1

Controls Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

... engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • Leadership and ... moves controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars; or receives ...

Be Seen First

Automation Engineers split their time between in-office and on-site work. When in office, the job consists of engineering the project, PLC/HMI programming, testing, production of documentation to ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 7, 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 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 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 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.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Champaign, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,715 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Conductor/Engineer - Tuscola, IL

Watco

Tuscola, IL

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

252nd of 359 rated logistics


Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The conductor/engineer position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule
• Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment
• Reads switching orders from designated person
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews
• Observes radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operates locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and regulations
• Observes arm or lantern signal and moves controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars; or receives starting signal and moves control; such as throttle and air brakes to operate locomotive
• Reads and interprets wayside signals, track warrants and bulletins, and railroad rules and regulations to operate locomotive, following safety rules and regulations and time schedule
• Receives oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched
• Notifies engineer of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified locations of yard, using radio, telephone, verbal or hand signals
• Talks to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information
• Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains
• Gives instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars
• May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations
• Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well as apply and release handbrakes
• Observes track to detect obstructions.  
• Inspects locomotive after run to detect damaged or defective equipment
• Maintains records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched
• May coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower
• Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio
• Connects air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• May set warning signals, such as flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains
• Sits or rides in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members
• May make minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• May talk to Engineer via radio to give or receive switching information
• Performs other duties as requested or required

Qualifications

• Ability to pass training and required testing

Education
High School or GED equivalent

What Watco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom