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Controls Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Senior Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Senior Controls Engineer you will lead the electrical and/or controls design and programming of a custom automated assembly machines from concept to client acceptance. You will be responsible ...

Duravant

Electrical Engineer/Controls Eng 2

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

Works under limited supervision and exercises independent judgment. 5 years minimum automated controls design experience in programing PLC's and HMI's. Experience with AB and Siemens Motion Control ...

NVENIA

Electrical Engineer/Controls Eng 2

Wood Dale, IL

$79K - $106K/yr

Works under limited supervision and exercises independent judgment. 5 years minimum automated controls design experience in programing PLC's and HMI's. Experience with AB and Siemens Motion Control ...

Dubak Electrical

Controls Engineer (Mid-level)

La Grange Park, IL · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Controls Engineer will design, develop, and maintain control systems for our manufacturing and automation processes. The ideal candidate will have experience in PLC programming, HMI development ...

BBS Automation

Sr. Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$117K - $137K/yr

Coach peers in all aspects of machine design, programming, and organization and contribute to the development of Controls Engineers. * Write and debug PLC, robot, machine vision, and PC-based object ...

Genesis Automation

Automation Controls Engineer

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$81K - $108K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Electrical Controls Engineer Department: Electrical Controls Report To: Electrical Controls ... Participate in internal design reviews, customer design reviews, customer buy-off sessions. * Work ...

Daifuku

Design Engineer

Hobart, IN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... controls. The company is currently seeking an experienced Product Development Engineer . We are ... In this role, you will help design new products, assisting with proof-of-concept and prototype ...

Enpro Industries

Sr. Design Engineer

Harwood Heights, IL · On-site

$119K - $178K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Summary A Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and continuous ... S. export controls. Enpro carefully considers a wide range of compensation factors including ...

Enpro

Sr. Design Engineer

Harwood Heights, IL · On-site

$119K - $178K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job Summary A Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and continuous ... S. export controls.  Enpro carefully considers a wide range of compensation factors including ...

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Showing results 1-20

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

Controls Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.8K

$94.9K

$121.6K

How much do controls design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls design engineer in Chicago, IL is $94,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a controls design engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Controls Design Engineers frequently work cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with the overall machinery or process. They often participate in design reviews, coordinate interface requirements, and troubleshoot issues that arise during system integration. Clear communication and teamwork are essential, as controls must align with both hardware constraints and operational objectives. This collaborative environment fosters learning and can open doors for career advancement into project management or specialized technical roles.

What does a controls design engineer do?

A Controls Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They create schematics, select control components, and program controllers to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely. Their work often involves collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate complex automation solutions. Additionally, they troubleshoot existing systems and optimize performance to meet project requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Design Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, control systems, and automation, generally supported by a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with PLC programming, CAD software (such as AutoCAD or EPLAN), and relevant industry certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and address complex technical challenges. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable design of automation systems that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What is the difference between Controls Design Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls Design EngineerElectrical Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing control systems for automation and machineryDesigning electrical systems, circuits, and components for various applications
CertificationsOften requires PLC, automation, or control system certificationsTypically requires electrical engineering licensure or degrees
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation firms, industrial settingsPower plants, electronics companies, consulting firms
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower, electronics, construction

Controls Design Engineers focus on creating control systems for automation and machinery, often requiring specialized certifications. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, designing electrical circuits and systems across various industries. While both roles involve electrical knowledge, Controls Design Engineers specialize in automation controls, making their work more application-specific.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Controls Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Controls Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Controls Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,867 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Elgin, IL • On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Controls Engineer
Location: Elgin, IL
Hire Type: Direct hire
Compensation: $105,000 to $125,000
Benefits: Standard benefits package (health insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, 401k)


Objective:

As a Senior Controls Engineer you will lead the electrical and/or controls design and programming of a custom automated assembly machines from concept to client acceptance. You will be responsible for understanding the concept, budget and schedule and staying within the project deadline and budget requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Proficiency with Allen Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs and HMIs
• Will write PLC to device software interface including implementation documentation and validation plan
• Skilled in commissioning intelligent devices on fieldbus networks (Ethernet I/P, ProfiNet, etc.) with very good troubleshooting skills
• Should have robot programming (Epson, Adept, Mitsubishi, Fanuc, Staubli, ABB)
• Set up and programming of vision systems (Cognex, Keyence)
• Precision motion control involving coordinated motion
• Participate in internal and customer design reviews, installations, and service calls when needed.
• Able to communicate engineering concepts and ideas clearly (to builders, customers, and others)
• Travel to customer sites for machine installation; travel % is approximately 25%

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• 10+ years of controls engineering experience in custom automation; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience



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.