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Contract Plc Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Engineer PLC Systems and PLC Electrical Control Cabinet Design Unique

Naperville, IL · On-site

$92K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with PLC Programming and Ladder Logic. * Experience with TCP/IP and hooking Control ... contract terms and/or Service Level Agreements (SLA's). * coordinating Field Engineering System ...

Project Engineer

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Exposure to Process Control Systems, DCS, and/or PLC-based control systems * Scale-up or process ... As a Sterling Engineering W2 employee on contract, you receive a Full Employee Benefits Package ...

PM Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

Contract (6-12 Months | Start ASAP) Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced PM Controls Engineer ... Hands-on experience with Rockwell and Siemens PLC systems * Strong knowledge of electrical systems ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Melrose Park, IL

$80K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary THIS JOB IS A FULL-TIME ONSITE POSITION, NO CONTRACT WORK AVAILABLE. THIS JOB IS NOT ... Understanding of control systems and PLC programming of highly automated manufacturing technologies ...

Automation Expert Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Skilled in vendor management, contract negotiation, and equipment specification. * Excellent ... Proficiency with PLC programming, HMI/SCADA platforms, and industrial networking. * Passion for ...

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Contract Plc Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.8K

$83.2K

$115.5K

How much do contract plc programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract plc programmer in Chicago, IL is $83,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $95,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract PLC programmer?

A Contract PLC Programmer is a professional who specializes in programming, troubleshooting, and maintaining Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) on a short-term or project basis. They typically work with industrial automation systems across various industries, such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. Their responsibilities include writing and debugging PLC code, integrating hardware and software, and ensuring system efficiency. Contract PLC Programmers are often hired for specific projects or to assist during peak workloads.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a contract PLC programmer?

Contract PLC Programmers are usually responsible for developing, testing, and troubleshooting automation programs for industrial machinery and control systems. This often involves interpreting electrical schematics, writing and modifying PLC code, commissioning equipment on-site, and collaborating with engineers, electricians, and project managers to meet client requirements. Daily tasks may include diagnosing system errors, implementing upgrades, documenting software changes, and providing remote or on-site technical support. The role can be project-oriented, and flexibility is important, as work environments may range from offices to manufacturing plants or client facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the contract PLC programmer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract PLC Programmer, a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and proficiency in PLC programming languages such as Ladder Logic is essential, often supported by a relevant technical degree or certification. Experience with major PLC platforms like Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or Schneider Electric, as well as familiarity with HMI/SCADA systems, is highly valued, and certifications such as Siemens Certified Programmer or Rockwell Automation Certificates can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and the ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams help contract PLC programmers excel. These skills are crucial for delivering robust, reliable automation solutions on time and for ensuring clear collaboration in dynamic, project-based environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plc Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Plc Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Contract Plc Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Plc Programmer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Plc Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Plc Programmer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,161 per year, or $40 per hour.

Engineer PLC Systems and PLC Electrical Control Cabinet Design Unique

Unique Hardware Software Systems Company in Major Growth Mode

Naperville, IL • On-site

$92K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Stable and Growing Niche Industry Company that builds-designs-services Robotic/Electronic/Electro-Mechanical Control Systems for Essential Industries.

Excellent Advancement Potential, New And Interesting Projects, Company Culture of Embracing New Technology

Seeking a solid electronics background (BSEE or Solid Electronics Fundamentals 'preferred') alongside experience in the design and build of PLC based electronic control systems for applications involving motion, motors, robotics or electro-mechanicals.

Desired Skills/Experience:

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills as this role requires constant interaction, coordination and communication with various internal and external (customer) departments and people.
  • Experience with PLC Programming and Ladder Logic.
  • Experience with TCP/IP and hooking Control Systems (such as DCS, HMI, SCADA or similar) into a Network (Windows, Cisco, etc.) is strongly preferred.
  • Experience laying out and designing Electrical Control Cabinets for PLC Based Control Systems (containing Power, Network Connectivity, PLC Connectivity, Wiring Harnesses, etc.)
  • Experience working in a similar role where you have researched-designed-built Electronic Control (or DCS or HMI or SCADA or Similar) systems.
  • Experience reading-defining-interpreting Electrical Diagrams, One Line Diagrams or Block Level Diagrams (experience with AutoCAD is preferred).
  • Detail Oriented with a strong Sense of Urgency and have excellent Customer Service/Customer Relationship management skills.
  • Good Business Sense: focused on ROI and Profitability of the Systems you are tasked with building and designing.
  • A College Degree (BSEE, ASEE or similar) or Training with a focus on Electrical Engineering is strongly preferred.

Willingness to Learn (experience with any of these is a plus):

  • reading, understanding and defining contract terms and/or Service Level Agreements (SLA’s).
  • coordinating Field Engineering System Upstarts and Cutovers.
  • Working closely with Technical Customers to Change Initial Specs and System order based on various changes and availability of technical solutions.
  • Familiarity with Electro-Mechanical System packing Lists, Lists of parts, and Billing Paperwork (BOM/Bill of materials); Experience writing Systems Documentation (how to guides, reference manuals, system-start-up lists, etc.).
  • Coordinating Electronic System Builds with various teams including Design-Build Electronics Engineering, Manufacturing/QA/QC, External Vendors, External Customers, Sales, Field Engineering and Software.
  • Researching new and existing technologies including Electrical, Infrastructure/Network Connectivity and UI Software/Database Reporting.
  • Control Systems Software Experience: WonderWare, iFix or similar.

Competitive Salary and Benefits, Great Opportunity.

Call or Apply Today!

Please Note: this role will require 30% Eastern U.S. Travel.

Company Description

Constantly updating our technology to meet the demands of our multi-site business customers; Experiencing a Major Demand for our unique offering; Profitable and Stable; Managerial Culture towards using the best available technology; Busy Company with a Recession Resistant Business Model.