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Automation Control Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

We provide a full portfolio of Process Automation Control Systems, Valves and Control Devices, and ... Systems Engineer - Emerson DeltaV Proconex is seeking a Systems Engineer with Emerson DeltaV ...

Automation Engineers split their time between in-office and on-site work. When in office, the job ... Process control loop tuning * Start up and troubleshooting * Industrial Sensors * Knowledge on ...

Advanced Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Advanced Automation Engineer - HSIO Overpass Solutions Location: Nashua, NH / Valley Green, PA ... Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, control diagrams, and ...

Automation Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Purpose Primary purpose of this position is the engineering and management of projects involving automation for Vesuvius Flow Control systems. These systems are mainly for customers in the steel ...

Automation Engineer

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$48.08 - $72.12/hr

Beckhoff servo and motion control. * CNC machine-tool integration or robotic machine tending ... Industrial Robot Programming * Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment * PLC Programming ...

Automation Engineer

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Beckhoff servo and motion control.CNC machine-tool integration or robotic machine tending.Machine ... Industrial Automation EquipmentPLC Programming ExperienceProgramming Machine Vision ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Control Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$35.9K

$103.8K

$158K

How much do automation control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation control engineer in Illinois is $103,808.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,800.00 and $119,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation control engineer?

An Automation Control Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining systems that control automated processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. They work with technologies like programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), sensors, and robotics to optimize and streamline production or operational workflows. Their work ensures efficiency, safety, and reliability in automated systems. Automation Control Engineers often collaborate with other engineers and technicians to implement and troubleshoot control solutions.

How does an automation control engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Automation Control Engineers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as production and maintenance teams, to design, implement, and optimize automated systems. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as engineers must integrate control systems with other disciplines and ensure seamless operation within the larger production environment. Regular meetings, design reviews, and troubleshooting sessions are common, enabling the team to address challenges quickly and maintain project timelines. Building strong professional relationships and understanding each team's needs can greatly improve project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation control engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and process automation, often requiring a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and relevant industry certifications such as ISA or Siemens is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams help set top candidates apart. Mastery of these skills ensures reliable system performance, smooth integration of automated solutions, and efficient troubleshooting in complex industrial environments.

What is the difference between Automation Control Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectAutomation Control EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Automation, Control Systems, or Electrical Engineering; certifications like PLC or SCADABachelor's in Electrical Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilities, industrial settingsPower plants, electrical design firms, industrial sites
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower, construction, electronics

Automation Control Engineers focus on designing and maintaining automated systems and control processes, often working with PLCs and SCADA. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry. While both roles require electrical knowledge, Automation Control Engineers specialize in automation technology within industrial environments.

Does an automation control engineer pay well?

Automation control engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, location, and industry. They often have specialized skills in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and control system design, which can lead to higher compensation. Overall, the role is considered well-paying within the engineering field.

What job categories do people searching Automation Control Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Control Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Automation Control Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Automation Control Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Control Engineer job openings in Illinois as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,808 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

CSV/CQV Engineer - Kneat

North Chicago, IL • On-site

JC Automation Corp
51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About Company:

JC Automation Corp. (JCA) was founded in 1997 with the mission of filling a gap between technology and regulatory requirements in the life science manufacturing industry. The company offers highly capable resources at an affordable cost to build solutions and execute projects in: Automation, Control Systems Integration, Information Technology, System Integration and Regulatory Compliance.

JCA is a HUBZone Certified Small Business Firm, NMSDC Certified Minority Business Enterprise, and Certified Critical Industry Supplier. It’s mission is to add value by delivering quality services & solutions on time all the time by transforming processes & technology into business advantages.

ABOUT THE ROLE


The CSV/CQV Engineer will support commissioning, qualification, and computer system validation activities for new and modified equipment, utilities, facilities, automated systems, and computerized systems within a regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. 

**This is a Chicago-based hybrid position with a primarily remote work arrangement and occasional on-site presence as required by project needs.

This position will work closely with Engineering, Automation, Manufacturing, Quality, IT, system owners, vendors, and other project stakeholders to develop and execute validation strategies and deliverables in accordance with project requirements, company procedures, cGMP requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

The role requires hands-on experience using Kneat as a paperless validation and qualification platform.


RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop, review, execute, and approve commissioning, qualification, and computer system validation documentation.
  • Prepare and execute validation plans, User Requirements Specifications, functional and design specifications, risk assessments, traceability matrices, test scripts, protocols, and final reports.
  • Develop and execute IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols for equipment, utilities, facilities, automated systems, and computerized systems.
  • Use Kneat to create, route, execute, review, approve, and maintain electronic validation and qualification documentation.
  • Ensure validation deliverables comply with applicable cGMP requirements, internal procedures, validation standards, and regulatory expectations.
  • Apply risk-based validation principles in accordance with GAMP 5 and applicable data integrity requirements.
  • Support Factory Acceptance Testing, Site Acceptance Testing, commissioning, system verification, and equipment release activities.
  • Evaluate computerized and automated systems to ensure they remain in a validated state throughout their lifecycle.
  • Support validation activities involving automation systems, PLCs, SCADA, process-control systems, laboratory systems, manufacturing systems, and related interfaces.
  • Review system changes, deviations, validation discrepancies, and test exceptions, and support the development and implementation of appropriate corrective actions.
  • Support investigations, CAPAs, change controls, periodic reviews, and requalification or revalidation activities.
  • Maintain complete, accurate, traceable, and inspection-ready validation documentation.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and contract validation resources to ensure timely completion of project deliverables.
  • Provide validation support during internal audits, client audits, and regulatory inspections.
  • Manage multiple validation activities and priorities while meeting established project schedules.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS


Required

    • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, or a closely related technical discipline.
    • Minimum of three years of experience in commissioning, qualification, computer system validation, quality, engineering, automation, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
    • Demonstrated experience developing and executing CSV and CQV documentation, including IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols.
    • Hands-on experience with the Kneat paperless validation platform is required.
    • Working knowledge of cGMP, FDA requirements, 21 CFR Part 11, data integrity principles, and GAMP 5.
    • Experience with validation lifecycle documentation, risk assessments, requirements traceability, test execution, deviations, and final validation reports.
    • Experience with computerized systems, automated manufacturing systems, PLC/SCADA environments, laboratory systems, or process-control systems.
    • Ability to interpret technical documentation and translate system requirements into appropriate validation and testing strategies.
    • Strong technical writing, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively across Engineering, Quality, Automation, IT, Manufacturing, and external vendors.
    • Ability to manage multiple assignments and work independently within established project timelines

Preferred

  • Experience working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical-device, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Experience supporting system implementation, migration, upgrades, and decommissioning activities.
  • Knowledge of ALCOA+ data integrity principles.
  • Experience supporting regulatory inspections and audit-readiness activities.
  • Experience with change control, CAPA, deviation management, periodic review, and maintaining systems in a validated state.


SKILLS


Technical Skills

  • Manufacturing process definition, documentation, and standardization
  • Process KPI and performance monitoring, including OEE, SPC, and manufacturing data systems
  • Root cause analysis and troubleshooting
  • Quality systems, compliance, and risk management (GMP, FDA, ISO requirements)
  • Process change management, including CAPA, change control, and deviation management
  • Continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma
  • ERP, MES, and SCADA manufacturing data systems

Soft Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
  • Cross-functional collaboration with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance
  • Clear communication for training and process-change rollout
  • Leadership in driving continuous improvement initiatives



Chicago-based hybrid position:
3 weeks of remote work and 1 week on-site in Chicago