SUMMARY The Controls Engineer III is responsible for developing innovative automation solutions for packaging machinery. This role provides leadership to a cross-functional team of mechanical and controls engineers, assembly technicians, and validation staff in a matrix organization, with an emphasis on new product development and engineering for commercial products. Working closely with the Electrical Engineering Manager, this individual specifies new equipment in alignment with market needs.
This job description highlights the primary responsibilities and authority of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
New Machinery Development
Create new machinery concepts, including automation specifications, configuration options, and cost targets for prototype systems.
Estimate time and material requirements for new machinery quotes.
Direct concept development using test rigs and components.
Present specifications for milestone reviews and maintain updated documentation.
Report project deviations, risks, and cost variances to the Electrical Engineering Manager.
Engineering of New Equipment and Machinery Lines
Develop automation platforms, control architectures, electrical assemblies, schematics, and bills of material (BOMs).
Design control cabinet layouts, conduit systems, and program HMI, PLC, and robotic control software.
Document BOMs and ensure accuracy for product configuration.
Manage and record all Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs).
Lead technical design reviews to ensure peer review and knowledge sharing.
Ensure compliance with all applicable safety standards (OSHA, EU Machinery Directive, and local authorities) and integrate safety risk assessments.
Provide project management and technical leadership from order entry through field testing.
Serve as the technical liaison with customers, sales, and project management, communicating specifications, project plans, and change orders.
Direct assembly and validation staff during build and test phases.
Partner with sales, project management, and service teams to resolve technical field issues.
Upon field test completion, transfer prototype documentation to the commercial engineering team.
Process Improvement and Knowledge Sharing
Mentor colleagues in machinery development practices and serve as a subject matter expert (SME) in key competency areas.
Support refinement of the product development process to improve lead times, cost efficiency, quality, and safety.
Stay current on automation technologies and share insights with the engineering team.
Report machine performance and safety concerns to the Electrical Engineering Manager.
Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, or associate degree in Engineering with 7+ years of relevant experience designing and programming PLC, HMI, and servo control systems.
Experience with high-speed servo-driven machinery required.
Familiarity with Allen-Bradley (AB) and Fanuc PLC systems.
Proficiency with Rockwell Automation software and hardware (RSLogix5000, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PowerFlex VFDs, Kinetix servo drives, PanelView HMIs) preferred.
5+ years of AutoCAD experience in schematic generation required.
Experience with 3D parametric CAD and Product Data Management (PDM) systems preferred.
Prior exposure to packaging or cam-driven machinery preferred.
Experience specifying robotics and pick-and-place systems preferred.
Project management and customer-facing experience strongly preferred.
TECHNICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Capable of designing and managing control systems for machinery and integrated packaging lines.
Strong ability to read, analyze, and troubleshoot electrical schematics and engineering software.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.
Skilled in mentoring and leading design and project teams.
Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and critical thinking abilities.
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing, with individuals and groups at all levels, internal and external.
Works collaboratively with cross-functional teams and demonstrates flexibility in partnering with diverse personalities.
Contributes to team problem-solving by suggesting ideas and resolving issues constructively.
Project Civil/Environmental Engineer with experience in civil or environmental design to support solid waste and environmental infrastructure projects. This role offers exposure to diverse projects – from landfill and recycling facility design to stormwater and grading systems – with the flexibility to work hybrid in the St Paul area or remotely within the region.
We are partnering exclusively with a PE-backed, tech enabled mental health organization to help them build out their new finance team as they continue to grow. This is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor to define and build process, be creative, and work for a strong CFO and CEO who are supportive, growth-minded, and love to mentor.
SkyWater Search Partners is currently looking to add another Legal Recruiter to the team in Minneapolis.
If you are considering using your J.D. in another way, this may be the perfect opportunity to stay immersed in the legal field without practicing law. This role allows you to be an entrepreneur and build a book of business! Our Recruiters receive an extremely competitive base salary + commission structure, with unlimited earning potential.
As an Attorney Recruiter you will be responsible for helping drive the continued growth of our Legal practice by specializing in the placement of full-time attorneys and legal professionals within law firms and legal departments throughout the country.
SkyWater Search Partners has been rated the #1 search firm in Minnesota for the past 6 years in a row by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. We place more people in professional full-time positions than any other Minnesota-based search firm.
In addition, we have won 9 Best Place to Work Awards, as voted by our employees, in both the Minnesota Business Magazine, as well as the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Outside of our professional rankings, we also offer an amazing corporate culture, Grade A office space with a gym, covered parking, Starbucks onsite, and everyone in our organization runs a desk! We do not believe in metrics (we don’t care how many phone calls you make or how many meetings you have per week), we only care about results! We enjoy cultivating relationships and being the best talent finders for our clients!!
If you are interested in this position or would like to hear more about our firm, please apply online or reach out to Sujatha Ramanathan directly at sramanathan@skywatersearch.com.
SkyWater is partnering with a client in the Northwest metro who’s looking for a Director of Engineering to join their growing team! The Director of Engineering will be responsible for overseeing the entire engineering function for our client while leading a team of 10 reports. This includes providing technical engineering leadership to team members, overseeing new product development, and leading the design & manufacturing of products. The Director of Engineering will play a critical role on our client’s leadership team while helping shape the engineering function, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and support the company’s strategic growth plans. Our client is offering a generous base salary, strong performance bonus, outstanding benefits, and the opportunity to shape their engineering group & make a huge impact on their business!
Human Resources Manager Location: Waseca, MN (Onsite – Non-Negotiable) Compensation: $100,000 – $110,000 base + STI Bonus
The Opportunity We’re partnering with a global leader in connector and fiber optics solutions, and they’re seeking a dynamic Human Resources Manager to lead HR across three U.S. sites (Waseca, MN, IL, & FL). This is a high-impact role reporting directly to the Vice President of Human Resources, with the unique opportunity to be developed as her successor.
Why This Role Matters As HR Manager, you’ll be the on-site leader in Waseca, overseeing multi-site HR operations and serving as a strategic business partner to plant leadership and functional teams. You’ll be the bridge between employees and leadership, driving HR initiatives that shape culture, improve retention, and support growth.
Key Responsibilities
Lead day-to-day HR operations for Waseca, Lombard, and Melbourne sites, with direct influence on organizational culture and employee engagement.
Partner with plant leadership to coach, advise, and strengthen team effectiveness.
Drive recruiting, onboarding, performance management, succession planning, and career development.
Ensure compliance with federal/state labor laws, internal policies, and best practices.
Lead investigations, employee relations, and ethics training with consistency and integrity.
Support safety, wellness, and payroll oversight for Waseca operations.
Influence change and process improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business, or related field.
6–10+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally in manufacturing.
Experience supporting multi-site operations and building strong cross-functional relationships.
Hands-on leader who balances tactical execution with strategic thinking.
Strong business acumen and ability to influence senior leadership.
Skilled in employee relations, compliance, performance management, and talent development.
HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP) preferred; bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
What Success Looks Like
Trusted advisor and coach to plant and functional leaders.
Builder of strong employee engagement and retention strategies.
Driver of HR process improvements and scalable programs.
Viewed as a natural successor to the VP of HR — a leader ready to elevate HR across Cinch.
The Details
Salary Range: $100,000 – $110,000 base + STI bonus
Work Requirement: On-site in Waseca, MN (non-negotiable)
Develop and implement a strategic plan to grow the aftermarket parts and service business and work with the sales team to implement into existing customer dialogue
Lead a team of three direct reports (2 Parts Specialists and a Service Scheduler)
Oversee all service operations, including customer coordination and scheduling. Leverage existing third-party service providers and identify and secure new ones to expand the company’s service capabilities in key geographic areas.
Develop and promote new service offerings, such as service contracts, online ordering capabilities, parts sorting systems etc…
Explore innovative ways to make it easier for customers utilize aftermarket parts ordering and service requests
Requirements:
Proven leadership experience with a strong background in growing the revenue of an aftermarket or services team.
Degree in Engineering or related
7+ years of experience in an industrial manufacturing or distribution segment
Willingness to travel domestically about 50%. Candidates need to be located in Minnesota for easy trips to the HQ, but can work from home the majority of the time when not traveling
Join a leading middle-market platform that is growing their financial due diligence practice! Are you in Big 4/Tier-1 deals advisory but find yourself tired of the bureaucracy, red tape, and sub-par bonuses? Keep reading.
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We are seeking 3-6 year FDD professionals, ideally with 3+ years in FDD experience from a top audit or consulting firm. CPA Strongly prefered.
We are looking for a Lead Civil Engineer who is looking for the opportunity to lead. This role will lead civil engineering functions related to infrastructure for the Rapid City location, playing a major role in developing other team members, growing the team’s footprint in the area, and continuing to expand business and client relationships.
This role will lead a small but growing infrastructure development team; current trajectory has our local office doubling our team size
Relocation assistance is avaiable
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