The Kinetic Group is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer for an onsite role in Anoka, MN. This position focuses on designing, programming, and integrating automated manufacturing controls and vision systems to enhance equipment performance, process efficiency, and product quality. It supports a collaborative engineering culture with opportunities to lead projects, mentor teammates, and drive scalable, data driven manufacturing solutions.
What we offer: A competitive annual salary range of $88,600 to $142,300 and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, vision coverage, disability and life insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and gear discounts. The role is based onsite in Anoka, MN and emphasizes hands-on problem solving within a team that spans engineering, IT, and operations.
Responsibilities
- Lead and contribute to the design, development, and deployment of automated manufacturing systems, with emphasis on machine vision and inspection technologies.
- Engineer, program, and commission PLC based controls (Allen-Bradley, Omron) integrated with vision, robotics, servo motion, and lasers.
- Architect camera based inspection solutions, covering lighting, optics, image acquisition, and defect detection.
- Develop, install, maintain, and improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, and systems across the plant.
- Direct and coordinate construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, and testing to meet specifications and codes.
- Manage electrical projects to ensure on time delivery and adherence to budget.
- Create and sustain HMI/SCADA interfaces for real time visualization and diagnostics.
- Oversee projects from concept through commissioning, including design, programming, installation, and testing.
- Ensure compliance with NEC, OSHA, and machine safety standards, including FMEA and risk assessments.
- Troubleshoot and optimize high speed inspection systems to improve performance and reduce false rejects.
- Collaborate with engineering, IT, and operations to develop proof-of-concept and scalable solutions.
- Integrate machine data with MES/SCADA/IT systems for traceability and analytics.
- Lead and mentor team members and develop technical documentation and standards.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Controls Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 5 years of experience with automated manufacturing systems and PLC programming, with a preference for Allen-Bradley.
- Hands-on experience with machine vision platforms (Cognex, Keyence, Omron, AI).
- Experience with servo motion, robotics integration, and automation systems.
- Knowledge of lighting techniques and optical design for inspection systems.
- Familiarity with industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, OPC UA).
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, HMI/SCADA development, and Microsoft Office.
- Experience with NEC, OSHA, and industrial safety standards.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem solving across electrical, mechanical, and vision systems.
- Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively.
Technologies
- Allen-Bradley PLC, Omron PLC
- Cognex, Keyence, Cognex ViDi, Keyence AI
- AutoCAD Electrical, HMI/SCADA
- EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, OPC UA
- MES, SQL, Asset Center, Git
- Microsoft Office, AI (vision tools)
Benefits
- Medical and dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Disability and life insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Tuition reimbursement
- Gear discounts
Work Environment
Employee assignments may involve exposure to potentially hazardous areas, including flammables and explosives. Safety training is provided to ensure compliance with company and federal regulations.
Pay Range
Annual Salary: $88,600 to $142,300. The actual salary offered will be based on factors including experience, geographic location, education, and skills/achievements, and will be mutually agreed upon at the time of offer.
