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Controls Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

PlastiPak

Controls Technician

Champaign, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... a Controls Technician. We Offer * Set Schedules: We offer 12-hour shifts & a unique rotating ... Engineer MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) improvements * Grow your knowledge and skills through a ...

Kraft Heinz Company

Sr. Project Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

SummaryThe Senior Project Engineer will report to Engineering Manager and is responsible for ... Project planning and controls * Risk management * Communication and stakeholder management

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Saybrook, IL

$92K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Savoy, IL

$93K - $112K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Mansfield, IL

$92K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Mahomet, IL

$91K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Ogden, IL

$92K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Rantoul, IL

$91K - $109K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

fng

Paint Engineer

Urbana, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Preferred--Robot path programming knowledge and experience; working knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics and electrical controls; * Experience with statistical techniques such as Shainin or Six Sigma ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Homer, IL

$92K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners ...

fng

Paint Engineer

Urbana, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Preferred--Robot path programming knowledge and experience; working knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics and electrical controls; * Experience with statistical techniques such as Shainin or Six Sigma ...

fng

Paint Engineer

Urbana, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Preferred--Robot path programming knowledge and experience; working knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics and electrical controls; * Experience with statistical techniques such as Shainin or Six Sigma ...

Farnsworth Group

Electrical Project Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$99K - $149K/yr

... lighting controls, and related support systems. * Take ownership of discipline-specific ... Prepare, review, and approve engineering calculations, equipment selections, drawing packages, and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsControls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

Controls Engineer information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$55.1K

$96.7K

$131.2K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Champaign, IL is $96,715.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,600.00 and $108,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a controls engineer do?

A Controls Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems that control machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They work with automation systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, actuators, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation. Controls Engineers also troubleshoot and optimize existing systems, implement upgrades, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Their expertise is crucial for improving productivity, reducing downtime, and integrating new technologies into production environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Siemens/Rockwell training are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems critical to industrial and manufacturing environments.

What are common challenges faced by controls engineers when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Controls Engineers frequently collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, which can present challenges in aligning design standards, timelines, and communication styles. They must ensure that control systems integrate seamlessly with hardware and software components while also meeting safety and regulatory requirements. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as Controls Engineers often act as a bridge between technical disciplines to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions efficiently.

What is the difference between Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilities, industrial settingsDesign offices, research labs, power plants, industrial sites
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower generation, electronics, telecommunications, industrial systems
Common Search/ComparisonControls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer

Controls Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for automation and manufacturing processes, often working closely with machinery and PLCs. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, working on electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic devices. While both roles require electrical knowledge and certifications, Controls Engineers specialize more in automation and control systems, whereas Electrical Engineers may work across various electrical disciplines.

More about Controls Engineer jobs

What job categories do people searching Controls Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Controls Engineer job openings:

Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,715 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Controls Technician

PlastiPak

Champaign, IL • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Plastipak Packaging rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Looking for a job opportunity with a future in a safe & supportive work environment? Do you care about keeping your skills sharp? If you are ready to take your skills to the next level in a high-growth industry with exceptional job security and potential for advancement, join Plastipak as a Controls Technician.

We Offer

  • Set Schedules: We offer 12-hour shifts & a unique rotating standard schedule!

  • Convenience: Our food-grade clean & climate-controlled facility is located right off I-72 & I-57!

  • Advancement: We follow a strong promote-from-within business practice!

  • Premium pay & benefits, including 18 days of paid time off a year!

You Will

  • Use your knowledge of RS Logix 500, 5000, computer networking, HMI and robotics to repair and maintain machinery and mechanical equipment such as electric, motor, pneumatic, conveyor systems, vision systems, production equipment and plant support machines

  • Program Allen Bradley PLCs, HMI's, Vision Systems and networking

  • Engineer MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) improvements

  • Grow your knowledge and skills through a wide-variety of training & on-the-job experiences

You Have

  • Ability to work Night Shift (6:45pm-7:15am) on schedule cycle of 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off, repeat

  • Associate's Degree (A.A. or A.S.) or equivalent is strongly preferred

  • Minimum of one year of electrical experience. This can be experience gained through paid or unpaid work & education

  • Minimum of one year of PLC or Ladder Logic Programming

  • Experience with FANUC robots is highly preferred

  • Strong ability to troubleshoot & problem solve

  • Physical requirement includes ability to lift & move up to 75 pounds with or without a reasonable accommodation

You'll Earn

  • $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

  • Night shift includes a shift differential of $1.00 per hour

As a Plastipak Associate, you receive a benefits package offering the following:

  • Wellness Programs
  • Health Insurance Coverage, including Medical, Dental & Vision
  • EAP, Employee Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Disability Insurance: Short-Term & Long-Term
  • Accidental Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Hospital Indemnity Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan, with Company Matching Contribution & Profit Sharing feature
  • Paid Time Off - 80 hours within 1st year & subsequent increases
  • Paid Company Holidays
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
  • Caregiving via Care.com
  • Pet Insurance
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Sons and Daughters Scholarship Program
  • Travel Assistance
  • Employee Discount Programs
*Some benefits are subject to eligibility requirements

Plastipak is an Equal Opportunity Employer

In order to process your job application, Plastipak collects and stores the personal information that you submit via this website. Please refer to Plastipak's Privacy Policy to understand how Plastipak uses and protects the information that you provide.

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