Automation Engineering Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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The Contract Controls Engineer (External Specialized Resource) is responsible for owning advanced automation, networking, robotics, and system-recovery blocks within our manufacturing environment. Sourced via specialized automation engineering agencies this position operates on an initial 12-month milestone contract framework.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep technical mastery of controls systems combined with a proven background in knowledge sharing and technical development. This individual must be creative, proactive, organized, flexible, and results-oriented. Bringing outstanding communication, facilitation, and mentoring skills, the Contract Controls Engineer will ensure our advanced automated systems are highly optimized while actively upskilling floor-level teams.

The Contract Controls Engineer will be directly responsible for the deployment, optimization, and floor-level mentorship of advanced automated blocks. Specifically, the resource must own and execute work across the following core technical areas:

• Advanced Automation & Rockwell Platforms

• Own the deployment, optimization, and troubleshooting of Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk environments on the active shop floor.

• Develop and refine control logic, ensuring alignment with client specifications and Industry Best Practices.

• Robotics & Fanuc Platforms

• Manage advanced robotic automation sequences, configurations, and paths utilizing Fanuc platforms.

• Lead hands-on troubleshooting and calibration exercises directly on manufacturing lines.

• Networking & System-Recovery Blocks

• Design, validate, and maintain robust industrial network architectures supporting automated lines.

• Establish, document, and test critical system-recovery blocks to minimize downtime and ensure rapid recovery from critical faults.

• System Integration Mentoring & Technical Education

• Facilitate hands-on coaching and technical mentoring for maintenance technicians and floor engineers utilizing adult learning principles.

• Utilize client-provided Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and schematics to bridge the gap between design intent and floor execution.

• System Ownership & Recovery: Take complete ownership of complex automation, networking, and robotics blocks, ensuring high operational reliability and building comprehensive disaster recovery protocols.

• Technical Coaching & Mentoring: Partner with Manufacturing Operations to deliver structured, hands-on mentorship to floor technicians and junior engineers. Develop and execute a technical knowledge-transfer framework using adult education principles.

• Curriculum & Training Support: Support the development of technical skills and targeted training content based on the immediate needs of the business and opportunities on the floor.

• Instructional Delivery: Deliver interactive coaching and instructor-led training sessions directly on the shop floor, adapting delivery methods to accommodate different learning styles and technical skill levels.

• Continuous Improvement: Provide ongoing engineering and development support to ensure a problem-solving mindset is applied across the automation team. Maintain deep subject matter expertise in all owned hardware and software configurations.

• Minimum of 5 years of dedicated shop-floor experience focusing heavily on Rockwell (Studio 5000/FactoryTalk) and Fanuc platforms.

• Verified historical experience in adult technical education, industrial instruction, or structured system integration mentoring.

• Sourced via an approved specialized automation engineering agency partner (e.g., Actalent, Aerotek) for an initial 12-month milestone contract.

• Demonstrated ability to be proactive, flexible, confident, professional, and self-directed in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to thrive when working independently, contribute strongly as a member of a high-performing team, and handle high-stress situations.

• Strong facilitation and interpersonal communication skills paired with a high level of emotional intelligence.

• Deep ability to understand electrical, mechanical, fluid power, and control systems to analyze problems and execute repairs.

• An active Electrical Certification or relevant Controls Engineering credentials.

• Prior Industrial Maintenance or advanced system integration experience in high-volume manufacturing.

• Advanced understanding of industrial safety design standards and compliance (e.g., NFPA 70E).

• Direct experience with the maintenance, integration, and control of complex hydraulics and pneumatics.

• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and curriculum development frameworks, specifically the ADDIE Model.