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Automation Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Aegis Worldwide

Machine Design Engineer

Carol Stream, IL

$43.27 - $57.69/hr

Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment * Mechanical Design & Engineering * Product Design Experience Machines & technologies you'll use: * CAD Software (AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor) ID:qnkTyx

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer develops advanced mechanical designs for ... Experience in electro-mechanical systems, machinery, automation, or industrial equipment design is ...

Ferrara

Automation Expert Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $160K/yr

As the Automation Expert Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize the advanced control systems that power efficiency, reliability, and scalability across our new flagship site. By leading ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomation Design Engineer JobsAutomation Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Automation Design Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$63K

$94.1K

$150.2K

How much do automation design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation design engineer in Illinois is $94,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $101,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automation design engineer do?

An Automation Design Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes automated systems and machinery to improve efficiency and productivity. They work with mechanical, electrical, and software systems to create solutions for manufacturing and industrial processes. Their responsibilities include designing automation frameworks, selecting appropriate hardware and software, and troubleshooting system issues. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions. The role requires expertise in CAD software, programming languages, and control systems like PLCs and robotics.

What are some typical challenges automation design engineers face, and how are they addressed?

Automation Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy systems, optimizing processes for efficiency, and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions. These issues are addressed by staying current with industry trends, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, and applying strong analytical skills to develop creative solutions. Continuous learning and proactive communication with colleagues in manufacturing, IT, and quality assurance help ensure that projects are delivered on time and meet organizational goals. By anticipating potential obstacles and fostering a culture of innovation, engineers can effectively manage the complexities inherent in automation projects.

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

To thrive as an Automation Design Engineer, you need strong expertise in engineering principles, automation systems, and technical drawing, usually supported by a degree in mechanical, electrical, or automation engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC programming, robotics platforms, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are highly valuable. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure you can design efficient automation solutions, collaborate across teams, and adapt to evolving technologies and project requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Design Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Automation Design Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Automation Design Engineer jobs in IL?

For Automation Design Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Automation Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Design Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,083 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Director of Automation Engineering

OtterBase Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

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