium, non-critical projects. Coordinate/leads critical projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation & commissioning), under the direction of a higher level engineer or supervisor. Work reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
- Under the direction of a higher level engineer/supervisor supports bid/evaluation processes including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals; provide recommendations for selection, etc. Partners & communicates with areas such as Supply Chain & Legal following appropriate processes.
- Frequently exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance & complexity both inter-organizationally & with outside customers.
- May assign tasks & coordinate work of interns, drafters, technicians, craft personnel &/or others. Provide guidance & mentoring to less experienced engineers. Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills & competencies.
- Performs activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.
Entry Engineer Level (Salary Range: $70,000-$86,667)
Minimum Requirements
- Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum. Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
- 0+ years relevant engineering experience. Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
- Preferred EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred.
Staff Engineer Level (Salary Range: $81,800-$106,267)
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited. Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
- 2+year's relevant engineering experience. Demonstrated broad knowledge & proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.
- Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills & core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
- EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred.
Senior Engineer Level (Salary Range: $97,000-$129,267)
Minimum Requirements
- Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum. Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
- 5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.
- Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
- Preferred PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required depending on business need.
Principal Engineer (Salary Range: $112,000-$156,600)
Minimum Requirements
- Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum. Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
- 9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE (Professional Engineer) registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE.
- Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk, and/or Modicon PLC platforms.
- Experience with Function Block programming and industrial automation system development.
- Experience developing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting GE Cimplicity HMI/SCADA systems.
- Familiarity with industrial networking including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, managed switches, VLANs, and network troubleshooting.
- Experience with HMI, SCADA, instrumentation, VFDs, and industrial automation systems.
- Knowledge of hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control systems.
- Experience with SEL protective relays, relay communications, settings management, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Experience supporting commissioning, startup, testing, and maintenance of industrial control systems in industrial, utility, hydroelectric, or manufacturing environments.
Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.
Our Values
Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe
Our Employee Commitments
- Work that makes a difference
- A team you can count of
- Opportunities to grow
- Rewards that help you thrive
Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $70,000.00 to $156,600.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 11/04/26
EEO is the Law (PDF) | Equal Opportunity Statement (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
Accessibility Statement
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.
Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.
Xcel Energy supports a hybrid work model to enable collaboration and flexibility. Many roles are expected to work onsite three days per week (Tuesday–Thursday); however, work location expectations vary based on role, team, and business needs.
The below job summary and responsibilities reflect the staff engineer level role. The successfully chosen candidate will be placed at a level that is commensurate with their skills and experience as different skills and/or experience will be required at the entry, senior and principal engineer levels.
Position Summary
This position is designed to develop and apply technical expertise in industrial automation, controls, and power system applications. Performs engineering work involving programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control systems, protective relaying, industrial communications networks, hydraulic systems, and associated electrical/electromechanical equipment. Responsibilities include supporting the design, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning of industrial control systems using established engineering principles and industry standards.
The successful candidate should have working knowledge of PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) and/or Modicon (Schneider Electric), including experience with Function Block programming. Familiarity with GE Cimplicity HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, hydraulic control systems, instrumentation, and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) protective relays is desired.
Under general direction, demonstrates complete understanding & wide application of engineering technical principle, theories, & concepts in the field. Independently determines & develops approaches to solutions. Receives technical guidance on complex problems; completed work reviewed for adequacy in meeting objectives. May lead small-medium non-critical projects or critical projects under direction of higher level engineer/supervisor. May provide work direction to other professionals &/or staff. Represents the organization in providing solutions to difficult technical issues associated with specific projects. Frequent inter-organizational & outside customer contact. Demonstrates a broad knowledge & proficiency of precedents in the specialty area, a good knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.
Essential Responsibilities
- Uses & applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, & techniques to perform activities/assignments that may include a variety of complex features such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of conventional materials or methods & difficult coordination requirements.
- Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.) Utilizes & may assist with the development of procedures requiring a broad knowledge & proficiency in a specialty area & has a general knowledge of related disciplines.
- Works under the general direction of a higher level engineer or supervisor for routine engineering projects. Provide ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, testing/diagnostics & Regulatory. May provide field engineering oversight &/or direction for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections, etc.
- May lead small-medium, non-critical projects. Coordinate/leads critical projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation & commissioning), under the direction of a higher level engineer or supervisor. Work reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
- Under the direction of a higher level engineer/supervisor supports bid/evaluation processes including preparation of bid documents, completion of technical evaluations for proposals; provide recommendations for selection, etc. Partners & communicates with areas such as Supply Chain & Legal following appropriate processes.
- Frequently exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance & complexity both inter-organizationally & with outside customers.
- May assign tasks & coordinate work of interns, drafters, technicians, craft personnel &/or others. Provide guidance & mentoring to less experienced engineers. Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills & competencies.
- Performs activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.
Entry Engineer Level (Salary Range: $70,000-$86,667)
Minimum Requirements
- Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum. Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
- 0+ years relevant engineering experience. Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
- Preferred EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred.
Staff Engineer Level (Salary Range: $81,800-$106,267)
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited. Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
- 2+year's relevant engineering experience. Demonstrated broad knowledge & proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.
- Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills & core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
- EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred.
Senior Engineer Level (Salary Range: $97,000-$129,267)
Minimum Requirements
- Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum. Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
- 5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.
- Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
- Preferred PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required depending on business need.
Principal Engineer (Salary Range: $112,000-$156,600)
Minimum Requirements
- Required bachelor’s degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum. Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
- 9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE (Professional Engineer) registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE.
- Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
- Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000, FactoryTalk, and/or Modicon PLC platforms.
- Experience with Function Block programming and industrial automation system development.
- Experience developing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting GE Cimplicity HMI/SCADA systems.
- Familiarity with industrial networking including Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus RTU, managed switches, VLANs, and network troubleshooting.
- Experience with HMI, SCADA, instrumentation, VFDs, and industrial automation systems.
- Knowledge of hydraulic and electro-hydraulic control systems.
- Experience with SEL protective relays, relay communications, settings management, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Experience supporting commissioning, startup, testing, and maintenance of industrial control systems in industrial, utility, hydroelectric, or manufacturing environments.
Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.
Our Values
Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe
Our Employee Commitments
- Work that makes a difference
- A team you can count of
- Opportunities to grow
- Rewards that help you thrive
Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $70,000.00 to $156,600.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 11/04/26
EEO is the Law (PDF) | Equal Opportunity Statement (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
Accessibility Statement
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.
See All 12 Project Controls Specialist Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsProject Controls Specialist Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Controls Specialist Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project controls specialist jobs across Minnesota.
- Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field required
- Proficiency in scheduling software such as Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project required
- Experience with earned value management and cost performance reporting strongly preferred
- Familiarity with construction or infrastructure project environments in the Upper Midwest
- PMI Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP) or AACE certification is a competitive advantage
- Strong written communication skills for internal reporting and stakeholder documentation
Project Controls Specialist Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project controls specialist in Minnesota?
Most employers in Minnesota require a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a business-related field as the starting point. Minnesota does not issue a state license specific to project controls, so candidates differentiate themselves through industry certifications such as the AACE International Certified Cost Professional or the PMI Planning and Scheduling Professional credential. Gaining experience on infrastructure or commercial construction projects in the Twin Cities market is the most direct path to full professional roles.
How much do project controls specialists make in Minnesota?
Project controls specialists in Minnesota earn a median of about $97,860 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,040 for the lowest 10% to over $141,490 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire project controls specialists in Minnesota?
Minnesota project controls specialist roles are posted by Burns & McDonnell, VAA, and Stantec and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Minnesota's concentration of large construction firms, public utilities, and government infrastructure programs means hiring tends to be steady rather than seasonal.
Which Minnesota cities have the most project controls specialist jobs?
Minneapolis, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, and Edina have the most project controls specialist openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities anchor the market given the volume of commercial construction, transit capital programs, and corporate headquarters there, while Duluth and Rochester generate consistent demand through port infrastructure projects and the ongoing expansion of Mayo Clinic's campus and affiliated facilities.
Are there remote project controls specialist jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're limited. Project controls work is often tied to active job sites, owner's representative offices, or project management teams that require some on-site presence. About 50% of project controls specialist openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the field's mix of desk-based reporting and hands-on site coordination. Cost reporting and scheduling tasks are the most likely to be performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a project controls specialist in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a project coordinator or junior scheduler role on a construction or infrastructure team. Large Minnesota contractors such as Mortenson Construction and major engineering firms hire graduates into project engineer or project controls associate positions where scheduling and cost tracking are learned on the job. Completing an AACE student membership program or earning a Primavera P6 user certification before applying gives candidates a measurable edge in a competitive applicant pool.
Where can I find and apply to project controls specialist jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to project controls specialist jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings, identify roles that fit your background and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that match your experience and target industry.
See All 12 Project Controls Specialist Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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