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

City of Cookeville

Firefighter

Aurora, IL · On-site

$1K/wk

... a Firefighter Trainee, a Firefighter I, or a Reserve Driver/Engineer. All applicants will be ... Controls and extinguishes fires; performs forcible entry, search, rescue, and vehicle extrication ...

eCom Solutions Inc.

Be Seen First

Maintenance Technician I

Aurora, IL · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Troubleshoot and perform repairs on machines and their controls (blenders, scales, bottle rinsers ... Mentor and provide technical guidance and training to team members including maintenance trainees ...

Daifuku

ILUS - Manufacturing Technical Trainer

Hobart, IN · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs ... Develops, builds, and maintains relationships with trainees & leaders to recommend additional ...

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

Controls Engineer Trainee information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$56.7K

$99.5K

$134.9K

How much do controls engineer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer trainee in Chicago, IL is $99,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are control engineers in demand?

Control engineers are in high demand across industries such as manufacturing, automation, and energy due to the increasing need for process optimization and automation systems. Skills in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and control system design enhance job prospects, and the field offers steady growth opportunities for qualified professionals.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most controls engineers earn significantly less, highly experienced controls engineers working in specialized industries, such as aerospace or oil and gas, with advanced skills and certifications can potentially reach or exceed $500,000 annually. Such salaries are typically associated with senior roles, leadership positions, or those with extensive expertise and responsibilities.

How to become a controls engineer with no experience?

To become a controls engineer trainee with no experience, focus on gaining foundational knowledge in electrical or mechanical systems through online courses or a relevant degree. Learning programming languages like ladder logic, PLCs, and automation tools, along with hands-on practice or internships, can help build practical skills essential for entry-level control engineering roles.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced controls engineers, especially those in senior roles or specialized fields like automation or systems integration, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, often in high-demand sectors such as manufacturing, aerospace, or energy.

What is the difference between Controls Engineer Trainee vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Engineer TraineeControls Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certifications, on-the-job trainingBachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering; relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, entry-level projects, supervised settingsDesign, develop, and maintain control systems in industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation companies, entry-level rolesIndustrial automation, manufacturing, process control

The Controls Engineer Trainee role is an entry-level position focused on training and gaining practical experience, often requiring less formal education. In contrast, a Controls Engineer is a fully qualified professional responsible for designing and maintaining control systems. The trainee position serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a Controls Engineer, with the main differences being experience level and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer Trainee jobs in Chicago, IL? For Controls Engineer Trainee jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer Trainee jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer Trainee jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Controls Engineer Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer Trainee job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,485 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Maintenance Technician, Instrumentation & Controls - 1st Shift

Maintenance Technician, Instrumentation & Controls - 1st Shift

Glanbia

Aurora, IL • On-site

$29 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Glanbia Performance Nutrition rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 381 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Instrumentation & Controls Technician
Location: Aurora, IL
Company: Glanbia Performance Nutrition
About Glanbia
Glanbia is a global nutrition company dedicated to providing better nutrition for every step of life's journey. Using pure and clean ingredients such as milk, whey, and grains, Glanbia creates high-quality nutritional ingredients and branded consumer products for customers and consumers worldwide.
Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN), headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Glanbia. Our brand portfolio includes Optimum Nutrition, BSN, Isopure, Think!, Nutramino, Body & Fit, LevlUp, Amazing Grass, and SlimFast. We manufacture and market a full range of performance and lifestyle nutrition products sold across retail, online, gyms, and global markets.
GPN operates state-of-the-art facilities with more than 2,500 employees worldwide and is part of Glanbia plc, a global nutrition group with over 6,000 employees in 34 countries.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation for roles at Glanbia varies depending on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set and level of experience. Glanbia provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in Illinois. This range may not be applicable to other locations. The hourly rate for Illinois based employees for this role is starting at $35.00/hour plus shift differential, if applicable.
Sign-On Bonus: $5,000
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, FSA, HSA, Life & Disability Insurance, 19 Days Paid Time Off and 6% 401K match.
Schedule
Monday through Friday schedule - with Overtime opportunities.
1st Shift: 9:00am-5:30pm (with flexibility to work into the start of 2nd and 3rd shifts)
General Summary
The Maintenance Technician, Instrumentation & Controls performs the preventive and reactive maintenance duties required for the manufacturing operations of the plant. Priorities of the role include the execution of PM schedules and repair of any components used to control and monitor manufacturing and utility equipment that is needed to maintain maximum production rates and maintenance of an adequate spare parts inventory. The individual must have a solid background in controls in addition to strong troubleshooting skills. This position requires the flexibility to work 40+ hours per week, weekends as required and fulfill on-call duties for repairs and assistance.
Essential Functions
  • Troubleshoot and repair equipment issues as they arise on the plant floor.
  • Assist and consult with Management/Engineering on projects as needed.
  • Install and configure electrical and/or controls equipment for retrofit or upgrade projects.
  • Contact OEM for troubleshooting assistance/guidance.
  • Lead instrumentation and controls preventative maintenance programs.
  • Effectively contribute to CMMS performance through timely PM & Repair Work Order completion while ensuring compliance to safety and quality requirements.
  • Partner with operations and engineering to improve equipment reliability.
  • Effectively communicate all process and/or equipment changes to affected personnel.
  • Provide basic electrical troubleshooting skills training for all maintenance techs and lead the Instrumentation & Controls trainee program.
  • Maintain and develop job skills through internal and external training programs.
  • Stay current on field-related technology, codes, standards, and best practices.
  • Support and participate in process improvement teams and own maintenance-related Go-See-Think-Do's.
  • Work with production staff to ensure the safe and reliable operation of plant equipment.
  • Self-train and operate production equipment.
  • Adhere to safe work practices, follow GMP's, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure product quality is maintained.
  • Wear all PPE as required within the Plant safety policy.
  • Assist in implementation of new processes and data collection.
  • Implement safety improvement projects.
  • Own the equipment in their area and be a mentor to others.
  • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • PLC program troubleshooting experience required
  • Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms highly preferred
  • Proficient using electrical test equipment (voltmeter, ammeter, ohm meter, Megger, etc.)
  • Advanced understanding of basic machine function and sequence of operations
  • Experience with process instrumentation (level, flow, temperature)
  • Experience with VFDs, Servos, MCCs, and other motor control platforms
  • Experience with Ethernet networking and communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet
  • Experience in mechanical systems/pneumatics a plus
  • Ability to interpret electrical schematics and user manuals
  • Advanced knowledge of NEC
  • Advanced knowledge of UL508A and NFPA 79 codes preferred
  • Lock Out Tag Out safety procedures
  • Arc Flash and PPE requirements
  • Strong time management and task prioritization skills
  • Demonstrated knowledge of electrical formulas
  • Knowledge of 3-phase industrial wiring and power distribution
  • AC & DC drive/motor PMs, wiring, parameter setup, and troubleshooting
  • Troubleshoot PLC I/O and networking
  • Motion training with servo drives and motors
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with and communicate effectively with plant personnel, company resources, vendors, and diverse teams
  • Strong skills using Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word
  • Proficient using CMMS such as SAP
  • Demonstrated knowledge/skill in Root Cause Analysis, problem identification, and troubleshooting
  • Excellent safety record, attendance, and punctuality

Decision Making / Problem Solving
  • Escalate issues to Engineering as appropriate
  • Implement CMMS improvements (PM tasks, frequencies, on-hand inventory, etc.) in alignment with industry best practices
  • Participate in RCA and Go-See-Think-Do's for equipment-related issues

Required Qualifications
Associates Degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
3-5 years experience in Controls and Automation within a manufacturing environment (food processing experience a plus).
At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a wide variety of candidates, and we will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
At Glanbia our culture will celebrate individuality, knowing that together we are more.

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