Senior Contols Engineer

Company: Birch Hill Recruiting LLC
Location: Saint Paul
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Controls Engineer II Confidential Search Location: St. Paul, MN Employment Type: Full-Time Work Model: On-site Salary Range: $125,000 – $140,000 Position Overview A confidential manufacturer of automated industrial systems is seeking a Controls Engineer II to own the design, implementation, and support of machine and integrated system controls. This is a senior, hands-on role with real accountability—hardware, software, schedules, vendors, and outcomes. If you’ve only supported programs written by others, this role will expose you fast. Key Responsibilities Controls Design & Implementation Develop PLC programs, electrical schematics, and control panel layouts for machines and integrated systems Own both hardware and software design from concept through implementation Design new control system architectures and improve existing platforms Ensure programs follow standardized, structured formats for long-term supportability Maintain a controlled library of PLC programs, schematics, CAD files, and templates Project Ownership & Execution Develop and maintain electrical project schedules for active projects Evaluate cost alternatives for current and future controls designs Act as the technical advocate for integrated packaging or automation lines Support Test Technicians during factory testing and validation Review, troubleshoot, and resolve customer field issues with speed and accuracy Improve machine speed, capacity, reliability, functionality, and usability Leadership & Collaboration Lead and mentor junior engineers and technicians on designs and projects Play a supervisory role with subcontractors and external vendors Create documentation and knowledge-sharing materials for engineering, checkout, and service teams Support Service teams with field troubleshooting via phone or on-site as required Collaborate closely with engineering, production, service, and project teams Required Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering OR Associate degree in Engineering (or equivalent) with 8 years of Controls/Electrical Engineering experience Proven experience designing and commissioning automated machinery Technical Skills Strong proficiency in PLC programming and controls architecture Experience with: Allen-Bradley PLCs Fanuc PLCs Robotics and vision systems Coordinated motion control and kinematic analysis Ability to read, analyze, and troubleshoot electrical schematics Experience with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD tools Minimum 1 year of AutoCAD experience Proficient with Microsoft Office and engineering software tools Professional Competencies High level of technical curiosity and problem-solving capability Strong ownership mentality—takes responsibility for results, not excuses Able to tutor, guide, and technically lead others Adapts quickly in fast-paced, project-driven environments Organized, detail-oriented, and disciplined with documentation Maintains professionalism under pressure and shifting priorities Bottom Line This is not a checkbox engineering role. You will own designs, schedules, vendors, and outcomes. If you want authority without accountability, look elsewhere. If you want impact, visibility, and technical ownership—this seat matters.

Keywords: Birch Hill Recruiting LLC, Saint Cloud , Senior Contols Engineer, Engineering , Saint Paul, Minnesota