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

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... This includes the electrical control design, programming, commissioning, panel build supervision ...

MacKay

Electrical Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... and controls system design to meet our clients' expectations and needs. This engineer will be ... required to travel for approximately 10% of the time. This is a hybrid role based in our downtown ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... This includes the electrical control design, programming, commissioning, panel build supervision ...

ITT Inc. - English US

Product Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Our leading brands include ITT Cannon, Enidine, Aerospace Controls and kSARIA. Provide technical ... Re-Engineering Data Acquisition: FARO arm and 3D scanner * 2D Machine Drawings * 3D CAD Modeling ...

ITT Inc. - English US

Product Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Our leading brands include ITT Cannon, Enidine, Aerospace Controls and kSARIA. Position Summary ... Re-Engineering Data Acquisition: FARO arm and 3D scanner * 2D Machine Drawings * 3D CAD Modeling ...

ITT Inc. - English US

Product Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Our leading brands include ITT Cannon, Enidine, Aerospace Controls and kSARIA. Position Summary ... Re-Engineering Data Acquisition: FARO arm and 3D scanner * 2D Machine Drawings * 3D CAD Modeling ...

Shades of Grey HR

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Design and integrate electrical control systems including relays, motor starters, sensors, VFDs ... Hands-on experience with PLC programming, controls, automation, or industrial troubleshooting.

MATRIX DESIGN LLC

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL

$82K - $106K/yr

At Matrix Design, we are committed to Developing Great People , Building a Great Company , and ... SUMMARY The Controls Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, and implementing ...

Medline

Sr Engineer Design

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

The Senior Design Engineer provides technical expertise, mentors junior engineers, and drives ... Strong understanding of design controls, risk management (e.g., FMEA), and regulatory documentation ...

Medline

Sr Engineer Design

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

The Senior Design Engineer provides technical expertise, mentors junior engineers, and drives ... Strong understanding of design controls, risk management (e.g., FMEA), and regulatory documentation ...

Medline

Sr Engineer Design

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

The Senior Design Engineer provides technical expertise, mentors junior engineers, and drives ... Strong understanding of design controls, risk management (e.g., FMEA), and regulatory documentation ...

Medline

Sr Engineer Design

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

The Senior Design Engineer provides technical expertise, mentors junior engineers, and drives ... Strong understanding of design controls, risk management (e.g., FMEA), and regulatory documentation ...

Matrix Design, LLC

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL

$52.88 - $67.31/hr

At Matrix Design, we are committed to Developing Great People , Building a Great Company , and ... SUMMARY The Senior Controls Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, and ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 11, 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.

Controls Engineer

Southlake Automation

Merrillville, IN • On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a large variety of engineering applications in a high-paced and challenging environment.
Southlake Automation offers Control Engineers a unique employment opportunity that allows for a variety of experiences in hardware design, network design, database development, robotics programming, software development and field commissioning. With a wide range of customers, engineers get the opportunity to see industrial equipment applied in a wide array of industries. These industries include automotive, chemical, consumer product, food & beverage, and material handling.
As a solution provider, Controls Engineers are responsible for project management and execution. This includes the electrical control design, programming, commissioning, panel build supervision and field commissioning.
As a fast-growing systems integrator, there is plenty of opportunity for advancement. Choose a career path that fits your goals and talents. Whether your plan is to become the highest technical expert, a project team leader or to branch into technical sales, Southlake Automation has a path for you.
Products and Engineering Services Offered by Southlake Automation:
  • Turnkey Robotic Cell Design and Deployment - Packing, palletizing, machine tending, & more
  • Full Control System Design - PLC programming, HMI design, SCADA, MES
  • Control Panel Design - Hardware design for PLC, HMI and drive systems
  • Control Panel Assembly - Control panels assembled and wired in our panel shop for our designs and the designs of others
  • Field Service - Assisting customers with down equipment situations
  • Remote Support - Assisting customers via telephone and VPN
  • Commissioning - Bring our designs to full operation

Responsibilities:
  • Design control systems
  • Manage project scope from written specification and verbal description
  • Ensure that designs meet NEC code and UL508A
  • Program PLCs and operator interfaces (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Automation Direct and Mitsubishi).
  • Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting while commissioning systems
  • Communicate directly with customers regarding the status of projects
  • Manage multiple projects from concept through commissioning.
  • Customer relationship management
  • Develop software applications with Visual Basic, C#, Python and SQL Server preferred but not required.
  • Prepare written scopes and material budgets for quotations

Requirements:
  • 0 to 10 years of experience.
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related field of study.

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