What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer position at Sigil Partners?
Controls Engineer
Direct Hire | Full-Time
Location: Alexandria, Minnesota - Relocation assistance available for non-local candidates
Work Environment: Onsite
Compensation: Base salary range targeted between $90,000–$110,000 bonus (DOE)
(In addition, all travel is paid at time and half of hourly salary equivalent)
Travel requirement: Up to 25% domestic and international travel - (will not travel for more than 2 weeks at a time
**This position must meet export control compliance requirements. All applicants must be “U.S. persons” within the meaning of ITAR, as defined: a U.S. Citizen, a lawful permanent resident, political asylee, or refugee.**
**No visa support available at this time**
Our client is a growing automation and packaging systems manufacturer is seeking a Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, commissioning, and optimization of complex automated machinery systems. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in highly technical, fast-paced project environments and enjoys owning projects from concept through machine startup and customer deployment.
The Controls Engineer will develop PLC and motion-control code for sophisticated automation equipment while collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams. This individual will play a critical role in machine commissioning, onsite troubleshooting, customer support, and continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, performance, and scalability.
The ideal candidate has strong experience with Allen Bradley / Rockwell platforms, motion control systems, commissioning automated machinery, and troubleshooting in customer-facing production environments. Candidates from packaging machinery, custom automation, robotics, or high-speed manufacturing environments are especially relevant.
Key Responsibilities:
The Controls Engineer will write and validate PLC and motion-control code for automated machinery while ensuring systems meet customer requirements, project timelines, and operational performance standards. This individual will support machine startup, commissioning, FAT/SAT activities, troubleshooting, and field-service support while collaborating cross-functionally with engineering and production teams. The role also includes supporting HMI functionality, improving controls standards, participating in design reviews, and interfacing directly with customers during machine installations and operational support activities.
Core Requirements:
• 3 years of Controls Engineering experience with scratch PLC programming and motion control
• Strong experience with Allen Bradley / Rockwell Automation platforms
• Experience supporting complex automation or packaging equipment environments
• Hands-on commissioning and troubleshooting experience at customer sites
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline
Preferred Experience:
• Packaging automation or high-speed machine systems
• Servo systems and integrated motion architectures
• Systems-level troubleshooting and conceptual visualization skills
• Ability to interpret machine motion from mechanical designs or 3D models
• Experience working in fast-paced custom machine-building environments
Benefits Highlights:
• Comprehensive medical coverage with strong employer contribution support
• Company-paid dental, life insurance, and disability coverage
• 401(k) with company match plus profit-sharing opportunities
• PTO, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and career development programs
Salary : $90,000 - $110,000