Controls Engineer

Apogee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: APOG), was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN.  Apogee is a growing, profitable company with annual revenues approaching $1.5 billion.  We provide distinctive metal and glass solutions for enclosing commercial buildings, and glass and acrylic solutions for picture framing and display applications. To learn more visit: www.apog.com.

The Apogee Performance Surfaces segment has grown from $100M to $200M in revenue through a recent acquisition.  Our brands in the Performance Surfaces portfolio develop and manufacture high-performance coated materials for a variety of applications, including wall décor, museums, graphic design, architectural interiors, digital display, and industrial flooring markets.  We are the global leader in anti-reflective, conservation grade electrostatic dissipative, high-definition, and abrasion resistance coatings, that provide protection, innovative designs, and exceptional durability.

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, commissioning, and sustaining industrial automation systems, with a strong emphasis on SCADA and MES platforms, including Ignition and Kanoa MES.

This role supports the organization’s transition to data-driven, digitally connected manufacturing, enabling real-time visibility into operations through dashboards, system integration, and data infrastructure. The position bridges traditional controls engineering with industrial data systems, supporting both equipment performance and operational insights.

The engineer will collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and IT/OT teams to ensure systems are reliable, scalable, and deliver meaningful data across both facilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs (Allen-Bradley primarily) with a focus on reliable operation and structured data integration
• Design, develop, and support HMI, SCADA, and MES interfaces for equipment control and operational visibility
• Develop and maintain Ignition SCADA and Kanoa MES applications, including screens, workflows, and integrations
• Build and sustain real-time dashboards, KPIs, and visualization tools for operations, maintenance, and leadership
• Develop and manage tag structures, naming conventions, and system architecture to ensure scalability and maintainability
• Integrate PLCs and field devices into SCADA/MES systems.
• Configure and maintain data historians, alarm systems, and event/downtime tracking systems
• Support MES functionality including production tracking, OEE, quality data capture, and traceability
• Develop and maintain SQL queries, scripts, and database connections for reporting and system performance
• Perform system startup, commissioning, testing, debugging, and field modifications with emphasis on data validation and visualization accuracy
• Troubleshoot issues related to controls systems, SCADA/MES platforms, data integrity, system performance, and user interfaces
• Troubleshoot robotics (ABB, FANUC, KUKA), servo systems, VFDs, and industrial communication networks
• Coordinate multiple projects while ensuring alignment with data architecture and system standards
• Collaborate with IT/OT teams on network infrastructure, system architecture, and cybersecurity considerations
• Ensure that all supplier and IT driven firmware and software updates are implemented in a timely manner according to IT/OT policies and procedures.
• Support installation, commissioning, and validation of control systems and digital platforms
• Maintain accurate documentation for control logic, SCADA/MES configurations, tag structures, and system architecture
• Develop and enforce standards for tag naming, dashboard design, and system scalability
• Train and support users on SCADA, MES tools, and dashboards to drive adoption and effectiveness
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven insights and system capabilities
• Ensure uptime, reliability, and long-term sustainment of automation and SCADA/MES systems

Personal Attributes and Experience

Required

• 2-year technical degree in Engineering, Electronics, Automation Integration, Robotics, or related technical field and 2–4 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Programming experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs
• HMI or SCADA development experience (Ignition, or similar platforms)
• Understanding of industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, device-level networks)
• Experience integrating field devices and control systems with data collection platforms
• Working knowledge of servo drives, VFDs, and motion control systems
• Experience integrating or troubleshooting sensors, instrumentation, or vision systems
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and root cause analysis abilities
• Basic project planning and organization skills
• Working knowledge of industrial instruments, tools, and process control equipment
• Strategic application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to drive business outcomes, enhance decision-making, and improve operational efficiency
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn new automation and software platforms
• Experience with commissioning, FAT/SAT, and system startup activities
• Experience developing and maintaining tag structures, naming standards, and system architecture
• Experience building dashboards, KPIs, or visualization tools for operations or leadership
• Familiarity with data historians, alarm management systems, and downtime tracking tools

• Experience supporting or improving OEE tracking, production reporting, or traceability systems
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• Experience with Ignition SCADA (Perspective, Vision, tag configuration, scripting)
• Experience with MES systems (Kanoa strongly preferred)
• Experience with SQL, databases, or data querying for reporting and system functionality
• Experience supporting data validation and integrity from PLC → SCADA → database → dashboards
• Experience with robot programming (ABB, FANUC, KUKA)
• Experience with CAD tools (AutoCAD)
• Exposure to Lean or Six Sigma methodologies and using data to drive improvements

Work Environment

• Primarily office‑based environment with moderate noise levels.
• Frequent time spent on the plant floor near moving mechanical equipment and higher noise levels.
• Occasional travel (5–10%) for training, vendor visits, or project support.
• May require work outside normal business hours depending on project and/or production needs.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear.
• Frequent use of hands for tools, controls, and computer tasks.
• Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs.

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Our Benefits

We care about and invest in our employees. We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support their well-being and foster professional development. Here is a glimpse of what you can look forward to if you join our team.

• Competitive Benefits Package for employees and their dependents (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability)

• Incentive Plans

• 401(k) with employer contribution and match

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer match

• Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick Time)

• Paid Holidays

• Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Wellness Program

• Training and Career Progression

Apogee and our brands are an Equal Opportunity Employer.