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Automation Engineer Jobs in Bloomington, IL (NOW HIRING)

As an Application Engineer at Crescent Electric, you will provide engineering and technical support, as well as training on automation and control related products to both internal and external ...

Sourced via specialized automation engineering agencies (e.g., Actalent, Aerotek), this position operates on an initial 12-month milestone contract framework. The ideal candidate possesses a deep ...

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Automation Engineer information

See Bloomington, IL salary details

$35.5K

$102.8K

$156.4K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in Bloomington, IL is $102,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $118,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Automation Engineer vs Control Systems Engineer?

AspectAutomation EngineerControl Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like PLC or SCADABachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, industrial plants, automation companiesIndustrial facilities, manufacturing, process control environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, manufacturing, automation service providersIndustrial sectors, process industries, automation firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

The main difference between Automation Engineers and Control Systems Engineers lies in their focus areas. Automation Engineers typically design and implement automated systems across various industries, emphasizing software and hardware integration. Control Systems Engineers concentrate on designing and maintaining control systems for industrial processes, often with a stronger emphasis on control theory and hardware. Both roles require similar qualifications and are often found working in manufacturing and industrial environments, but their specific responsibilities and focus areas differ.

What is an automation engineer?

Automation Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement automated systems and processes to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity in various industries. They work with technologies such as robotics, control systems, and software to automate repetitive or complex tasks. Their responsibilities often include programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining automation equipment, as well as collaborating with other engineers to optimize workflows. Automation Engineers are employed in sectors like manufacturing, IT, automotive, and pharmaceuticals.

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

To thrive as an Automation Engineer, you need a strong grasp of control systems, programming (such as PLC, Python, or C++), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with automation platforms like Rockwell, Siemens, or SCADA systems, as well as certifications like ISA or relevant vendor-specific credentials, is highly valued. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These skills and qualifications are critical for designing efficient automated solutions, minimizing downtime, and ensuring seamless integration of systems.

What are some common challenges automation engineers face when integrating new systems into existing workflows?

Automation Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating new automation solutions with legacy systems, including compatibility issues and data migration complexities. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as IT, operations, and production—can require extensive communication to ensure seamless implementation. Additionally, balancing the need for system reliability with innovation and minimizing downtime during transitions are key concerns. Proactively addressing these challenges through thorough planning and testing helps ensure successful integration.

What does an automation engineer do?

As an automation engineer, your job is to design and develop automated machines for your company. Your responsibilities may include determining the best way to implement automation, creating devices that meet the company's needs and specifications, testing robots to ensure they perform as designed, and monitoring existing automation to check if repair or replacement is needed. Many duties of this job vary by industry. For example, automation engineers work in areas like the automotive industry, food preparation and packaging, electronics production, and appliance production, and each of these fields has different materials and objectives. However, regardless of industry, most automation engineers work with both hardware and software.

What cities near Bloomington, IL are hiring for Automation Engineer jobs? Cities near Bloomington, IL with the most Automation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in Bloomington, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,759 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Industrial Automation Engineer

Cesco

Bloomington, IL

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

As an Application Engineer at Crescent Electric, you will provide engineering and technical support, as well as training on automation and control related products to both internal and external customers. In this role, you will collaborate with account managers in achieving automation and control sales goals for assigned territory.

Primary Duties:

  • Responsible for co-developing and implementing the strategic business plan, in conjunction with the Suppliers and CESCO management, to support market share growth objectives for Automation and Control Suppliers.

  • Actively develop and present Automation and Control solutions, inclusive of the following:

    • Participate in identified training activities (which includes training classes, lunch and learns, product demonstrations (both in person and virtual)) in your assigned territory.

    • Customer seminars and other local branch promotions as a way to increase customer awareness of Automation and Control product capabilities.

    • Crescent or Supplier-promoted local trade show events.

  • Responsible for launching new Automation and Control products to sales personnel within the assigned territory. This includes product training, competency with demo equipment, sales brochures, and target account identification.

  • Occasionally perform billable service work for assigned customer territory. As an example, this could include VFD startups, tuning servo control loops, HMI screen development, PLC programming, wireless surveys and any engineering function that could be required by the customers application. Proper PPE to be worn at all times during any on site customer activities (this to be covered in detail later).

  • Complete Action selling training curriculum as a core Crescent concept and fundamental vehicle for performing professional sales efforts.

  • Utilize the CRM platform to enter opportunities and activities associated with customers.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or technical degree in engineering from four-year college or university, and/or 5 or more years of appropriate experience.

  • Valid driver's license and the ability to travel often in the assigned territory and occasionally travel to attend company, customer, and supplier activities and events.

  • In-depth knowledge of Automation and Control products inclusive of but not limited to: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), PLCs, Motion Control, SCADA Software, HMI, Networking, Sensors, Motion, Robotics, and Motor Control.

Physical Demands:

Frequent sitting, standing, and walking with carrying/toting demo equipment at customer facility (some distances up to 1/2 mile). Occasional reaching, twisting, bending, and kneeling. Seldom use of ladder.

  • Frequent lifting up to 50 lbs.

  • Seldom lifting and carrying of 51-100 lbs. with the assistance of a buddy-lift or a mechanical device.

  • Use of technology (Phone, computer, printer, keyboard, demo equipment).

  • Ability and means to travel.

Vision Requirements:

  • Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)

  • Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)

  • Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)

  • Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)

  • Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)

  • Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

Pay Details:

  • The expected base rate of pay for this position is $70,000 - $75,000 annually; plus additional bonus and commission opportunity.

#LI-CECE

Total Rewards and Benefits

Crescent Electric's compensation package includes an array of top-tier benefit options, including:

  • Eligibility for health, and dental, vision coverage, 401(k) plan, and flexible spending accounts, subject to plan terms.
  • Eligibility for company-paid benefits such as life insurance, short-term disability, long-term care, and Employee Assistance Program, subject to applicable waiting periods.
  • Excused Absence time off and Paid Time Off (PTO).
  • Company-paid holidays.
  • Other benefits for which you may be eligible includes supplemental life insurance, hospital indemnity, and accident and critical illness benefits with cancer coverage.
  • Eligibility: Employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of employment. Employees who are 21 years of age or older will be automatically enrolled in the company's 401(k) plan once they achieve 90 days of employment.

Family Owned. Culture of Quality. Opportunities to Advance.

Crescent is transforming and we are on a missionto power the communities we serve through teamwork and relentless customer focus. We have a visionof uncompromising teamwork committed to becoming the industry leader for our employees, suppliers, and shareholders. At Crescent, you will have the opportunity to develop professionally, grow personally and have the flexibility to balance your life's priorities. Let's serve together. Let's power our communities together. Let's become THE industry leaders...together.

Crescent Electric Supply Company is proudly an Equal Opportunity Employer. Crescent Electric does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, race, national origin, gender, religion, marital status, disability, veteran, military status, sexual identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.

Candidates are subject to pre-employment assessments, Motor Vehicle Record review, criminal background checks, references check, and a post-offer drug screen. Crescent Electric is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Crescent Electric will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact jobs@cesco.com