Senior Controls Engineer

Senior Controls Engineer

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you will play a pivotal technical role on CommScope's Automation Team, designing, developing, and deploying control systems for custom automated manufacturing equipment used to produce fiber optic products. This is a hands-on role focused on translating manufacturing and quality challenges into robust, scalable automation solutions that improve safety, throughput, yield, and cost. This is an individual contributor role with significant technical ownership across the full equipment lifecycle—from requirements and concept through design, build, debug, validation, deployment, and sustained factory support. You will partner closely with manufacturing, process, mechanical, electrical, software, and quality teams (local and global) and will be expected to lead technical decisions, drive disciplined documentation, and resolve complex system-level problems with limited supervision. You'll join a collaborative automation group that values practical engineering, technical rigor, continuous improvement, and direct impact on manufacturing performance. This position is located in Shakopee, Minnesota.

Responsibilities

• Machine & Automation Development
• Generate and evaluate automation concepts (controls + electrical) to improve safety, quality, cycle time, uptime, and manufacturing cost.
• Drive innovation by proposing new architecture, components, or methods.
• Lead feasibility work including definition of requirements, bench testing, and proof-of-concept validation for new automation.
• Develop, build, debug, and validate semi-automated and automated equipment for fiber optics, including supporting FAT/SAT and factory handoff.
• Maintain strong awareness of emerging controls technologies and applicable industry standards; apply them pragmatically to improve reliability and maintainability.
• Develop and improve standard work: electrical/controls design templates, programming standards, reusable modules, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides; mentor engineers/technicians as needed.
• Electrical Design
• Create complete controls/electrical design packages including requirements, I/O lists, component selection, panel layouts, safety circuit design, electrical schematics, BOMs, and P&IDs maintain accurate as-built documentation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, mechanical, and process engineering to deliver integrated electrical and software solutions.
• Perform hands-on build support including point-to-point verification, I/O checkout, and debugging of electrical/control issues during build and deployment.
• Integrate and configure field devices and motion hardware (sensors, load cells, flow meters, VFDs, servos, actuators)
• Apply working knowledge of machine safety standards and electrical codes (e.g., NEC, UL, CE, NFPA)
• Software
• Develop PLC/HMI software from scratch, including defining the control architecture, sequencing, alarms, diagnostics, and recovery strategies:
• Design, configure, and troubleshoot industrial networks and communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
• Design, develop, and program vision systems including testing cameras, lighting setups, and lenses for each application.
• Configure, tune, and validate motion systems to achieve cycle time and quality requirements.
• Lead system debug, commissioning, and start-up activities (including FAT/SAT support), and provide extended remote/on-site support to sustain factory performance.

Required Qualifications for Consideration

Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, computer, software engineering or related discipline. 10+ years of relevant controls experience. Demonstrated experience to define requirements, design electrical systems, and conduct programming of industrial control systems for automation equipment. Strong proficiency in electrical design software (AutoCAD, DraftSight) and general with computers, configuration, networking, IP Addresses, etc. Strong proficiency in PLCs (Allen Bradley, Siemens, etc) and HMIs (Pro-Face, PanelView, SIMATIC). Working knowledge of machine safety and relevant codes/standards. Hands-on experience in controls through design, build, debug, and factory deployment. Be self-driven and highly motivated with a strong sense of ownership and urgency. Proficiency with standard productivity tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration. Ability to travel up to ~15% to support global manufacturing locations.

You Will Excite Us If You

Familiar with C programming, python, and other structured text software. Have experience with SCADA systems. Have experience with 3D CAD, preferably SolidWorks. Possess hands-on wiring and assembly experience. Demonstrate project management experience showing strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Engineering Technical Growth Path (ETL)

This role is part of CommScope's technical career path for engineers who wish to grow as individual contributors without moving into people management. Engineers in this role are able to deepen technical expertise, expand influence, and take on increasingly complex and higher-impact problems over time.

Salary and Benefits

Our salary ranges consider a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to benchmarking by independent third-party consultants, skill sets, years of experience, training, education, geography, and other business needs. Depending on experience, the range can be higher for candidates with exceptional experience and a demonstrated history of successful performance. The expected salary range for this position is $103,000-$150,000 annually based on hired level and experience. The candidate will be rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, life and accidental death insurance, a 401(k) plan, and participation in the Company's Incentive Plan. Candidates starting with the Company will be eligible for eleven paid holidays in a full calendar year, two weeks of paid vacation (prorated based on start date), as well as other leave options.