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Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

USM

Automation Engineer-----NEED

Chicago, IL · On-site

Automation Engineer CHICAGO, IL CONTRACT MUST HAVE SUPERB COMM SKILLS AWS, EC2, CloudWatch, ELB, S3, VPC, CodeCommit/git, Route53 DNS, Jira, SDLC Technical Requirements Understanding of SDLC ...

Ferrara

Automation Expert Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

As the Automation Expert Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize the advanced control ... Skilled in vendor management, contract negotiation, and equipment specification. * Excellent ...

Ferrara Candy Company

Automation Expert Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

As the Automation Expert Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize the advanced control ... Skilled in vendor management, contract negotiation, and equipment specification. * Excellent ...

Ferrara Candy Company

Automation Expert Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

As the Automation Expert Engineer, you'll design, implement, and optimize the advanced control ... Skilled in vendor management, contract negotiation, and equipment specification. * Excellent ...

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Automation Engineer Contract information

What is an automation engineer contract?

An Automation Engineer Contract job is a temporary or project-based role where professionals design, develop, and implement automated systems to improve efficiency in manufacturing, software development, or other industries. Contract automation engineers work for a set duration, often focusing on specific automation tasks such as scripting, robotics, or process optimization. They may collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues, enhance existing automation, and ensure seamless integration with other systems. This type of role allows flexibility in employment while providing expertise in automation solutions.

What does an automation engineer contract do?

As a contract Automation Engineer, your daily tasks often include designing, programming, and testing automation systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with onsite engineers or project managers. You may also be responsible for documentation, system integration, and ensuring that automated solutions meet specific client requirements. Since contract roles are often project-based, adaptability and the ability to quickly onboard with new teams are important. Work environments may vary from manufacturing floors to remote project sites, offering dynamic experiences and opportunities to work on diverse automation challenges.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an automation engineer contract?

To excel as an Automation Engineer Contract, you need a solid background in programming, control systems, and process automation, typically supported by an engineering degree and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, and certifications such as ISA/IEC 62443 are often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate within cross-functional teams and adapt to project changes. These competencies are vital to deliver robust automation solutions on time and maintain high standards in dynamic contract-based environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Automation Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer Contract job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Automation Engineer (Robotics)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Northbrook, IL

$45 - $48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer (Robotics)
Location: Northbrook, IL
Hire Type: Contract | Through October 31, with potential to extend
Pay Rate: $45.00–$48.00/hour
Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS medical plans, dental/vision plans, 401(k), & ESOP
Work Schedule: 1st Shift | Flexible start time, ideally 7:00–8:00 AM

Job Summary:
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to provide hands-on engineering support for robotics, laser equipment, and automated manufacturing systems. This role will help bring new robotic and laser equipment online, troubleshoot and improve existing systems, and support Operations with equipment reliability, quality, and production needs. The ideal candidate has strong practical automation experience and can work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Must-Have Skills:
  • Automation & Robotics: Strong hands-on experience with industrial automation, robotics, and controls systems.
  • PLC & Controls: Experience with PLC programming, ladder logic, electrical controls, sensors, actuators, and related systems.
  • Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose complex equipment and controls issues and perform system testing.
  • Manufacturing Engineering: Experience applying automation and engineering solutions in a manufacturing environment.
  • Project Management: Ability to manage automation projects and coordinate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and external integrators.
Job Duties:
  • Design, program, test, install, and maintain automated manufacturing systems.
  • Support the startup, integration, and troubleshooting of robotic and laser equipment.
  • Program and integrate robotics, PLCs, ladder logic, pneumatics, sensors, actuators, and vision systems.
  • Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support for manufacturing equipment.
  • Coordinate with external integrators to ensure successful delivery and implementation of automation projects.
  • Develop test plans, work instructions, technical documentation, qualification materials, and reports.
  • Lead continuous improvement projects focused on yield, quality, cycle time, capacity, and cost reduction.
  • Identify manufacturing process improvement opportunities and develop practical automation solutions.
  • Support equipment upgrades, repairs, installations, and qualification activities.
  • Assess manufacturing capacity and recommend improvements to meet production requirements.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience with automation, electrical controls design, and PLC programming, preferably in manufacturing.
  • 3+ years of experience programming and integrating robotics, PLCs, ladder logic, pneumatics, sensors, actuators, and vision systems.
  • Understanding of computer programming and software development.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering.
  • Comfortable working hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
  • Willingness to support off-shift or weekend troubleshooting, installations, or critical production needs when necessary.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.