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Control Room Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

NRG

Combustion Turbine Technician

Aurora, IL

Operate all plant equipment to meet plant dispatch requirements and report issues or other anomalies of plant equipment and performance to Control Room Operator, Maintenance or Direct Manager ...

NRG

Combustion Turbine Technician

Aurora, IL · On-site

Operate all plant equipment to meet plant dispatch requirements and report issues or other anomalies of plant equipment and performance to Control Room Operator, Maintenance or Direct Manager ...

NRG Energy

Combustion Turbine Technician

Aurora, IL · On-site

Operate all plant equipment to meet plant dispatch requirements and report issues or other anomalies of plant equipment and performance to Control Room Operator, Maintenance or Direct Manager ...

Arkema

Shift Operator $28/hr. Job

Alsip, IL · On-site

$28/hr

Work closely with control room operator to maintain operations. * Completes daily and weekend checklists (daily inventory). * Completes all assigned Impact items * Supports all AIMS initiatives

Arkema

Shift Operator $28/hr. Job

Alsip, IL

$28/hr

Work closely with control room operator to maintain operations. * Completes daily and weekend checklists (daily inventory). * Completes all assigned Impact items * Supports all AIMS initiatives

Niktor

Site Logistics Technician

Alsip, IL · On-site

$28.72 - $38.98/hr

Works closely with other functions, such as control room operators and quality control to ensure efficient operation of the plant to meet production demand. Accountabilities Accurate and efficient ...

Arkema

Shift Operator $28/hr. Job

Alsip, IL · On-site

$28/hr

Work closely with control room operator to maintain operations. * Completes daily and weekend checklists (daily inventory). * Completes all assigned Impact items * Supports all AIMS initiatives

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All JobsControl Room Operator JobsControl Room Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Control Room Operator information

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$13

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$44

How much do control room operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for control room operator in Chicago, IL is $23.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $26.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a control room operator?

A control room operator works in the control room at an industrial facility, usually a power plant. The primary job responsibilities are monitoring the operation of equipment, machines, and other systems in the plant. Additional duties include managing alarms or alerts, monitoring production rates, and logging system statuses. The job requires keen attention to detail. The job is often performed in a setting where constant vigilance is critical to prevent falls, shocks, and other workplace injuries. Qualifications include an understanding of mechanics and strong organizational skills.

What does a control room operator do?

A Control Room Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling complex systems and equipment from a central location, often in industries such as power generation, manufacturing, or transportation. They oversee operations, respond to alarms or abnormalities, and ensure that processes run safely and efficiently. Their duties include tracking data, adjusting controls, communicating with field staff, and following safety protocols to prevent accidents or downtime. Control Room Operators play a critical role in maintaining the smooth operation of vital infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control room operator?

To thrive as a Control Room Operator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and typically a background in engineering, technology, or a related technical field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), and relevant safety certifications is often required. Quick decision-making, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of industrial processes and emergency response.

What are some common challenges faced by control room operators and how can they be managed?

Control Room Operators often face challenges such as monitoring multiple systems simultaneously, responding quickly to alarms, and managing stressful situations during emergencies. Staying organized, maintaining clear communication with team members, and following established protocols are key to managing these challenges effectively. Regular training and familiarization with control systems also help operators remain confident and prepared for unexpected incidents.

What is the difference between Control Room Operator vs Plant Operator?

AspectControl Room OperatorPlant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma, technical training, and sometimes certifications in control systemsRequires a high school diploma, technical training, and certifications related to plant equipment
Work EnvironmentOperates within a control room monitoring systems and equipmentWorks on-site at the plant, operating and maintaining machinery
Industry UsageCommon in energy, manufacturing, and utilities sectorsFound in power plants, manufacturing facilities, and processing plants

Control Room Operators primarily monitor and control systems from a centralized location, focusing on system stability and safety. Plant Operators work directly on equipment, performing maintenance and operational tasks. Both roles require technical knowledge and safety awareness, but their daily activities and work environments differ.

More about Control Room Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Control Room Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

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For Control Room Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Control Room Operator job openings:

Control Room Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Control Room Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,645 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Manager, Control Room Engineering | Full-Time | Ryan Field at Northwestern University

AEG

Evanston, IL • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen.
Overview
The Manager, Control Room Engineering serves as the lead engineer and primary technical point of contact for the in-venue broadcast control rooms at New Ryan Field and Welsh-Ryan Arena. Reporting to the Director of Venue Technology, this position is responsible for maintaining, testing, troubleshooting, and supporting the video, audio, replay, graphics, routing, intercom, and related systems used for live event production. This is a hands-on role for an experienced broadcast professional who understands live production workflows and can troubleshoot technical issues in real time. The position works closely with game presentation staff, IT personnel, television networks, mobile production units, outside production crews, vendors, integrators, and Northwestern University partners to ensure all systems are properly integrated, reliable, and event-ready. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise with a customer-service mindset, creatively solving production and operational challenges while identifying ways venue technology can enhance the guest experience, support partners, and generate revenue.
This role pays a yearly salary of $70,000 - $80,000.
Benefits for Full-Time role: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays).
This position will remain open until November 13, 2026.
Responsibilities
  • Serve as the lead engineer and primary technical contact for in-venue broadcast control rooms and production systems.
  • Maintain, configure, test, and troubleshoot video switchers, replay systems, graphics platforms, routing systems, cameras, audio systems, intercom, KVM, and related infrastructure.
  • Ensure all control-room equipment, production endpoints, and signal paths are fully operational and event-ready.
  • Work with game presentation staff to prepare, test, and confirm all in-venue video, graphics, replay, audio, and show-control elements before each event.
  • Interface with television trucks, network engineering teams, and outside production crews to coordinate camera and program feed exchanges, communications, routing, timing, fiber connectivity, and system integration.
  • Work closely with IT staff to ensure reliable network connectivity for broadcast systems, AV-over-IP environments, control platforms, IPTV, and other connected venue technologies.
  • Provide event-day engineering support for football, basketball, concerts, and other live events.
  • Troubleshoot technical issues in real time while communicating clearly with directors, producers, operators, truck engineers, and venue leadership.
  • Partner with sales, sponsorship, premium, event, and production teams to develop practical technical solutions that support client needs, sponsorship activations, special events, and revenue-generating opportunities.
  • Approach requests with a customer-service mindset, balancing technical standards and system reliability with creative, solutions-oriented execution.
  • Perform preventive maintenance, system testing, software updates, equipment replacement, and routine control-room inspections.
  • Manage video and audio signal routing between control rooms, venue systems, field locations, press areas, loading docks, broadcast compounds, and mobile production units.
  • Participate in event advances and identify technical requirements, potential conflicts, backup plans, and required system configurations.
  • Develop and test redundancy plans for critical production systems and signal paths.
  • Maintain system documentation, signal-flow drawings, equipment inventories, software records, configuration files, and troubleshooting procedures.
  • Coordinate repairs, upgrades, warranty support, and service calls with manufacturers, integrators, and third-party vendors.
  • Exercise sound judgment in determining when issues can be resolved internally and when timely escalation to outside support is required.
  • Train and support full-time, part-time, freelance, and student production personnel on proper equipment operation.
  • Assist with capital projects, control-room upgrades, system commissioning, and acceptance testing.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in broadcast engineering, media production, information technology, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.
  • 3-5 years of experience in professional or power collegiate sports as a technical director, broadcast engineer, replay operator, graphics operator, or other technical broadcast professional.
  • Experience supporting live sports, concerts, entertainment, or large-scale event production is highly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of broadcast video and audio signal flow, synchronization, routing, monitoring, fiber transport, and IP-based production systems.
  • Additional knowledge of Netgear AV over IP, Dante, AES67, Adder KVM, Riedel intercom and Bolero wireless, Shure wireless microphones, and Yamaha or Allen & Heath audio consoles is preferred.
  • Ability to methodically troubleshoot complex issues across video, audio, networking, software, control, and physical infrastructure.
  • Experience coordinating technical integration and signal exchange with television trucks or outside production companies is preferred.
  • Strong communication, documentation, organization, and project-management skills.
  • A "fans first" customer-service mindset with the creativity and business awareness to turn technical capabilities into improved client service, sponsorship execution, special-event support, and revenue opportunities.
  • Ability to remain calm, collaborative, and decisive during live events and other time-sensitive situations.
  • AVIXA, PMP, manufacturer training, or other applicable technical certifications are a plus.

Strong working knowledge of all the following, with advanced expertise in at least one:
  • Grass Valley K-Frame production switchers
  • Ross Carbonite production switchers
  • Evertz routing systems and Magnum control
  • Ross Ultrix routing and DashBoard control
  • Evertz DreamCatcher replay systems
  • Ross XPression and XPression Tessera

Working Conditions
  • Must be able to work on-site. This position is 100% on-site and requires regular work in control rooms, equipment rooms, production areas, seating bowls, loading docks, broadcast compounds, and other venue spaces.
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, event days, and extended hours.
  • Ability to respond to urgent technical issues outside normal business hours when required.
  • Ability to walk and stand for extended periods, climb stairs and ladders, work around equipment racks, and lift or carry heavy equipment.
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About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992

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