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

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL

$45 - $65/hr

Contract to direct hire Compensation : $45/hr to $65/hr based on experience Benefits : As a ... The ideal candidate will have Allen Bradley PLC experience and a background in custom automation ...

NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

I&C Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K - $215K/yr

Proficiency with PLC programming, control logic development, and instrumentation selection ... Experience with project and contract management is preferred. * Excellent problem-solving ...

Nano Nuclear Energy Inc

I&C Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

Proficiency with PLC programming, control logic development, and instrumentation selection ... Experience with project and contract management is preferred. * Excellent problem-solving ...

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Actalent

Electrical Controls Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$40 - $57/hr

This role focuses on PLC/HMI programming, electrical design, controls integration, troubleshooting ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Naperville, IL. Pay and ...

OtterBase

Director of Automation Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the design, specification, integration, and optimization of PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, motion ... contracts, schedules, and performance. Identify emerging automation technologies and evaluate ...

Actalent

Electrical Engineer

Hanover Park, IL · On-site

$34 - $44/hr

Optional PLC and HMI programming support. Required Qualifications * 3-5+ years of electrical design ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hanover Park, IL. Pay and ...

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Protingent

I&C Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$145K - $215K/yr

Proficiency with PLC programming, control logic development, and instrumentation selection ... Experience with project and contract management is preferred. * Excellent problem-solving ...

Sterling Engineering

Industrial Mechanics

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Contract-to-Hire (Longevity Desired) Target Pay Rate: $32.00 - $40.00/hour + $1.00/hour Shift ... Ability to troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment (no programming required) * Experience ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Plc Programmer JobsContract Plc Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Contract Plc Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.7K

$83.1K

$115.4K

How much do contract plc programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract plc programmer in Chicago, IL is $83,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $95,300.00 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:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Plc Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Contract Plc Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Plc Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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

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

Contract Plc Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Plc Programmer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,096 per year, or $40 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Elgin, IL

$45 - $65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Title:  Controls Engineer
Location:  Elgin, IL
Hire Type:  Contract to direct hire
Compensation:  $45/hr to $65/hr based on experience
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.


Summary:

We are seeking a Controls Engineer with 5+ years of experience designing, programming, and commissioning automated machinery. The ideal candidate will have Allen Bradley PLC experience and a background in custom automation, machine building, or systems integration.
This is a hands-on engineering role supporting the development, programming, debugging, and commissioning of complex automated equipment. 

Responsibilities:

  • Design, program, debug, and commission controls systems for custom automated equipment.
  • Develop and modify Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI programs.
  • Support electrical controls design, panel layouts, I/O development, and machine sequencing.
  • Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, servo, motion, robotics, and other automation-related issues.
  • Participate in machine build, integration, debug, FAT, SAT, and customer commissioning activities.
  • Work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure seamless machine integration.
  • Interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and machine specifications.
  • Develop and maintain controls documentation, standards, and programming practices.
  • Ensure equipment meets customer specifications, safety requirements, and applicable controls standards.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentoring to less-experienced controls engineers and technicians.
  • Travel as needed for customer installations and commissioning.
Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of controls engineering experience in custom automation, machine building, systems integration, or a related manufacturing environment.
  • Extensive Allen Bradley PLC programming experience.
  • Experience with Allen Bradley HMIs, motion/servo controls, and industrial automation.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and commission complex automated machinery.
  • Strong understanding of electrical controls, machine sequencing, and industrial automation.
  • Experience with GM controls standards is a plus.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Comfortable working in a hands-on, onsite engineering environment.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.