> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1906950-hardware-engineering-manager](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1906950-hardware-engineering-manager). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Hardware Engineering Manager - **Company:** Knobelsdorff Enterprises - **Location:** Eagan, MN, United States - **Experience:** Experienced - **Salary:** $120,000.0 - $150,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** AutoCAD, Computer Engineering, Control Panels, Software Tools, Eplan, Process Control Systems, Data Analytics - **Published:** August 3, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.com/jobad/us0e24a4f54c69bc7ba9673e4bc4c67ec5 ## About the Role You're someone who shows up ready to work hard, lead by example, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring: * 8+ years of industrial automation hardware engineering experience. * 3+ years of engineering leadership or people management experience. * Strong experience designing industrial control panels and automation systems. * Proficiency with EPLAN Electric P8. * Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design software. * Strong understanding of PLC-based control systems, industrial networking, instrumentation, VFDs, and safety systems. * Experience supporting panel fabrication and manufacturing operations. * Working knowledge of UL508A, industrial electrical standards, and control panel design practices. * Experience developing electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and bills of material. * Strong organizational, resource planning, and project management skills. * Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities. * A data-driven approach to decision-making and continuous improvement. * Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment. * Strong financial awareness with the ability to balance quality, schedule, and cost objectives., * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field. * Experience leading engineering standardization and process improvement initiatives. * Experience supporting international or multi-site automation projects., * Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, and stoop for extended periods * Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs * Ability to work in close proximity to team members in a production environment ## Description The Hardware Engineering Manager supports KE Automation by leading and developing our Hardware Engineering team while driving excellence in project execution across industrial automation projects. You'll be responsible for managing engineering resources, establishing and improving engineering processes, supporting panel manufacturing operations, and ensuring hardware engineering deliverables contribute to successful project outcomes. Success in this role means building a high-performing team, delivering quality engineering solutions on schedule and within budget, and creating standardized processes that improve efficiency across the organization, all while upholding KE's commitment to Safety, People, Passion, and Performance. If you're someone who takes pride in developing people, improving systems, and driving accountability, this position is built for you. What You'll Do You'll be part of a team that gets things done, works with purpose, and takes pride in the results. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include: * Lead, mentor, and develop the Hardware Engineering team through coaching, performance management, and career development. * Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, continuous improvement, and collaboration. * Manage hardware engineering resource planning and workload balancing across active projects. * Partner with Project Managers to ensure engineering deliverables align with project schedules and customer expectations. * Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance engineering quality, efficiency, and consistency. * Develop and maintain engineering standards, templates, libraries, and best practices. * Identify and implement opportunities to automate repetitive engineering tasks and improve productivity. * Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to quality, schedule performance, and engineering efficiency. * Collaborate with the Panel Shop to improve manufacturability, drawing quality, BOM accuracy, and production efficiency. * Support Lean Manufacturing and 5S initiatives through improved engineering processes and standards. * Review and approve hardware designs to ensure quality, compliance, and consistency. * Provide technical leadership for industrial control systems, including PLCs, control panels, instrumentation, networking, and safety systems. * Support project teams with technical problem-solving during execution and commissioning activities. * Monitor engineering effort against project budgets and proactively address risks, constraints, and variances. * Stay current with evolving automation technologies, engineering tools, and industry best practices. ## Related Videos - [WebAssembly Revolution: Elevating JavaScript's Reach and Performance](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1149-webassembly-revolution-elevating-javascript-s-reach-and-performance) - [The New AI Security Stack: Observe, Detect, Protect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100302-the-new-ai-security-stack-observe-detect-protect) - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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