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

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$45 - $65/hr

Title : Controls Engineer Location : Elgin, IL Hire Type : Contract to direct hire Compensation ... Design, program, debug, and commission controls systems for custom automated equipment. * Develop ...

Duravant

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 ...

NVENIA

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 ...

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 ...

Terco, Inc

Be Seen First

Design Engineer

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Design Engineer Terco Inc. | Engineering Department | Full-Time | Reports to: President About the ... Automation & Controls · Define electrical component requirements for automated and VFD-controlled ...

Terco, Inc

Design Engineer

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

Design Engineer Terco Inc. | Engineering Department | Full-Time | Reports to: President About the ... Automation & Controls · Define electrical component requirements for automated and VFD-controlled ...

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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 Sep 5, 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.

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.

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 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 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,867 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Elgin, IL • On-site

$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.