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Automation Controls Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Collin College

HVAC Automation Controls Technician

Campus, IL · On-site

$29.50 - $39/hr

Collin College uses a Trane web-based Building Automation System (BAS) program on all college ... Operate energy and building management systems within a designated platform, trending, scheduling ...

Ferrara

Automation Expert Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $160K/yr

Strong technical expertise in automation, controls, robotics, and industrial IT systems. * Proven leadership in managing large-scale automation projects within manufacturing environments. * Skilled ...

Panatrol

Controls Systems Engineer

Oak Forest, IL · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

... Manager. Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Controls, Mechatronics, or a related technical field preferred; or equivalent ...

Panatrol

Controls Systems Engineer

Oak Forest, IL · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

... Manager.Requirements:Bachelor 's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Controls, Mechatronics, or a related technical field preferred; or equivalent ...

Acrisure

Sr. Manager - US IT General Controls

Chicago, IL · On-site

$160K - $210K/yr

... Manager, IT General Controls (ITGC) to join our Corporate Accounting function, supporting the ... focus on automation, scalability, and alignment with industry best practices (e.g., COBIT, NIST)

Mobius Renewables

Operations Controls Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Automation/Controls & SCADA Design and Troubleshooting: Design, program, and troubleshoot Rockwell ... Project Management: Take ownership of ongoing projects at plants from concepts to completion ...

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All JobsAutomation Controls JobsAutomation Controls Manager JobsAutomation Controls Manager Jobs in Illinois

Automation Controls Manager information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation controls manager?

To thrive as an Automation Controls Manager, you need expertise in control systems engineering, PLC programming, industrial automation, and typically a bachelor’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI software, industry-standard PLCs (such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens), and relevant certifications like ISA CAP are essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication skills help manage teams and facilitate cross-departmental collaboration. These competencies ensure the reliable design, implementation, and maintenance of automation systems that drive operational efficiency and safety.

What is an automation controls manager?

Automation Controls Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated control systems within manufacturing or industrial environments. They manage teams of engineers and technicians, ensure that control systems operate efficiently and safely, and coordinate improvements to increase productivity. Typically, they also work on troubleshooting and upgrading control hardware and software, while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Their role is crucial in optimizing automated processes and minimizing downtime.

What are some common challenges faced by automation controls managers when overseeing multidisciplinary teams?

Automation Controls Managers often coordinate between engineering, IT, and operations departments, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communication styles. Managing projects that involve both hardware and software components requires strong organizational skills and the ability to translate technical requirements across disciplines. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving automation technologies while ensuring team members receive proper training is a key aspect of the role. Successful managers foster collaboration by promoting open communication and cross-functional problem-solving.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Manager vs Automation Technician?

AspectAutomation Controls ManagerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP)Associate degree or technical diploma, certifications like Siemens or Allen-Bradley technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees automation projects, manages teams, coordinates with engineering and managementPerforms hands-on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automation systems
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, industrial facilities, and large-scale automation settingsCommon in factories, plants, and maintenance departments

The Automation Controls Manager focuses on overseeing automation projects and managing teams, requiring higher-level credentials and strategic responsibilities. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles the technical installation and maintenance tasks. Both roles are essential in automation environments but differ in scope and seniority.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Manager jobs in Illinois? For Automation Controls Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Controls Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Automation Controls Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Automation Controls Manager job openings:
Automation Controls Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Director of Automation Engineering

OtterBase Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL (Corporate Headquarters)

Reports To: Senior Director, Process Engineering

Travel: Up to 50%

Position Summary

The Director of Automation Engineering is responsible for leading the strategy, design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise-wide automation systems that support manufacturing excellence across multiple facilities. This role drives the adoption of advanced automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, industrial networking, and Industry 4.0 solutions to improve operational performance, reliability, quality, and sustainability.

The Director partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Information Technology, Quality, and external system integrators to deliver capital automation projects from concept through commissioning while establishing engineering standards and best practices that support long-term manufacturing success.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the specification, design, implementation, and optimization of plant-wide automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, motion control, and advanced process controls.
  • Develop and execute automation strategies that support operational excellence, manufacturing efficiency, and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Integrate packaging, process, and utility systems to improve equipment performance, data visibility, and production reliability.
  • Champion Industry 4.0 technologies, smart manufacturing, industrial analytics, and connected factory initiatives.
  • Manage automation capital projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and execution.
  • Lead equipment commissioning, startup activities, factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT), system validation, and operator training.
  • Establish automation engineering standards, documentation, programming standards, and preventive maintenance strategies that maximize equipment uptime.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and IT teams to ensure automation solutions align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
  • Manage relationships with automation vendors, OEMs, and system integrators while overseeing contract negotiations and project deliverables.
  • Support manufacturing cybersecurity initiatives and ensure compliance with IT/OT security standards and data integrity requirements.
  • Identify emerging automation technologies and recommend innovative solutions that improve productivity, quality, sustainability, and operational performance.
  • Mentor automation engineers and provide technical leadership across multiple manufacturing facilities.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive automation engineering experience within manufacturing environments.
  • Proven experience leading automation design, integration, commissioning, and startup for large-scale capital projects.
  • Strong technical knowledge of PLC programming, HMI/SCADA platforms, industrial networking, robotics, motion control, and industrial control systems.
  • Experience managing cross-functional engineering teams, contractors, system integrators, and equipment suppliers.
  • Demonstrated success managing project budgets, schedules, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.
  • Working knowledge of industrial cybersecurity, IT/OT convergence, and manufacturing data systems.
  • Experience developing engineering standards, best practices, and documentation for automation systems.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and project management abilities.
Preferred Experience
  • Manufacturing experience within consumer packaged goods (CPG), food and beverage, or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
  • Experience implementing smart manufacturing, digital transformation, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies.
  • Familiarity with MES, historian platforms, advanced analytics, and enterprise manufacturing systems.
  • Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
Core Competencies
  • Strategic Leadership
  • Automation & Controls Engineering
  • Capital Project Management
  • Digital Transformation
  • Robotics & Motion Control
  • Industrial Networking
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Vendor & Contractor Management
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Manufacturing Operations
  • Operational Excellence
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making
  • Change Management
  • Communication & Team Leadership