Controls Engineer

About the Company

MGS is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of cutting-edge packaging automation solutions with core competencies in secondary packaging and product handling, headquartered in Maple Grove, MN.

MGS' industries of focus are pharma & healthcare, food, personal care and industrial goods.

MGS is part of Coesia, a group of innovation-based industrial and packaging solutions companies operating globally, headquartered in Bologna, Italy.

Coesia has operating units in 36 countries, a turnover of 2,015 million euros in 2022 and over 8,000 employees.

About the Role

This key role is responsible for the design and programming of control systems that meet technical, cost, and schedule objectives across assigned projects. The Controls Engineer will lead projects from concept through design and serve as the primary technical contact (both internally and externally) through manufacturing, assembly, debug, final acceptance, and after-sale service.

In this role you will be responsible for

• Develop and maintain standards for control system design on new machines and modules.
• Create efficient, reliable electrical, controls, and pneumatic system designs that meet project requirements.
• Develop and test control software programs for assigned projects.
• Support and document Concept and Design Review meetings, ensuring deliverables align with project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Maintain accurate and complete technical documentation, including functional specifications, electrical schematics, and control programs.
• Serve as the lead technical contact throughout the project lifecycle—from manufacturing and assembly through debug and customer acceptance.
• Provide programming and troubleshooting support during machine build and testing.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in automation, controls, and electrical design.
• Provide technical support for field service, customer installations, and system upgrades.
• Participate in internal and customer design reviews to ensure quality and technical alignment.
• Maintain and continuously improve engineering standards, practices, and procedures.
• Support the Sales and Applications team with technical input during quotation and specification review.
• Assist with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and ensure systems meet performance and safety expectations.
• Analyze designs and recommend improvements to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Support and promote the company's values through professional communication, teamwork, and day-to-day interactions.

What You Need to Be Successful

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent; or an Associate's degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• 1+ year of automated machine design experience with a BSEE, or 8+ years of related experience with an Associate's degree (packaging industry preferred).
• Proficiency in electrical design software—AutoCAD Electrical preferred.
• Hands-on experience with:
• PLC and computer programming/interfaces
• Servo and stepper motor control systems and software
• Barcode, vision, check weighing, and laser systems
• Robotics integration
• Pneumatic and vacuum circuits
• Electrical schematics and machine wiring
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
• Highly organized with strong planning and prioritization abilities, capable of working independently.

Our Offer

Coesia North America offers a competitive benefit package which includes, among other things:

• Multiple health insurance plan options
• Company paid life insurance.
• 401k with up to 6% company match
• Paid parental leave.
• The salary range for this position is between $70,000 and $95,000 annually. *Based on individual experience and skills determined through the interview process*

At MGS Machine, we aim to ensure that compensation reflects the skills, experience, and performance of each individual in their current role. The salary range takes into