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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 ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

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

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN

$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. Position Summary ... Re-Engineering Data Acquisition: FARO arm and 3D scanner * 2D Machine Drawings * 3D CAD Modeling ...

Hksinc

Sustainable Design Engineer Leader

Chicago, IL · On-site

... controls impacts, and detailed thermal/moisture response of facade assemblies * Guides design ... Professional engineering licensure preferred * Typically 10+ years of experience * 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 ...

Medline

Engineer Design

Northfield, IL · On-site

$79K - $119K/yr

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or ... Experience with medical device requirements (Class I-II), design controls, and assessment of risk.

Medline

Engineer Design

Northfield, IL · On-site

$79K - $119K/yr

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or ... Experience with medical device requirements (Class I-II), design controls, and assessment of risk.

Medline

Engineer Design

Northfield, IL

$79K - $119K/yr

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or ... Experience with medical device requirements (Class I-II), design controls, and assessment of risk.

Actalent

Controls Engineer

Geneva, IL

$95K - $125K/yr

Controls Engineer This role focuses on designing, programming, and troubleshooting electrical ... Responsibilities * Design electrical control systems and associated software using PLCs, HMIs ...

New

MATRIX DESIGN LLC

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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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.
Controls/Mechanical Engineer - Schaumburg

Controls/Mechanical Engineer - Schaumburg

Intertape Polymer Group (IPG)

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Intertape Polymer Group rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 110 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Join the IPG Team!
Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions-we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!
Position Description
Title: Controls/Mechanical Engineer
Department: Engineering
Immediate Supervisor: Engineering Manager
Status: Exempt Salaried
Position Summary: This role is a unique hybrid Controls Engineer with a strong Mechanical Engineering background. The individual will spend the majority of their time developing, integrating, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial control systems, while also contributing as a hands-on mechanical design engineer for custom automation and packaging machinery.
The position requires a unique blend of PLC/robot programming expertise and machine design capability, supporting the development of custom packaging equipment, robotic systems, and end of arm tooling from concept through commissioning.
Principle Accountabilities
  • Design, program, and commission industrial control systems using PLCs, HMIs, and motion control platforms.
  • Develop and maintain PLC programs for packaging and automation machinery.
  • Integrate equipment with higher level systems such as WMS, MES, and factory networks.
  • Program and troubleshoot industrial robots, including Fanuc and/or Yaskawa, for material handling and packaging applications.
  • Support system startup, commissioning, and onsite installation activities.
  • Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation issues during development, testing, and field service.
  • Prepare and maintain control system documentation, including:
    • I/O lists
    • Electrical schematics
    • BOMs
    • Functional descriptions
  • Work closely with mechanical engineers, manufacturing, service, and project management to ensure system performance, safety, and reliability.
  • Support continuous improvement of control standards, templates, and programming best practices.
  • Travels up to 25%

Secondary Accountabilities
  • Design and develop custom packaging and automation machinery.
  • Generate 3D models, detailed drawings, and assemblies using SolidWorks
  • Apply sound mechanical engineering principles to machine layout, mechanisms, tolerancing, and material selection.
  • Collaborate with other engineers and personnel to ensure effective design decisions.
  • Support prototyping, assembly, and testing of new equipment.
  • Troubleshoot mechanical issues during build, test, and commissioning.
  • Contribute to design-for-manufacturability and cost reduction efforts.

Essential Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering field, or relevant Engineering discipline
  • 2-4 years of related experience
  • Strong experience with PLC and HMI platforms (preferably Allen Bradley), robot control systems (preferably Fanuc), and 3D design software.
  • Demonstrated ability to design mechanical and electrical systems for automated machinery.
  • Demonstrated ability to diagnose/troubleshoot problems with automated machinery.
  • Excellent troubleshooting, problem solving, and documentation skills.
  • Aptitude and willingness to be a self-starter.
  • Must be able to travel up to 25%
  • Must have a valid driver's license or ability to obtain one.

Why Choose IPG?
At IPG, you will find more than just a job-you will find a place where your success is our success. We pride ourselves on a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. Whether it is through cross-department collaboration, continuous training, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we create an environment where you can thrive.
Our commitment to sustainability influences everything we do, from designing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in our production processes. We are dedicated to building a greener future while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people.
With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish!
We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, we offer ongoing training and the support you need to succeed. Think big, dream bigger, and make an impact with IPG.
You belong here. Join us today!

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