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Automation Engineer Jobs in Kankakee, IL (NOW HIRING)

Logistics Operations Engineer

Elwood, IL · On-site

$70K - $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 The Logistics Operations Engineer (LOE) provides software-focused operational ...

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 ...

Project Engineer

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$75 - $93/hr

Drive process improvements by assessing automation opportunities and optimizing productivity ... Bachelor's Degree in Engineering * 3+ years' experience in a manufacturing capacity with a proven ...

Project Engineer

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$75 - $93/hr

The **Project Engineer** reports to the Engineering Adhesives (EA) Global Process Engineering ... Drive process improvements by assessing automation opportunities and optimizing productivity ...

Drive process improvements by assessing automation opportunities and optimizing productivity ... Bachelor's Degree in Engineering * 3+ years' experience in a manufacturing capacity with a proven ...

Drive process improvements by assessing automation opportunities and optimizing productivity ... Bachelor's Degree in Engineering * 3+ years' experience in a manufacturing capacity with a proven ...

Controls Engineer, Cell Line

Manteno, IL · On-site

$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 ...

EquipmentEngineer, Cell Line

Manteno, IL · On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

This role requires strong technical expertise in automation and process engineering, hands-on problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a bilingual (English ...

... automation, manufacturing operations, or related areas. * Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) in a production environment. * Experience working with PLC systems such as Siemens ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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:

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.

Logistics Operations Engineer

KNAPP

Elwood, IL • On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

WHO WE ARE

KNAPP brings new technology to warehouse automation.

The KNAPP Group is a global provider of intelligent automation solutions for intralogistics and manufacturing, specializing in the sectors healthcare, fashion/apparel, general retail, food retail, industry and service. We live and breathe automation. We – more than 8,000 employees of the KNAPP Group in over 60 locations worldwide, shaping the future-oriented industry of intralogistics are dedicated to making complexity simple.

One of the KNAPP’s primary goals is to use continuous innovation to drive warehouse automation forward, always with the specific needs of the customers in mind. KNAPP Group’s unrelenting development activity is evident in everything from automated order picking systems and continuing refinement of container handling technology to its state-of-the-art, industry leading software solutions.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO

The Logistics Operations Engineer (LOE) provides software-focused operational support to keep the Customer’s automated warehouse stable and running. The LOE monitors and troubleshoots KiSoft production environments, triages software incidents, restores service where possible through operational actions, and coordinates resolution by guiding on-site resources (e.g., RMTs) and escalating to the Service Desk when additional support is required.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Monitor and support the KiSoft ONE & KiSoft SRC software products to maintain stable warehouse operations.
  • Respond to and triage software incidents; take appropriate operational actions within scope to restore service.
  • Coordinate with on-site resources and support teams, escalate as needed to resolve issues and minimize downtime.
  • Communicate system status and incident updates to relevant stakeholders and provide effective shift handover information.
  • Maintain accurate support documentation and tickets, including Problem Management tickets for recurring issues.
  • Prepare and provide internal reports as required.

WHAT YOU HAVE

  • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field; equivalent relevant education or experience will also be considered.
  • Strong incident communication, documentation, and cross-team coordination skills (control-room style support).
  • Technical knowledge in Linux, Windows 11, and Linux Server.
  • Technical knowledge in Oracle databases, PL/SQL, Java and/or C++.
  • General understanding of automated warehouse equipment concepts to support communication/troubleshooting.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team.
  • Basic understanding of software development concepts.
  • Ability to work under pressure.

Working Conditions and Environment:

  • Authorization to work in the U.S.
  • Passport or ability to obtain passport
  • Professional office etiquette is required at all times
  • Travel required 15%
  • Overtime as required by work
  • Physical requirements: sitting for long periods of time, standing, walking, climbing a ladder, speaking, visual acuity, finger dexterity, listening, reaching at arm’s length, and lifting up to 30 pounds

WHAT YOU WILL GET

  • Industry competitive compensation
  • Great benefits with better than average employer contributions, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short & Long Term Disability and more!
  • 401k with a very generous employer match and no vesting!
  • Paid Vacation & Holidays
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Subsidized Daycare
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Pet Insurance


KNAPP is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other basis protected by law.

Due to the safety-sensitive nature of this position, strict adherence to KNAPP’s drug-free workplace policy is required. All candidates will be subject to drug-screening in accordance with the policy and will be expected to remain drug-free during their employment. There will be no exception if recreational or medical use of marijuana is permitted in the location of employment and/or residence or if use of marijuana is only during “off-hours.”