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Associate Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Shades of Grey HR

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Associate degree, technical school, trade school, engineering technology education, or equivalent hands-on experience. Preferred Qualifications * Approximately 5+ years of controls, automation, or ...

Coilcraft

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Develop and optimize Programmable Logical Controls (PLCs) to enhance machine efficiency by reducing ... Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Electronics. * At least 2 years of prior experience in ...

Coilcraft

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Responsibilities:Develop and optimize Programmable Logical Controls (PLCs) to enhance machine ... Bachelor 's or Associate's Degree in Electronics.At least 2 years of prior experience in ...

Coilcraft

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Develop and optimize Programmable Logical Controls (PLCs) to enhance machine efficiency by reducing ... Bachelor's or Associate's Degree in Electronics. * At least 2 years of prior experience in ...

Autokiniton

Controls Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i-TAHN) AUTOKINITON delivers ... Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make ...

Autokiniton

Controls Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL

$100K - $132K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i- TAHN ) AUTOKINITON delivers ... Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make ...

enVista

Sr. Controls Engineer

Willowbrook, IL · Hybrid

$90K - $125K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Controls Engineer who wants to design, build, and commission innovative ... Why enVista? Our associates are at the forefront of commerce, supply chain, and technology ...

Envista

Sr. Controls Engineer

Willowbrook, IL · On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Controls Engineer who wants to design, build, and commission innovative ... Why enVista? Our associates are at the forefront of commerce, supply chain, and technology ...

E Tech Group

Senior Resident Controls Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to be responsible for technical leadership and/or ... As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and ...

E Tech Group

Senior Resident Controls Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to be responsible for technical leadership and/or ... As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and opportunities.

E Tech Group

Senior Resident Controls Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

$93K - $123K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to be responsible for technical leadership and/or ... As an E Tech associate, you can unlock your greatest potential through challenges and ...

E Tech Group

Senior Resident Controls Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to be responsible for technical leadership and/or ... As an E Tech associate, youcan unlock your greatest potential through challenges and opportunities.

Duravant

Field Service Controls Engineer

Wood Dale, IL

$47.15 - $71/hr

Position Summary The Field Service Controls Engineer is responsible for the installation ... Required Qualifications • Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics ...

NVENIA

Field Service Controls Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$47.15 - $71/hr

Position Summary The Field Service Controls Engineer is responsible for the installation ... Required Qualifications • Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Controls Engineer JobsAssociate Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$56.7K

$99.6K

$135.1K

How much do associate controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $99,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,100.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate controls engineer do?

An Associate Controls Engineer assists in designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used in manufacturing or industrial settings. They work with senior engineers to implement automation solutions, troubleshoot issues, and ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently. Their tasks often include programming controllers, testing system performance, and supporting the integration of new technologies. This role typically requires knowledge of electrical engineering, programming languages like PLC, and a strong attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate controls engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industry-standard software such as AutoCAD or Rockwell Automation tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and resolve technical challenges. These competencies are crucial for designing efficient control solutions, ensuring system reliability, and driving project success in automated environments.

What are some common challenges faced by associate controls engineers when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Associate Controls Engineers often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and software engineering backgrounds. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as each team may use different technical jargon and have distinct priorities. Additionally, balancing project timelines while integrating control systems with hardware and software components can require strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Proactively seeking feedback and participating in cross-functional meetings can help Associate Controls Engineers bridge gaps and contribute effectively to project success.

What is the difference between Associate Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectAssociate Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Automation Engineering; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in related engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting design, testing, and troubleshootingMore independent, leading projects, and system integration
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, and industrial facilitiesSimilar industries, with increased responsibilities

The main difference between an Associate Controls Engineer and a Controls Engineer lies in experience and responsibility level. Associate Controls Engineers typically support and assist in projects, focusing on learning and executing tasks under supervision. Controls Engineers take on more independent roles, managing projects and system design. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but Controls Engineers usually have more hands-on experience and leadership responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Associate Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Controls Engineer job openings:

Associate Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Controls Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,564 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Shades of Grey HR

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

This position does not offer employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Job Title: PLC & Automation Engineer
Location: Cary, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Reports To: Head Engineer / Engineering Leadership
Travel: Approximately 20% travel for customer site startups, troubleshooting, training, and service support (typically about once per month depending on project volume).
Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 per year, based on experience
Benefits:
  • Medical and Dental. We cover 100% of employee and 50% of family coverage.  We don't offer vision or life insurance at this time.
  • Simple IRA with 3% employer contribution.
  • PTO - 3 weeks for the first 10 Years.
 
Job Summary
 
Ross and White Company is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, troubleshooting, startup, and continuous improvement of custom heavy-duty vehicle wash systems.
 
This position works closely with the company's senior engineer to support day-to-day engineering operations, develop control systems, troubleshoot equipment, assist with customer installations, and help improve existing products. The ideal candidate combines strong PLC and controls experience with mechanical aptitude and enjoys working in a collaborative, non-corporate manufacturing environment.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs for custom wash systems.
  • Program and support Automation Direct / DirectLOGIC PLCs or comparable PLC platforms.
  • Design and integrate electrical control systems including relays, motor starters, sensors, VFDs, and related components.
  • Review previous system designs and project documentation to support new customer solutions.
  • Collaborate with sales and project teams to understand customer requirements.
  • Review AutoCAD drawings to verify layouts, dimensions, and system functionality.
  • Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and controls-related issues.
  • Travel to customer locations for equipment startup, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and operator training.
  • Assist with customer training during new equipment installations.
  • Support project documentation, bills of materials, and quotation development.
  • Work closely with engineering, production, service, sales, and leadership to ensure successful project completion.
  • Recommend and implement continuous improvements to equipment and control systems.
Required Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with PLC programming, controls, automation, or industrial troubleshooting.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand complex equipment systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, technical drawings, and system layouts.
  • Experience working with electrical control panels, relays, sensors, motor starters, VFDs, and related components.
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar drafting software.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to work directly with customers during installations and service visits.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Willingness to travel as needed.
  • Associate degree, technical school, trade school, engineering technology education, or equivalent hands-on experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Approximately 5+ years of controls, automation, or related technical experience.
  • Experience with Automation Direct / DirectLOGIC PLC systems.
  • Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, GE, or other PLC platforms.
  • Background in industrial automation, controls engineering, PLC programming, OEM equipment manufacturing, systems integration, HVAC controls, manufacturing maintenance, field service, or similar industries.
  • Experience supporting custom equipment or heavy industrial machinery.
  • Four-year engineering degree is a plus but not required.
Work Environment / Schedule
 
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Cary, Illinois.
 
The Controls Engineer works closely with engineering, production, service, sales, and leadership in a collaborative manufacturing environment. Regular travel to customer sites is required for equipment startup, testing, troubleshooting, and training.
 
Compensation and Benefits
  • Annual salary of $90,000 - $110,000, based on experience.
  • Medical and Dental. We cover 100% of employee and 50% of family coverage.  We don't offer vision or life insurance at this time.
  • Simple IRA with 3% employer contribution.
  • PTO - 3 weeks for the first 10 Years.
EEO Statement
 
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.