Controls Engineer I

Who We Are

At NorthWind Technical Services, we don't just engineer systems — we bring industrial automation to life. From the panel shop floor to customer sites across the country (and internationally), our engineers are the heartbeat of every project we deliver. If you love the smell of a freshly wired panel and get excited when a PLC program runs flawlessly on the first try, keep reading.

The Controls Engineer I is embedded in our Project Engineering Department, where no two days look the same.  Primary duties include developing automation software that drives real industrial processes.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safety, financial, and technical success of all projects and work assigned.


• Comply with company safety procedures


• Conduct oneself with integrity and professional competence


• Provide timely and detailed status updates


• Ensure standards are maintained in a highly regulated, process driven environment


• Develop Automation Software


• Write PLC, HMI and computer programs, test and validate proper function


• Troubleshoot issues with existing company installed systems


• Power up electrical systems and configure hardware per application specifications


• Travel to customer site for startup and commissioning of the software


• Write user manuals to communicate functionality of company developed programs


• Train users and provide post project support


• Organize, plan and prioritize work and meet deadlines


• Communicate with customers, vendors, and co-workers


• Must be a self-starter, team player and work well with others


• Portray a positive attitude


• Observe, receive, and otherwise obtain information from all relevant sources


• Proactively predict when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong


• Solve complex problems; review related information; develop and evaluate options; implement solutions.


• Proactively make timely decisions without the benefit of all the information or consultation with supervisor


• Must be organized, detail oriented, and able to think designs through completely


• Involved in the recruitment of new staff


• National and International travel is required


• Must be available and willing to work overtime, weekends, and holidays to meet customer project commitments

*This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice. *

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of automation projects


• Knowledge of pneumatic conveying, extrusion, drying, separating, and compounding, weighing and batching, and continuous processes etc.


• Fluent use of MS Word; Excel; PowerPoint; Outlook; EPLAN; AutoCAD; RSLOGIX 5000; FactoryTalk View; Microsoft Visual Basic


• General computer literacy


• Excellent written and oral communication skills


• Refer to performance assessment for a complete list of skills and requirements

Required Qualifications:

• BS Degree in Engineering - Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, or Chemical

Preferred Characteristics:

• Ability to build effective relationships that are focused on integrity and trust


• An attitude of dedication to achieve professional success


• A focus on serving internal and external customers with respect, understanding, and empathy


• Ability and willingness to recognize the intrinsic value of every person


• Drive and curiosity to explore new technology and innovation for continued growth and improvement

Physical Abilities/Work Environment:

• Includes but is not limited to the following:


• Climbing, kneeling, lifting


• Occasionally exerting up to 20-50 pounds of force


• Use of power drills and drive motor vehicles – must have a valid driver’s license


• Potential exposure to extreme temperatures but in general, normal office conditions

At NorthWind, your work actually runs things. The systems you program control real industrial processes for real customers. You'll see your work in action — and you'll know it works because you made sure it did.

We're a team of engineers who take our craft seriously and support each other in doing it well. If that sounds like your kind of place, we want to hear from you.