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

Medline

Electrical Design Engineer

Northfield, IL

$79K - $119K/yr

Job Summary he Electrical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and support ... Strong understanding of design controls, risk management (e.g., FMEA), and regulatory documentation ...

Medline

Electrical Design Engineer

Northfield, IL

$79K - $119K/yr

Job Summary he Electrical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and support ... Strong understanding of design controls, risk management (e.g., FMEA), and regulatory documentation ...

Medline

Electrical Design Engineer

Northfield, IL · On-site

$79K - $119K/yr

Job Summary he Electrical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and support ... Strong understanding of design controls, risk management (e.g., FMEA), and regulatory documentation ...

Luxus

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge

West Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$85K - $115K/yr

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote ... Provide financial oversight on project schedules, budgets, and contract controls. * Successfully ...

Luxus

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge

West Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$85K - $115K/yr

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote ... Provide financial oversight on project schedules, budgets, and contract controls. * Successfully ...

Luxus

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote ... Provide financial oversight on project schedules, budgets, and contract controls. * Successfully ...

Hksinc

Sustainable Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... controls impacts, and facade thermal/moisture response) * Performs detailed engineering analysis to reduce energy consumption and associated GHG emissions across design, construction, and operations ...

Nidec Motor

Design Engineer IV

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

... controls. Nidec motors can be found in products that range from cell phones, computers and home ... The Design Engineer is responsible for developing and testing unique designs for products.

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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

$61.9K

$94.9K

$121.7K

How much do controls design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls design engineer in Chicago, IL is $94,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $107,700.00 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,942 per year, or $45.6 per hour.
HVAC Controls Pre Sales Engineer, GCOE

HVAC Controls Pre Sales Engineer, GCOE

Johnson Controls

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Johnson Controls rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 386 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team!
As a global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future!
Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing.
Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard - your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!
What we offer
  • Competitive base salary and a comprehensive bonus program.
  • Three weeks paid vacation in a calendar year/holidays/sick time/three PTO days in a calendar year.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care - Available day one.
  • Extensive product and on the job/cross training opportunities
  • Encouraging and collaborative team environment
  • Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy
  • Providing Scheduling and management support.
  • JCI Employee discount programs (The Loop by Perk Spot)

Check us Out: A Day in a Life at Johnson Controls | Engineering Roles
What you will do
As a High-Level Engineer, you will be pivotal in pre-sales engineering, design, and estimation during the project design and proposal phases. Your role will also involve value engineering and cost optimization, working closely with subcontractors and vendors.
How you will do it
  • Verify the assumptions made during Solution Design, Estimation and Scope of Work assigned for projects, collaborating closely with sales and operations teams.
  • Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to develop and provide designs in compliance with contract drawing, site coordination, and site installation requirements.
  • Provide technical risk analysis for complete solutions.
  • Participate in transition meetings with operations team to ensure project scope, objectives, timeline and customer requirements are properly addressed.
  • Perform on-site data collection at customer facilities.
  • Support post-contract design review.
  • Engage with vendors, sub-contractors, global products and service providers to communicate requirements, assess and validate quotes, negotiate and obtain competitive offers and finalize solutions.
  • Develop comprehensive techno-commercial proposals and related documents for finalization and presentation to clients.
  • Facilitate prompt responses by providing timely selections, specifications, sequences, drawings and document reviews as needed.
  • Identify best in class engineering practices and facilitate propagation of these practices throughout the business.
  • Coordinate with Post Sales Engineering teams to oversee the submission of drawings and related documents to customers after the sale.
  • Enforce and adhere to QA/QC policies, procedures and practices.
  • Work closely with team leaders to manage backlog execution, schedule and forecast execution of projects
  • Assist Strategic Account Managers in preparing bid responses and functional specifications
  • Support Strategic Accounts Sales and Business Operations team members in preparation of project cost estimates
  • Audit installed systems to ensure proper products revision control and customer support
  • Aid in the evaluation and beta testing of new systems and subsystems to meet all possible requirements.
  • Help in the planning, setup, and support of National Accounts product demonstrations, industry shows and exhibitions.

What we look for
Required
  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
  • Three years proficiency in design, pricing and implementation of all types of integrated systems projects
  • Proficient in large project management, database connectivity, basic LAN protocols and serial communications
  • High level of proficiency in Building Controls Design and Estimation
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • High level of PC literacy

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $80,000 to $120,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience,
knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market
data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group,
and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The
posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize
that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical
profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we
encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use
technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate
candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please
visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at
#LI-NC1
https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us
Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.

What Johnson Controls employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Johnson Controls

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. For nearly 140 years, we’ve made buildings better and now we’re transforming them again with our award-winning digital technologies and services. We’re using artificial intelligence and data driven solutions to give you deeper insight into your building’s health, sustainability and performance. It’s changing the way we design, operate and maintain indoor environments and driving to a new era of autonomous buildings. We deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, hotels, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive suite of connected solutions. Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software and services. Supported by a team of more than 100,000 dedicated employees working across 150 countries, we’re helping customers achieve their sustainability goals and power their mission.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing, water transportation, public safety statistics centers and offices and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

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