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Controls Application Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cummins

Senior Sales Application Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$121K - $164K/yr

This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations ... Experience in technical sales, application engineering or project management required. Additional ...

Actalent

Controls Engineer

Crystal Lake, IL

$80K - $115K/yr

Controls/Electrical Engineer The Controls/Electrical Engineer will apply advanced electrical design ... Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 2026. About Actalent Actalent ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Controls Engineers

Elgin, IL

$160K/yr

Controls Engineer - Automation Location: Elgin, IL Job Type: Full-Time Compensation: Up to $160,000 ... Create application design documentation, flowcharts, and participate in software design reviews

Carrier

Senior Controls Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$79K - $158K/yr

Mentorship of less experienced Application Engineers in all areas of their development. Key ... Mentor and develop other Controls Engineers. * Adhere to safety standards and promote a culture of ...

Actalent

Controls Engineer

Geneva, IL

$95K - $125K/yr

Controls Engineer This role focuses on designing, programming, and troubleshooting electrical ... Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026. About Actalent Actalent ...

New

Signode

Electrical Controls Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Summary: Signode, a leader in packaging and automation equipment, is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer for our Application Engineering Department. The role involves designing, planning ...

Signode

Electrical Controls Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

Summary: Signode, a leader in packaging and automation equipment, is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer for our Application Engineering Department. The role involves designing, planning ...

Actalent

Controls Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL

$118K - $135K/yr

Controls Engineer This Controls Engineer role focuses on designing, programming, and ... Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 2026. About Actalent Actalent ...

Acrisure

Application Developer

Chicago, IL

Experience with Telerik or other 3rd party UI controls to enhance user interface and experience ... Mentorship by the Application Engineering Team Lead and Information Services Senior Manager.

New

Lear Corporation

Process Controls Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

A better future? As a member of the Engineering team, the Process Controls Engineer will be ... For assistance during the application process, contact your recruiter directly. Applicants must ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsControls Application Engineer JobsControls Application Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Controls Application Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52K

$114K

$156.6K

How much do controls application engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls application engineer in Chicago, IL is $114,036.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $139,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Controls Application Engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within engineering fields. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership responsibilities in high-demand industries may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 is rare for this specific role.

How much do control engineers get paid?

Control engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in automation, PLC programming, and control systems can earn higher salaries. Certifications and advanced technical knowledge can also influence compensation.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Controls Application Engineers, a specialized role within electrical engineering, typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with higher earnings possible through senior positions, management, or specialized skills such as automation and control systems. Reaching a $500,000 salary generally requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in large organizations or consulting firms.

How does a Controls Application Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Controls Application Engineers frequently work alongside cross-functional teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as project managers and field technicians. Collaboration often involves translating project requirements into control system designs, integrating hardware and software components, and troubleshooting issues during commissioning. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential, as you will need to ensure all technical aspects align with broader project goals and client expectations. Regular meetings and design reviews are common, providing opportunities to address challenges and refine solutions together.

What are Controls Application Engineers?

Controls Application Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for machinery, equipment, or industrial processes. They work with hardware and software to ensure systems operate efficiently, safely, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities often include programming controllers (like PLCs), troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with other engineers to integrate controls with mechanical and electrical components. They play a critical role in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, energy, and building automation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Application Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Application Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, control systems design, and programming, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, HMI software, and industry-standard automation platforms is typically required, along with certifications like Siemens or Rockwell Automation if applicable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and clients. These capabilities ensure the development and implementation of reliable automation solutions that meet project requirements and support operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Controls Application Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Application EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like PLC or SCADA are commonBachelor's in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering; similar certifications often required
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and testing control systems; often customer-facingDeveloping, testing, and maintaining control systems; primarily in manufacturing or industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in automation, manufacturing, and process industriesCommon in industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing sectors

Controls Application Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems for specific applications, often working directly with clients. Controls Engineers typically develop, test, and maintain control systems within manufacturing environments. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications but differ in their primary responsibilities and work settings.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.
What are popular job titles related to Controls Application Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Controls Application Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Application Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Application Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Controls Application Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Controls Application Engineer job openings:
Controls Application Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Application Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 73% In-person, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,036 per year, or $54.8 per hour.
Senior Sales Application Engineer

Senior Sales Application Engineer

Cummins

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Cummins rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

We are looking for a talented  Senior Sales Application Engineer to join out team specializing in Technical Sales for Cummins Inc. in Chicago IL. 

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways: 

  • Build and lead strategic relationships with key influencer customers across regions (e.g., architects, engineers, contractors, OEMs, dealers, and channel partners) to drive long-term sales influence. 
  • Set and execute the influencer strategy, targeting existing priority firms while identifying and cultivating new firms and individuals to expand influence. 
  • Serve as the technical subject matter expert, providing code, standards, and solution guidance to consulting engineers, end users, and sales teams. 
  • Identify customer needs and market opportunities by leveraging customer insights, market trends, and competitor research to prospect and shape demand. 
  • Manage opportunity flow and rigor, ensuring sales opportunities are identified, reported, tracked in Salesforce, and passed to the appropriate sales owners.
  • Create and maintain key influencer account strategies, measuring customer perception, team credibility, and the overall impact of influence efforts. 
  • Act as an industry thought leader and customer advocate, sharing market insights internally, representing the company externally, and aligning influence activities with business targets (sales plans, margin, market share).
Cummins is an equal opportunity employer. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity, or other status protected by law.

Education/Experience:

  • University or college degree in the field of engineering, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
  • This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
  • Significant level of relevant work experience required. Experience in technical sales, application engineering or project management required.

Additional Responsibilities

  • University or college degree in the field of engineering, or an acceptable combination of education and experience required.
  • 4+ years of experience in technical sales, application engineering or project management desirable.
  • Responsible for building relationships with Consulting Engineers in theIllinois, Western Michigan and Eastern Missouri markets.
  • Clear communication with leadership, peers on the Northern Region SAE/UI Team, and the local Power Generation Sales Representatives on key projects, relationships, and sales initiatives.
  • Project and relationship management/tracking will be documented in Salesforce.
  • Technical aptitude to quickly ramp up on the products we are responsible for selling.
  • Ability to execute technical presentations with external customers and internal sales teams.

Compensation

Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate on the applicable range. The final salary offer will be determined after considering relevant factors, including a candidate's qualifications and experience, where appropriate.

This role is on an 80/20 sales compensation plan.

To be successful in this role you will need the following:

  • Articulating Value Proposition - Deeply interpret both internal and external customer needs.Clearly explain and demonstrate how your products, solutions, and services meet these needs. Highlight strengths and address any weaknesses to differentiate from competitors.
  • Developing Account Strategy - Evaluate the current relationship, financial status, product competitiveness, barriers, quality, and service levels of your accounts.Balance customer requirements with business capabilities to set achievable targets that align with your business strategy.
  • Sales Pipeline Management - Develop and execute account/territory-level sales strategies based on your current pipeline.Regularly assess the size, contents, and progress of your pipeline. Adjust your sales strategy and plans as needed.

What Cummins employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Cummins

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cummins Inc., headquartered in Columbus, IN, US, is a global power leader that designs, manufactures, and distributes numerous power products and systems. With its genesis from as early as 1919, the company readily serves diverse industries such as transportation, industrial, generator drive, or marine applications, among others. At the heart of Cummins' operations, its key product lineup encompasses diesel & natural gas engines, generator sets, engine components, and filtration, emission solutions, and electrical power generation systems. Cummins deeply embodies core values of integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork, performance excellence, and social responsibility - all of which dynamically fuel their mission 'Making people's lives better by powering a more prosperous world'.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, IN, US

Year founded

1919

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