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Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Naperville, IL

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Electrical & Automation Engineer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

$106K - $139K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Develop and maintain maintenance contracts for key E&A components. * Control and support the ... automation, or controls engineering within manufacturing (project, maintenance, and team exposure ...

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Automation Engineer Contract information

See Naperville, IL salary details

$36.9K

$107K

$162.8K

How much do automation engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer contract in Naperville, IL is $106,967.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $123,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Naperville, IL?

The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Naperville, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Automation Engineer Contract jobs in Naperville, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Automation Engineer Contract jobs in Naperville, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Automation Engineer Contract jobs in Naperville, IL are:

What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Automation Engineer Contract jobs?

Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Automation Engineer Contract job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Engineer Contract job openings in Naperville, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 35% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,967 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer (Contract)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$50 - $65/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Manufacturing Engineer
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
Hire Type: Contract
Compensation: $50.00–$65.00/hour (Based on Experience)
Schedule: Full-Time | 100% Onsite

Position Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to support a highly automated medical device manufacturing operation in Buffalo Grove, IL. This contract opportunity will focus on maintaining and improving high-speed automated packaging and assembly equipment while supporting production reliability and continuous improvement initiatives.
The ideal candidate will possess a strong mechanical engineering background with the ability to troubleshoot complex automation equipment, identify root causes of recurring equipment failures, and develop clear technical documentation and work instructions. Candidates with exposure to controls systems, PCB troubleshooting, and automated manufacturing equipment are highly desirable.
This position supports the final manufacturing operation before product distribution, making it a critical role in ensuring equipment reliability, production efficiency, and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
Troubleshoot and repair high-speed automated manufacturing equipment with a primary focus on mechanical systems.
Diagnose recurring equipment issues and perform root cause analysis to implement permanent corrective actions.
Develop, update, and maintain technical work instructions, equipment documentation, and standard operating procedures.
Support production by resolving mechanical, automation, and basic electrical issues to minimize downtime.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Reliability, Controls, Quality, and Production teams to improve equipment performance.
Assist with continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment reliability, efficiency, and uptime.
Support automated equipment utilizing drive motors, cam-driven mechanisms, vision inspection systems, and serialized product tracking.
Assist with troubleshooting PCB-related hardware and controls issues when necessary.
Participate in equipment improvement projects and provide engineering support across multiple manufacturing initiatives.
Ensure all work is performed in compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience.
Experience troubleshooting and supporting high-speed automated manufacturing equipment.
Strong mechanical aptitude with experience repairing automated machinery and understanding mechanical drive systems.
Experience performing root cause analysis (RCA) and implementing corrective actions to improve equipment reliability.
Ability to create and maintain technical documentation, work instructions, and equipment procedures.
Basic electrical troubleshooting skills.
Experience working in either the medical device, food, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with PLC-controlled automation systems.
Familiarity with PCB hardware or controls troubleshooting.
Experience supporting machine vision systems and serialized manufacturing processes.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, or TPM methodologies.
Experience supporting highly automated production or packaging equipment.
Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate is a hands-on manufacturing engineer who enjoys solving complex equipment problems on the production floor. They possess strong mechanical troubleshooting skills, can effectively identify and eliminate recurring equipment failures, and are comfortable developing technical documentation while supporting a fast-paced, highly automated manufacturing environment. Experience in medical device or food manufacturing is strongly preferred due to the regulated nature of the operation.