Automation & Data Integration Engineer

Kendall Howard

$70K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience with PLC programming and industrial platforms
  • Proficient in Python, JavaScript/Node.js, or SQL for data handling
  • Familiarity with protocols like MQTT, OPC-UA for data integration
  • Strong understanding of electrical systems and hardware integration
  • Ability to commute daily to Chisago City, MN; 100% on-site role

Responsibilities

  • Lead on-floor commissioning during prototype builds
  • Develop and program PLC software for integrated EV systems
  • Collaborate with Electrical Engineering for hardware integration
  • Implement protocols for edge connectivity to cloud systems
  • Maintain and manage cloud applications for real-time machine performance
  • Organize machine data storage for efficient reporting
  • Provide field support using custom-built data architecture

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work hands-on at the intersection of manufacturing and technology
  • Engagement with cutting-edge electric vehicle systems
  • Collaboration with a cross-functional team of engineers
  • Direct impact on product development and data management
  • A role that values practical experience and innovation in a shop floor environment
Full Job Description
The Role: Where the Shop Floor Meets the Cloud

This is not a "desk-only" software job. We are looking for a hands-on Automation Engineer based in the Twin Cities area who can walk onto our production floor, wire into a PLC, and then step back to the laptop to ensure that data is flowing correctly to our cloud dashboard.

You will be the bridge between our physical EV systems and our data reporting tools. If you enjoy the "grit" of manufacturing and the "logic" of systems architecture, you'll fit right in.

What You'll Be Doing (On-Site)

1. Physical PLC & Controls (The "Hands-On" Part)

On-Floor Commissioning: Lead the debugging and validation of systems during prototype builds. You will be physically present at the machines.

Logic Design: Develop and program PLC software (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Beckhoff) specifically for our integrated EV systems.

Hardware Integration: Partner directly with our Electrical Engineering team to ensure code aligns with physical wiring, I/O layouts, and control architectures.

2. Local & Cloud Data Integration

Edge Connectivity: Implement protocols (MQTT, OPC-UA) to move data from the machine on our floor to our cloud environment.

Dashboard Management: Maintain the cloud-based application that tracks real-time machine performance and historical data.

Database Structure: Manage how machine data is stored to ensure our local teams and customers get fast, actionable reports.

3. Support & Reliability

Field Support: Provide diagnostics for systems deployed in the field using your custom-built data architecture.

Continuous Improvement: Use real-world data from our shop floor to standardize programming and improve the next generation of products.

Are You the Right Fit?

We are looking for a local candidate who possesses:

Physical Proximity: Ability to commute to our Chisago City, MN facility daily. This role is 100% on-site and does not offer remote work.

The "Hybrid" Skill Set: * PLC Side: Proven experience with industrial platforms and HMI design.

Dev Side: Proficiency in Python, JavaScript/Node.js, or SQL for data handling.

Industrial Networking: A deep understanding of how to get data through a physical firewall and into a cloud endpoint (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, MQTT).

Manufacturing Grit: You are comfortable moving between a laptop and a control panel. You don't mind a bit of shop floor noise and are ready to get your hands dirty.

Legal: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

How to Apply

In your cover letter or application, please confirm that you are able to work on-site in Chisago City, MN daily.

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