Controls Engineer Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: Controls Engineer

This role focuses on designing, programming, and troubleshooting electrical control systems and associated software for both standard and custom plastic assembly automation products. You will work hands-on with PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and related hardware and software to deliver reliable, cost-effective solutions that meet customer specifications and schedules. The position offers a strong mix of electrical design, software development, testing, and field support, with long-term stability and opportunities to grow your expertise in controls engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical control systems and associated software using PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and related hardware and software for standard and custom automation products.
• Develop, test, and troubleshoot electrical controls and programming for custom and standard plastic assembly products to meet specifications, schedules, and cost requirements.
• Balance a mix of electrical design, programming, and troubleshooting activities to support both new and existing systems.
• Produce conceptual custom system designs and prepare quotations as required to support sales and project planning.
• Perform final system run-offs to verify proper functionality, performance, and compliance with requirements before shipment or acceptance.
• Conduct customer site installation, service, and technical support as needed to ensure successful deployment and operation of systems.
• Maintain and update documentation required for product manufacturing in accordance with internal standards and total quality management practices.
• Apply machine safety standards and perform machine risk assessments to ensure safe system design and operation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, maintainable, and aligned with project goals.
• Plan and participate in limited travel, primarily within the United States, for installations, run-offs, and customer support, with trips scheduled well in advance.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or an associate's degree is strongly desired.
• 3 to 10 years of experience in controls engineering or a closely related field, with consideration for more experienced candidates.
• Hands-on experience with both controls hardware and software, with a stronger emphasis on software.
• Proficiency in PLC programming for industrial automation applications.
• Experience with electrical design and troubleshooting of control systems.
• Experience with HMI programming and configuration.
• Experience with motion controllers and motion control systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial Ethernet protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, PowerLink, EtherCAT, CC-Link, and Modbus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively.
• Effective communication skills for working with internal teams and customers.
• Good mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand mechanical systems and interfaces.
• Ability to understand and apply machine safety standards.
• Experience performing machine risk assessments.
• Willingness to learn new hardware and software technologies and continuously improve technical skills.
• Interest in making a long-term commitment and building a stable career with the organization.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Working knowledge of B&R Automation PLC, HMI, motion controls, and development environment is a significant plus.
• Experience with other PLC, HMI, and motion control platforms is highly desirable.
• Experience with vision systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with electronic test instrumentation is beneficial.
• HMI or PC programming experience is a plus.
• Additional motion control experience beyond core requirements is advantageous.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to document designs and processes in accordance with quality and engineering standards.

This is a Permanent position based out of Geneva, IL.

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $125000.00/yr.

Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Geneva,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.