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Automation Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

For nearly a decade, we've designed, built, installed, and maintained automation systems across chemical, petrochemical, distribution, packaging, and other industries. Our services span controls ...

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring that the automation systems are designed, integrated, and implemented in alignment with corporate engineering standards, regulatory expectations, and ...

Responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automation equipment, tooling, and applications to support manufacturing processes and ensure high equipment uptime. Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with the automation team in the qualification process of automated systems. * Assist engineers in developing and designing hardware and software required for automation solutions per ...

Responsibilities The Automation Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining automation solutions that streamline business processes and improve operational efficiency. This ...

The Automation Integrator is responsible for designing, programming, integrating, troubleshooting, and continuously improving industrial automation and control systems throughout the Metals ...

New

Automation integrator

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The Automation Integrator is responsible for designing, programming, integrating, troubleshooting, and continuously improving industrial automation and control systems throughout the Metals ...

Posted today

SUMMARY The Senior Automation Engineer at Matrix Design, LLC plays a key role in quoting, designing, programming, and implementing robotic automation systems to improve manufacturing efficiency ...

Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Designed to scale with banks and credit unions at any stage of their digital journey, FIS ® ... As an Automation Engineer, your days will be focused on developing and enhancing our automation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Automation Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$67K

$100.1K

$159.8K

How much do automation designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation designer in Chicago, IL is $100,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,100.00 and $107,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid design job?

In the field of automation design, senior automation engineers and automation architects tend to have the highest salaries, especially those with expertise in industrial automation, robotics, or software automation using tools like PLCs, SCADA, or scripting languages. These roles often require advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience, leading to higher compensation compared to entry-level positions.

What does an Automation Designer do?

An Automation Designer creates, develops, and implements automated systems to improve efficiency in various industries. They design workflows, select appropriate tools, and collaborate with engineers and developers to streamline processes. Their role often includes programming, testing, and troubleshooting automation solutions.

Is automation a good career choice?

Automation design is a growing field that involves developing systems to improve efficiency and reduce manual work, often requiring skills in programming, control systems, and problem-solving. It offers opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, robotics, and software development, with demand increasing as companies adopt new technologies. Career prospects typically include competitive salaries and advancement potential for those with relevant technical expertise and certifications.

What are the main responsibilities of an Automation Designer on a typical project?

As an Automation Designer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing automated systems based on project requirements, collaborating closely with engineers, programmers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration. Your tasks may include creating system layouts, programming PLCs or HMIs, preparing documentation, and troubleshooting automation issues both during development and after deployment. You’ll also participate in project meetings, gather user requirements, and provide technical support throughout the lifecycle of the automation solution. The role is dynamic and often involves both independent work and cross-functional teamwork to deliver successful automation projects.

Will AI replace automation engineer?

AI is transforming automation engineering by enabling more advanced and efficient systems, but it is unlikely to fully replace automation engineers. Instead, automation engineers will need to adapt by developing skills in AI, machine learning, and programming to work alongside AI tools and manage complex automation projects.

What 5 jobs will survive AI?

Automation Designers, software developers, healthcare professionals, skilled tradespeople, and educators are jobs likely to persist despite AI advancements. These roles require complex problem-solving, creativity, manual skills, or human interaction that AI cannot fully replicate. Continuous learning and adapting to new tools are essential for long-term job security in these fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Automation Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Designer, you need expertise in automation systems, control theory, and process design, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with automation software (such as AutoCAD, PLC programming environments, and SCADA systems) and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help automation designers collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are crucial for designing efficient, reliable systems that meet client needs while ensuring smooth project execution.

Infographic showing various Automation Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,096 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Automation Controls Engineer

Genesis Automation

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$81K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Salary:

Job description

Position Title: Electrical Controls Engineer

Department: Electrical Controls

Report To: Electrical Controls Department Manager

Genesis Automation designs and builds custom automated assembly, test, and special process equipment for a wide array of industries. Genesis offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who want to work in a hi-tech field applying the latest state of the art technologies while helping to implement creative solutions to solve complex problems. Awesome opportunity for a motivated candidate to grow with us.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Review customer specifications, product drawings, and related documentation to determine best overall control solution to meet or exceed customer requirements.
  • Development of overall controls architecture for complex assembly, test, and special process systems incorporating pneumatic, cam, and servo driven stations.
  • Support electrical designers and provide technical details required to implement the design.
  • Provide support to mechanical engineering team to ensure synergistic conformance between mechanical and electrical control systems.
  • Research and specify robust, cost effective, purchased components and sub-systems to meet system design requirements.
  • Participate in internal design reviews, customer design reviews, customer buy-off sessions.
  • Work with project team to identify and debug mechanical and / or electrical system issues.
  • Identify, communicate, and document scope changes that may impact project cost and/or delivery.
  • Communicates time estimates and scheduling related to the electrical controls design tasks with project team members and the Controls Engineering Manager.
  • Maintain the highest level of quality and professionalism to meet or exceed customer expectations for world-class performance.
  • Communicates with customers, in house staff, and outside vendors on technical information related to assigned projects.
  • Must be able to travel nationally and internationally to customer sites to perform installations of new equipment, or to troubleshooting and / or service previously installed equipment on short notice.
  • The physical requirements of this position include sitting, standing, walking, talking, hearing, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching overhead, twisting, working at floor level, working in tight places, and lifting up to 32 lbs. 3 oz.


COMMUNICATES WITH: Project Engineers, Applications Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Controls Engineers, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Human Resources, All Project Team Members, Customers and Suppliers.


QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or relevant experience.
  • Five (5) plus years of experience with design and integration of controls systems for custom automated machinery.
  • Proficient with Allen Bradley PLCs HMIs Servo Controls, machine vision (Cognex / Keyence)
  • Configure and program remote I/O devices such as Ethernet IP, Modbus or similar.
  • Program a variety of safety and non-safety PLCs, and HMIs.
  • Fanuc, Yaskawa, ABB, Universal, Kuka, Epson Robot programming experience a plus.
  • Exceptional problem solving, analytical reasoning, and debugging skills.
  • Strong organizational skills dedicated to meeting / beating schedules & budgets.
  • Strong analog and digital background with C++ experience a plus.
  • Ability to integrate instrumentation and lab equipment into automated systems to provide accurate measurements and test results that meet customer specifications a plus.
  • Strong communication skills listening, verbal, written, and presentation.
  • Able to travel nationally and internationally to customer sites.
  • Desire to work with a team and explore creative solutions.
  • Strong sense of urgency
  • Attention to detail
  • Must have a valid drivers license


Note: This position may require compliance with ITAR export regulations, applicants must be US citizens or hold permanent resident status.


Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance


Schedule:


  • Monday to Friday


Work Location: In person