Senior Controls Engineer

Position: Senior Controls Engineer

Location: Maple Grove, Minnesota 

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Engineering Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time

Travel Requirements: Up to 25%

About Timesavers

Timesavers is a Minnesota based, leading manufacturer of industrial sanding and finishing equipment, serving a wide range of industries including metalworking, woodworking, and plastics. With a legacy of innovation and precision engineering, we are committed to delivering high-performance solutions that help our customers achieve flawless finishes and improved productivity.

Position Overview

As a Senior Controls Engineer at Timesavers, you will play a pivotal role in designing, developing, and implementing advanced control systems for our world-class finishing and deburring machinery. You'll lead automation initiatives, optimize system performance, and ensure seamless integration of electrical, mechanical, and software components. This position is ideal for a hands-on engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about driving innovation in industrial automation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical and pneumatic control systems for sanding machines, ensuring alignment with company standards and customer specifications.
• Program PLCs and HMIs, including operator interface screens, based on machine functionality and performance requirements.
• UL508A Demonstrated experience 
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to implement hardware sensing and feedback systems.
• Lead system integration efforts, including architecture development and troubleshooting.
• Support field service teams with diagnostics and issue resolution for existing control systems.
• Implement Industry 4.0 solutions to enhance automation, data collection, and machine productivity.
• Participate in on-site machine startups, testing, and commissioning as needed.
• Lead a team of Controls Engineers 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, mechatronics, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial controls engineering.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in leading controls engineering professionals. 
• Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and HMI development.
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, pneumatic systems, and machine automation.
• Experience with AutoCAD electrical and/or SolidWorks Electrical.
• Experience with networking protocols, sensors, and industrial communication systems.
• Experience developing custom products across multiple industries. 
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts, including IoT integration and data analytics.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in the metal finishing or sanding equipment industry.
• Knowledge of robotics, vision systems, or advanced motion control.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit, stand, and transition between workstations for extended periods.
• Requires manual dexterity to operate computers, tools, and testing equipment.
• Visual acuity necessary for inspecting wiring, screens, and components, including close-range and color differentiation.
• Ability to occasionally lift and transport items weighing up to 25 pounds. 
• Must adhere to safety protocols within manufacturing and industrial environments.
• Occasional travel to customers sites or project locations may be required. 

What We offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement
• A collaborative and innovative work environment
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
• An opportunity to do cool stuff every day