ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

Ecolab

Service Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

PLC logic, HMI behavior, alarm handling, and controls interlocks * Perform root cause analysis (RCA ... Associate degree (A.S.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; or seven to ten ...

Ecolab

Service Engineer

Naperville, IL

PLC logic, HMI behavior, alarm handling, and controls interlocks * Performroot cause analysis (RCA ... Associate degree (A.S.) or equivalent from a twoyear college or technical school; or seven to ten ...

RWE

Sr. Associate, Project Controls

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $145K/yr

Exempt The Senior Project Controls Associate is responsible for delivering detailed and timely ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business Administration, or a ...

RWE

Sr. Associate, Project Controls

Chicago, IL

$103K - $145K/yr

Exempt The Senior Project Controls Associate is responsible for delivering detailed and timely ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Business Administration, or a ...

Dynamic Manufacturing

Mechanical Engineer

Hillside, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Serve as technical lead for a team of Engineers and Associate Engineers * Interface and collaborate with Controls and Instrumentation Engineers, Software Controls Engineers, Product Engineers ...

Lancesoft

Associate Category Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Title: Associate Category Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Duration: 3 months Role Expectations ... Controls/Automation Engineering. * Open to adjacent degrees such as Chemistry, Biochemistry, etc.

next page

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

$99.5K

$134.9K

How much do associate controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $99,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,485 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Senior Associate, Project Controls Cost & Scheduling

Senior Associate, Project Controls Cost & Scheduling

Invenergy LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$108K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Invenergy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.
This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.
Job Description
Position Overview
As the Sr. Associate Project Controls Cost & Scheduling, your tasks will include, but are not limited to, creation of detailed construction schedules, critical path analysis, variance reporting, analysis of earned value, and compiling other performance data analyses for reporting. The Sr. Associate, Project Controls will work hand in hand with the project management team and will support the team with other project controls functions as needed.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain project schedules, identifying relationships, logic, milestones, durations, the critical path, and constraints for the portfolio of projects
  • Act as a subject matter expert for scheduling within the organization
  • Implement quality checks for schedule accuracy and consistency
  • Monitor and proactively identify schedule risks and develop mitigation strategies
  • Evaluate impacts of change orders and delays on project timelines
  • Support claims analysis and dispute resolution
  • Provide Earned Value analysis and other progress reporting functions
  • Communicate and coordinate between individuals and departments to manage the program schedule and update process
  • Work independently with project managers to design project scope and report on costs and schedules
  • Own the baseline schedule and work with the clients on updates providing strategic and intuitive information for the team
  • Maintain schedule integrity and version control
  • Utilize AI tools to support scheduling responsibilities
  • Perform QA/QC on project schedules to ensure alignment and compliance with program goals and initiatives
  • Prepare ad-hoc reports, as directed by management
  • Contractor and subcontractor interface and review of their schedules
  • Run and manage schedule review meetings
  • Coordinate and liaison across multiple departments to ensure stakeholder buy-in to the project schedule

Minimum Qualifications
  • BA/BS degree in a relevant field (Construction Management or Engineering preferred)
  • 7+ years work experience in construction or construction related position
  • Experience with large-scale projects
  • Advanced proficiency in scheduling software Primavera P6 or Oracle Primavera Cloud
  • Experience in critical path schedule analysis, integrated cost-schedule planning, schedule performance assessment, and reporting.
  • Strong expertise in CPM (Critical Path Method) scheduling
  • Experience with high volume quick turnaround projects
  • Ability to work collaboratively during interactive planning sessions making changes in real time
  • Advanced MS Office skills
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills and analytical abilities
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Able to travel up to 5% of the time
  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in network schedule development working in a project team environment, using advanced scheduling techniques such as resource loading, and critical path analysis.
  • Experience in Work Breakdown Structure development.
  • Experience with cost-schedule change control processes.
  • Experience in Solar, Wind or Thermal Construction
  • Utility experience; specifically, transmission, distribution, and/ or substation

Base Pay
$108,000.00 - $124,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 20% - 30%
The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, paid time off, etc.
Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.

Apply