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Automation Engineer Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

KNAPP North America

Shift Engineering Manager

Elwood, IL · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

We live and breathe automation. We - more than 8,000 employees of the KNAPP Group in over 60 ... WHAT YOU GET TO DO As a Shift Engineering Manager, you will be part of a team that works to ...

KNAPP

Shift Engineering Manager

Elwood, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

We live and breathe automation. We - more than 8,000 employees of the KNAPP Group in over 60 ... WHAT YOU GET TO DO As a Shift Engineering Manager, you will be part of a team that works to ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

Participate in automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 projects as assigned. * Provide training ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

Participate in automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 projects as assigned. * Provide training ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering ...

KNAPP

Resident Engineer

Elwood, IL · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

We live and breathe automation. We - more than 8,000 employees of the KNAPP Group in over 60 ... WHAT YOU GET TO DO As a Resident Engineer, you will be expected to provide first-class maintenance ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Equipment Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking to build expertise in industrial equipment, automation, and battery manufacturing within a global organization. Key ...

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Equipment Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking to build expertise in industrial equipment, automation, and battery manufacturing within a global organization. Key ...

Hansoninc

Electrical Controls Engineer - Power

Monee, IL · On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

Power Controls Engineer (Power Industry) Position Type: Full-Time Industry Focus: Power Delivery ... Design and support SCADA, substation automation, and power system communication architectures

E2i Inc.

Controls Engineer II

Manteno, IL · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

E2i is a small systems integrator that specializes in automation, validation, informatics, control ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering field ...

E2i

Controls Engineer II

Manteno, IL · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

E2i is a small systems integrator that specializes in automation, validation, informatics, control ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering field ...

Gotion, Inc.

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

... Controls Engineer to take ownership of automation and control systems for our Pack & Module ... Diagnose chronic automation issues impacting throughput, yield, and process stability; develop and ...

E2i Inc.

Controls Engineer III - Senior

Manteno, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

E2i is a small systems integrator that specializes in automation, validation, informatics, control ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering field * 5 ...

E2i

Controls Engineer III - Senior

Manteno, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

E2i is a small systems integrator that specializes in automation, validation, informatics, control ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related engineering field * 5 ...

Gotion, Inc.

Controls Engineer, Cell Line

Manteno, IL

$82K - $107K/yr

Support the integration of automation and controls systems, including PLC programming, HMI design, and the implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions. * Partner with maintenance teams to ensure ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAutomation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs in Kankakee, IL

Automation Engineer information

See Kankakee, IL salary details

$35.6K

$103K

$156.7K

How much do automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer in Kankakee, IL is $102,986.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,200.00 and $118,700.00 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.

More about Automation Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer job openings in Kankakee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 12% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,986 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Senior Pharma / Biotech Process Engineer (Process Support Equipment)

Visium Resources, Inc.

Kankakee, IL • On-site

$100K - $129K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Introduction
Visium Resources has been asked to identify qualified candidates for this Senior Pharmaceutical Process Engineer position with an emphasis on Process Support Equipment (Parts Washers, Centrifuges, Plasma Bottle Opening, Pool & Thaw Vessels). This position is a direct hire opportunity which is expected to be on-site in Kankakee, Illinois.


Summary

Client is seeking an experienced Senior Process Engineer to support a major pharmaceutical capital expansion project at manufacturing campus in Kankakee, Illinois.


Serving as the Owner's Representative, this individual will provide technical leadership throughout the design, procurement, fabrication, installation, commissioning, qualification, and startup of critical process support equipment. The successful candidate will ensure that all engineering deliverables produced by the Architect/Engineer (A/E), equipment manufacturers, and system suppliers satisfy the Owner's User Requirements Specifications (URS), GMP requirements, operational objectives, and long-term reliability expectations.


This position requires extensive collaboration with Process Engineering, Automation, Commissioning & Qualification (C&Q), Validation, Construction Management, Operations, Quality, Procurement, and equipment suppliers to successfully deliver world-class pharmaceutical manufacturing systems.


Job Description:

Provide technical guidance into the design, project management, commissioning and start-up of equipment and facilities, for upgrades, renovations and expansions of client facilities and processes.
Support project execution from Feasibility through to project completion/handover, including all project stages such as:
o          Feasibility
o          Concept Design, Basic Design, Detailed Design
o          Procurement
o          Construction
o          Project Monitoring/Governance
o          Commissioning & Qualification

Prepare/perform/review process engineering drawings, calculations, whether as part of engineering design or as part of verification of calculations of vendors/client/other consultants, or Junior Engineers. Drawings may include PFDs, P&IDs as well as others. Calculations may include heat exchanger, pump, piping, control valve sizing, heat and mass balances, as well as other engineered calculations. 
Prepare/review technical specifications and data sheets for various equipment, instrumentation, and systems (such as vessel data sheets, etc).
Review technical documentation such as SDS/HDS, layouts, manuals, datasheets.
Manage other engineering design firms, equipment vendors, construction firms, and internal/external stakeholders as required to execute projects.
Integrate safety into the design and execution of all projects (HAZOP reviews, PHSRs, design reviews with EHS representatives).
Prepare/review User Requirements Specifications (URS)
Provide input into Commissioning (FAT, SAT) and Qualification Protocols (IQOQ), as well as support execution of Commissioning & Qualification.
Prepare/review automation sequences, as required for Process Automation, such as Functional Specifications, Valve & Alarm Matrices.
Coordination with other engineering disciplines and other cross-functional departments (automation engineering, facilities engineering, process engineering, validation, project management, operations, quality, safety).
Facilitate project management tools throughout the execution of projects, such as procurement tracking, vendor management, meeting minutes / action lists, risk register log, schedule updates, project updates.
Coordinate meetings with cross-functional departments, to drive project progress, facilitate decisions, provide updates.
Travel may be occasionally required for meetings with the client and equipment fabrication vendors or Factory Acceptance Testing (FATs).
Work may require occasional support over shutdowns or extended hours, specifically during installation and commissioning / validation phases.
Client-management (maintain key Client relationships in support of business development and pursuit of new work), project scheduling/budgeting, coordination of client and company's resources for effective project delivery, supporting business development (providing technical support to the sales as required for proposals/opportunities), presenting at industry conferences/publishing papers etc.
Visit construction and installation sites.
Supervise contractors during critical installations of process equipment and associated utilities.
Other duties as assigned by client, and/or company, based on workload and project requirements.

Process Support Equipment Experience
Candidates should possess strong engineering experience with several of the following:
  • Automated Parts Washers
  • Industrial Centrifuges
  • Plasma Bottle Opening Systems
  • Pool & Thaw Vessels
  • Process Skid Packages
  • Single-Use Technologies
  • CIP/SIP Systems
  • GMP Material Handling Equipment
  • Automated Process Equipment

Qualified candidates would have the following:

Knowledge of GMP requirements for working in pharma/biotech facilities, with a Basic understanding of SOPs, Validation, Change Controls.
10+ years of experience pharma process engineering experience, with at least 6 years of bioprocess engineering experience (upstream or downstream)
Excellent written and spoken English is required including the preparation of technical documents in English
Experience in leading teams.
Experience with, and knowledge of some of the typical Biotechnology processes & peripheral systems is required; Upstream Biotech Processes (Fermentation, Bioreactors, Centrifugation, Thawing), Downstream / Purification Biotech Processes (chromatography, TFF, DF, NF-MF), Fill & Finish equipment, Media Preparation, CIP/SIP systems, Buffer Preparation, clean utilities (PW, WFI, CS, PS)
Possess leadership skills, and be able to take initiative to lead projects, involving multiple stakeholders, departments, and varying complexity.
Possess mentorship skills, to coach and develop junior and intermediate employees.
Basic knowledge of AutoCAD is an asset.
Engineering degree, preferably in Chemical, Biochemical, Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.

________________________________________________________________________________________________


Visium Resources is an award-winning employment firm with a mission to match talented individuals with highly successful organizations. At Visium, our company"s success is based on your success. When you work with us, you are never 'just a number'. You are our most important asset. Here, you will know us by name through our regular visits to client sites and even occasional luncheons. We will always be there when you need assistance and will always go the extra mile to ensure that you are as successful as possible. Whether you're looking for contract, contract-to-hire or permanent opportunities, we firmly believe there is no employment agency that will work harder for you than Visium.
Visium Resources is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.

Education:BS/BA DegreeEmployment Type: CONTRACTOR

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