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Automation Engineer Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Includes design for manufacturing/automation. * Assists product development staff with new product ... Implements and directs engineering changes into production, instructing and training personnel.

Manufacturing Engineer

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Includes design for manufacturing/automation. * Assists product development staff with new product ... Implements and directs engineering changes into production, instructing and training personnel.

Manufacturing Engineer

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$71 - $105/hr

Includes design for manufacturing/automation. * Assists product development staff with new product ... Implements and directs engineering changes into production, instructing and training personnel.

Manufacturing Engineer

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Includes design for manufacturing/automation. * Assists product development staff with new product ... Implements and directs engineering changes into production, instructing and training personnel.

... automation. * Assists product development staff with new product concepts to insure ability to ... Implements and directs engineering changes into production, instructing and training personnel.

... automation. * Assists product development staff with new product concepts to insure ability to ... Implements and directs engineering changes into production, instructing and training personnel.

... automation. * Assists product development staff with new product concepts to insure ability to ... Implements and directs engineering changes into production, instructing and training personnel.

Manufacturing Engineering Manager Location: Decatur, IL Travel: Up to 10% Relocation Assistance ... Design and deploy automation systems including robots , AGVs , AMRs , and sensor-based solutions.

Showing results 41-60

Automation Engineer information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$35.9K

$103.9K

$158.1K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in Decatur, IL is $103,909.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $119,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Automation Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,909 per year, or $50 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer

Eaton Aerospace

Lincoln, IL • On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Eaton's Electrical Sector, ARS Division, is growing and seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team at our Lincoln, IL manufacturing facility. In this onsite role, you will support our Residential & Wiring Devices product lines and help drive operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates currently residing within the United States.
Play a key role in transforming how products are built. This position drives product and process improvements that enhance manufacturability, simplify operations, and increase efficiency across the production floor. By applying manufacturing and industrial engineering best practices, you'll help create smarter workflows, improve employee training experiences, and accelerate operational success.
The expected annual salary range for this role is $71000 - $105000 a year. This position is also eligible for a variable incentive program. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
What you'll do:
  • Recommends product design changes for improving product performance, manufacturability and work flow. Includes design for manufacturing/automation.
  • Assists product development staff with new product concepts to insure ability to manufacture new designs. Leads manufacturing portion of product development. Assists employee teams in exploration of cost reduction projects. Implements and directs engineering changes into production, instructing and training personnel.
  • Assures that reviews to ensure employee safety are completed during process and that a review for safety takes place with any process and/or equipment change.
  • Designs, develops and establishes training aids/programs and procedures on manufacturing processes.
  • Analyzes discrepant parts and directs actions to prevent their reoccurrence through the use of 8D, PFMEA and other root cause analysis tools.
  • Establishes specific methods for production, including standard work, cycle time, takt time, and ergonomics.
  • Performs special projects and investigations at directions of immediate supervisor.
  • Participates in departmental layouts to improve use of floor space, work flow and material handling.
  • Participates in cost reduction program, computes economic data and implements projects. Includes recommendation and implementation of new or replacement capital equipment to improve manufacturing capabilities.
  • Fills in for supervisor for vacations, meetings & overtime.
  • Supports the Value Stream Teams, recommending and leading actions to achieve the business case.

Qualifications:
Basic (required) Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution.
  • Eaton will not consider applicants for employment immigration sponsorship or support for this position. This means that Eaton will not support any CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT plans, F-1 to H-1B, H-1B cap registration, O-1, E-3, TN status, I-485 job portability, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • One (1) year of engineering experience working in a manufacturing environment.
  • Knowledge or experience with fabrication and/or assembly processes.
  • Lean Six sigma certifications and/or experience implementing lean processes in a manufacturing environment.

Additional Information:
  • Must be a creative thinker with the ability to communicate ideas and plans.
  • Responsibilities include conformance to Environmental Management System requirements.

All positions may require participation in video and in-person interviews as part of the hiring process. All candidates will be evaluated based on job-related competencies, and all candidates' privacy rights and data security will be protected in accordance with applicable laws.
We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Eaton believes in second chance employment. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction history will be considered regardless of their arrest or conviction history, consistent with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act and other local laws.
You do not need to disclose your conviction history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Eaton is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
To request a disability-related reasonable accommodation to assist you in your job search, application, or interview process, please call us at 1-800-836-6345 to discuss your specific need. Only accommodation requests will be accepted by this phone number.
We know that good benefit programs are important to employees and their families. Eaton provides various Health and Welfare benefits as well as Retirement benefits, and several programs that provide for paid and unpaid time away from work. Click here for more detail: Eaton Benefits Overview. Please note that specific programs and options available to an employee may depend on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.