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Building Controls Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineers

Elgin, IL

$160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Up to $160,000 annually (based on experience) Overview We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to join an Automation Development team focused on designing and building custom automation ...

Controls Application Engineer

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Provide ongoing customer support. * Assist the Controls division in development and offering of additional building services including but not limited to categories such as commissioning, retro ...

Controls System Integrator III

Romeoville, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an HVAC Controls Systems Integrator you are responsible for integrating a building automation network and creating front-end system graphical interfaces for building operators. Your technical ...

Position Summary The Senior Controls Technician will control and monitor commercial building HVAC controls system equipment, which includes programming, start-up, troubleshooting, commissioning, and ...

The Senior Controls Technician will control and monitor commercial building HVAC controls system equipment which includes: programming, start-up, troubleshooting, commissioning and servicing of ...

Controls Field Engineer III

Elmhurst, IL

$100K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As an HVAC Controls Field Engineer you are responsible for providing job site oversight for installation of Building Automation Systems & Controls. Your supervision is critical to the success of our ...

Project Controls Location: Gary, IN, United States Join a company that is passionately committed to ... With expertise in sustainable studies, asset building and operations, and industry-leading ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$79 - $158/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design complete building automation systems, including controllers, sensors, networks, and hardware ... Mentor and develop other Controls Engineers. * Adhere to safety standards and promote a culture of ...

New

Controls Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$64K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design complete building automation systems, including controllers, sensors, networks, and hardware ... Johnson Controls, Trane, Siemens, Automated Logic, Schneider, Honeywell). * 1+ years of experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Building Controls information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$19

$34

$50

How much do building controls jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for building controls in Chicago, IL is $35.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.71 and $39.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are building controls?

Building controls are systems and devices used to manage, monitor, and automate a building’s environment and operations, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security. These controls help improve energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and operational performance by allowing centralized or automated adjustments based on real-time data. Modern building controls often integrate with smart technologies and can be accessed remotely. They play a crucial role in reducing energy costs and maintaining optimal building conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a building controls specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Building Controls Specialist, you need a strong background in HVAC systems, electrical engineering, and building automation, often supported by a relevant degree or technical certification. Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and software such as Tridium Niagara or Siemens Desigo is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with facility teams and troubleshooting systems. These skills ensure energy-efficient, safe, and reliable building operations that meet occupant and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in building controls, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Building Controls often encounter challenges such as integrating new systems with existing infrastructure, troubleshooting complex automation issues, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technology standards. Effective communication with facility managers and other trades is essential to ensure smooth system operation and timely resolution of issues. Staying current with training and certifications, as well as developing strong problem-solving skills, can help address these challenges and lead to greater success in the role.

What is the difference between Building Controls vs HVAC Technician?

AspectBuilding ControlsHVAC Technician
CredentialsCertifications in controls systems, HVAC, or electrical workHVAC certification, EPA license, technical training
Work EnvironmentCommercial, industrial buildings, control system installationsResidential, commercial buildings, HVAC system maintenance
Industry UsageDesign, install, and troubleshoot building automation systemsInstall, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems

Building Controls and HVAC Technicians often work together but focus on different aspects of building systems. Building Controls specialists primarily handle automation and control systems, while HVAC Technicians focus on heating and cooling systems. Both roles require technical certifications and are vital in building maintenance and energy efficiency.

How do I become a building controls technician?

To become a building controls technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical training or an apprenticeship in HVAC, electrical systems, or building automation. Certifications such as the Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP) or manufacturer-specific training can enhance job prospects, and familiarity with control systems like BACnet or LonWorks is often required.
Infographic showing various Building Controls job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,793 per year, or $35 per hour.

$100K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Controls Engineer

Chicago metro/ Addison, IL

Direct/ Salaried role, $100k-$155k, Hybrid, Full Bene’s, Bonuses, ESOP, profit sharing, ENR top 500


EPC Staff is searching for a Controls/ Automation Engineer for one of my clients, an engineering systems integration company to work on automation and control system projects for clients in industries such as life sciences, water/ wastewater, data centers, manufacturing, semiconductor facilities, building automation, food and beverage, etc.


The urgent need is to work for a manufacturing facility and on water/ wastewater. 


OVERVIEW

As a Controls Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, programming, and commissioning control systems for a wide range of industrial applications. You will work closely with our clients, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated control solutions that meet or exceed customer expectations.


ROLE/ RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop control system software, including PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programming, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) design, and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) configuration.

• Design, develop, and implement control system logic software and hardware to meet process, machine, and integrated system requirements.

• Develop control logic software and user interface applications.

• Develop schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software.


REQUIRED/ HIGHLY PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• BSEE or similar 

• PLCs, HMIs, SCADA (FactoryTalk, VTScada, AVEVA), and field instrumentation

• Ladder logic, structured text, or function block diagram

• Control system software platforms (e.g., Rockwell / Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modicon) and familiarity with relevant programming environments

• Electrical schematics, Power Distribution, Control panels, and process control narratives, NEC Code

• Implementing/ testing/ commissioning/ qualifying automation solutions