Contract Eplan Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Description: Controls Engineer II

This Controls Engineer II role focuses on developing electrical and hardware designs for automated equipment in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. You will collaborate closely with the controls engineering team to design, program, and validate automation systems that meet both customer and internal specifications. Over time, you will take ownership as the hardware lead on small to medium-sized machines and replication projects, contributing significantly to the success of complex automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of controls architecture for small to medium-sized automated machines.
• Program control and vision systems for cam, servo, and air-operated stations, as well as test and electrical devices.
• Ensure that electrical designs and software architectures are functional, robust, and cost-effective.
• Research, evaluate, and specify appropriate purchased and preferred components for automated equipment.
• Create detailed electrical wiring schematics, flow diagrams, panel layouts, and bills of materials, and organize complete release packages.
• Update and maintain schematics and related documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in internal and customer design reviews, equipment installations, and service calls as needed.
• Guide Electricians on wiring practices and applicable codes, and support software validation requirements.
• Work with suppliers to identify and develop functional and economical solutions to design issues.
• Participate in Project Execution Plan meetings and contribute to the development of the controls engineering execution plan.
• Work effectively within project schedules and budgets, aligning engineering activities with overall project constraints.
• Collaborate with Mechanical Builders and Electricians to solve problems, debug software issues, and update all relevant documentation.
• Communicate ideas and technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to team members and stakeholders.
• Work closely with Mechanical Engineering and Assembly teams, demonstrating objectivity and openness to diverse viewpoints.
• Help guide and mentor Level I Controls Engineers in the execution of their projects, supporting their technical development.

Essential Skills

• Two to six (2–6) years of experience in automation engineering or a closely related field.
• Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming and controls engineering for automated equipment.
• Experience with electrical design for automation systems, including component selection and system architecture.
• Ability to program control and vision systems for cam, servo, and air-operated stations.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for both hardware and software issues in automated machinery.
• Knowledge of robotics, HMI development, and integration within control systems.
• Experience creating electrical wiring schematics, flow diagrams, panel layouts, and bills of materials.
• Ability to guide Electricians on wiring practices and applicable electrical codes.
• Proficient computer skills, including use of EPLAN, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to use inspection and measuring tools such as scales, calipers, micrometers, multimeters, and dB meters.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for conveying technical information and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred college degree in electrical engineering, an engineering-related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience using EPLAN hardware design software for electrical schematics and panel layouts.
• Familiarity with general electrical design principles, including power sizing and component selection.
• Ability to operate standard office and engineering equipment such as fax machines, copiers, printers, and plotters.
• Experience participating in customer and internal design reviews, installations, and service activities.
• Demonstrated ability to work within defined project schedules and budgets.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or supporting the development of less-experienced team members.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, progressive environment with significant growth and evolving automation technologies.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work closely with mechanical engineering, assembly, and field teams.

This is a Contract position based out of Palatine, IL.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $55.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Palatine,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.