Automation/Controls Engineer

WAF - Crookston | Crookston, MN

WE’RE GROWING — AND WE’RE ADDING A PROFESSIONAL POSITION!

WAF - Crookston is growing, investing in new equipment and technology, and looking for an Automation/Controls Engineer to help us build what’s next.

This is an opportunity to join a growing manufacturing operation where you won't just sit behind a desk and manage projects. You'll be hands-on, solving problems, improving processes, working with automation, and seeing the results of your work on the plant floor.

If you're the person who hears “the machine isn't working” and immediately wants to know why — we want to meet you!

What You'll Do

• Design, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
• Develop and support HMI and SCADA applications for monitoring, control, and data collection
• Troubleshoot and debug electrical, controls, and automation issues on production and process equipment
• Create and maintain control narratives, I/O lists, electrical schematics, and technical documentation
• Support commissioning, startup, and validation of new equipment, upgrades, and process improvements
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, process, and maintenance teams to integrate automation solutions
• Implement and support data collection, historian, and industrial networking systems
• Ensure control systems comply with applicable safety standards, electrical codes, and company best practices
• Provide on-site support for production issues, downtime reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Assist with vendor coordination and equipment specifications
• Proficiency in setting up and configuring robot platforms such as FANUC, ABB and KUKA

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a strong understanding of industrial sensors, actuators, and control hardware
• Possesses the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Has strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Can effectively communicate and has documentation skills
• Has the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Is safety-minded

Why WAF - Crookston?

Because we're growing.

We're investing in new equipment, new technology, automation, and our people. This position is being added because we're looking toward the future — and we want an engineer who wants to be part of that future.

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Solve real-world problems
• Work with automation and new technology
• Bring your ideas to the table
• Improve efficiency and processes
• See your work make an impact on the plant floor
• Help shape the future of a growing manufacturing operation

This isn't about maintaining the status quo.

It's about making things better.

What We Offer

At WAF – Crookston, we believe great people deserve great benefits. We’re investing in our facility, our technology, and our people—and this is an exciting opportunity to join us as we continue to grow.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• HSA options
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-paid short-term & long-term disability
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & paid holidays
• Up to an 8% annual bonus
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Voluntary accident & critical illness insurance
• Up to $400/month daycare reimbursement
• $1,000 employee referral bonus
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement

Come Grow With Us!

If you're ready for an opportunity where you can think, create, troubleshoot, improve, and make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Bring your experience. Bring your ideas. Bring your curiosity.

Let's build something better — together!

Apply on Indeed.com and take the next step toward becoming part of the WAF - Crookston team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 2+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix/CompactLogix preferred)
• Experience with HMI/SCADA platforms (FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware, etc.)

Education and Experience

Desired Education and Experience:

• Experience in manufacturing, process industries, or heavy industrial environments
• Familiarity with industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet)
• Experience with VFD's, motion control, and servo systems
• Knowledge of PLC's and machine safety standards
• Experience with data logging, historians, MES, or manufacturing analytics systems
• Robotic programming experience

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Standing & Walking: Frequently required - Engineers may need to patrol equipment, inspect robots and controls, and troubleshoot on the production floor. Surfaces may be uneven or change between office, and production areas.
• Sitting: Moderate requirement - Work at a desk for programming, documentation, analysis, and meetings.
• Lifting & Carrying: Occasional to frequent lifting (10-25 lbs). Anything over 50 lbs requires two people.
• Bending, Stooping, Kneeling: Occasional - Accessing equipment components, routing cables, checking sensors and actuators. Getting into confined spaces around machines.
• Reaching & Handling: Frequent: Operating controls, connectors, keyboards, handheld diagnostic tools. Reaching into panels or around machinery.
• Vision & Hearing: Essential: Ability to read screens, schematics, labels, and indicators. Hearing alarms, signals, and communications in a noisy industrial environment.
• Fine Motor Skills: Required: Precise manipulation of small components, wiring, connectors, switches, and instruments. Typing and use of handheld tools.
• Environmental Conditions: High heat, dust, fumes, noise, vibration.