FORWARD TECHNOLOGY

Machinist / Tool Maker

Mon, 04 May 2026 03:32:07 +0000

Machinist / Tool Maker will work to build custom tooling for plastic welding, leak and burst testing, and other custom equipment. Applicant will work with engineering, the CNC group, sales, and machine assembly to ensure that the tools are built properly, on-time, and with good quality. Machining skills using vertical milling machines, lathes, and other equipment is nice to have, and experience with CNC is a bonus as well. If you have no experience, but are willing to put in the effort to learn, Forward will happily train you on the job. Applicant should be familiar with working with aluminum (multiple grades), carbon steel (multiple grades), stainless steel, plastics, and other custom materials. Ability to work individually and as a team is needed, and a hard-working, good attitude is a must. All parts the machinist / toolmaker makes are one-off, nothing is the same, which provides a ton of variety. If desired, the Toolmaker can be exposed to customers during setup and runoff of tools.

Forward Technology is a leader in the plastic welding, leak testing, and custom automation market. Work is fast-paced and has a lot of variety. Come join a great team!

Sr. Controls Engineer

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:48:22 +0000

The Sr. Controls Engineer will be responsible for designing, programming, and commissioning control and automation systems. Requires work with Forward's production systems and personnel to ensure on-time completion of projects. The applicant will take the lead with laboratory level work (prototyping/new technology vetting), troubleshooting and concept development with the production group, and in general you will work with a wide variety of internal resources to ensure projects stay on-time and within budget.

Under minimum supervision, applicant will troubleshoot various automated production equipment. You will build and maintain strong relationships with customers across many different industries and continue to learn the intricacies of plastic welding, leak/burst testing, and automation equipment.

The Sr. Controls Engineer will have strong experience with programmable controllers, robotics, vision systems, HMIs, control system design, and have hands-on troubleshooting experience. A go-getter type personality with a strong desire to succeed will help the applicant thrive and grow in this position. Forward is also open to candidates with less experience that have the willingness and drive to learn new things.

Common tasks for this position include:

1) Program and troubleshoot automated equipment using Rockwell Automation, Codesys, or Exor JMobile software

2) Develop control panel and control system schematics utilizing safety circuits, PLCs, VFDs, servo drives, robotics, automation networks, HMIs, etc. all designed in AutoCAD Electrical software

3) Create and maintain BOMs and engineering changes associated with projects and resolve job specification differences

4) Review specifications and standard practices inclusive of the internal hardwired and logic standards, general specifications, and scope of work

5) Control system upgrades of existing equipment and integration of new/existing equipment

6) Ensure work is completed in accordance with relevant codes and with proper documentation

7) Participate in continuous improvement activities to improve processes, efficiency, quality, and service

8) Work closely with vendors in identifying appropriate equipment necessary for the project

9) Work with the Forward Tech team in general to maintain project schedules, standards, and budgets

10) Provide assistance to other functional organizations (manufacturing, assembly, customer service, sales) throughout the life of a project

Experience Required:

5+ years of controls engineering experience with Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering
10+ years of controls engineering experience with 2-Year Automation or similar Degree
Familiar with common US and International Codes such as NEC, UL508A, and NFPA
Experience with equipment specifications
Experience in developing new concepts and cost-effective solutions

Required Skills/Qualifications:

Competent with Rockwell software and AutoCAD Electrical
Electrical aptitude with knowledge of controls concepts, such as motion control, functional safety, etc.
Driven, energetic, self-starter type individual with go-getter attitude
Creative, out of the box thinker with strong technical writing skills
Ambitious person with strong verbal and written communication skills
Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Strong time management skills with ability to multi-task daily
Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
Willingness to travel when necessary, <20%

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

Familiar with plastic welding, leak testing, and industrial automation
Familiar with OEM equipment concepting and budgeting
Familiar with suppliers to OEMs and the equipment offerings they provide
Familiar with Exor platform and Codesys software/programming

Benefits:

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
401k with company match
10 Paid Holidays
PTO
Aflac offerings
Short and Long Term Disability

Education and General Requirements:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, 2-Year Automation Degree, or relevant experience
Valid US Driver's License
Passport not required, but ability to obtain one may be necessary for possible international travel

Work Location and Hours:

Office out of Forward Technology facility in Cokato, MN
Standard work hours are 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday
Weeknights and weekends may be required in special cases (mainly travel related)

Controls Engineer

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 17:48:09 +0000

The Controls Engineer will be responsible for designing, programming, and commissioning control and automation systems. Requires work with Forward's production systems and personnel to ensure on-time completion of projects. The applicant will assist with laboratory level work (prototyping/new technology vetting), troubleshooting and concept development with the production group, and in general you will work with a wide variety of internal resources to ensure projects stay on-time and within budget.

The Controls Engineer will have strong experience with programmable controllers, robotics, vision systems, HMIs, control system design, and have hands-on troubleshooting experience. A go-getter type personality with a strong desire to succeed will help the applicant thrive and grow in this position. Forward is also open to candidates with less experience that have the willingness and drive to learn new things.