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Controls Engineer Jobs in Round Lake, IL (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Engineer

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Our client is a well-established custom automation manufacturer seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to join their growing engineering team. This is an opportunity to work on highly customized ...

Electrical Engineer

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$52.88 - $57.69/hr

Our client is a well-established custom automation manufacturer seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to join their growing engineering team. This is an opportunity to work on highly customized ...

Showing results 41-60

Controls Engineer information

See Round Lake, IL salary details

$52.8K

$92.6K

$125.6K

How much do controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineer in Round Lake, IL is $92,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,100.00 and $103,600.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Round Lake, IL?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Round Lake, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineer jobs in Round Lake, IL?

For Controls Engineer jobs in Round Lake, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Controls Engineer job openings in Round Lake, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,622 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Electrical Engineer

TekPro Engineering

Elgin, IL โ€ข On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Our client is a well-established custom automation manufacturer seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to join their growing engineering team. This is an opportunity to work on highly customized assembly and testing equipment from concept through startup, supporting customers across the medical device, consumer products, and industrial manufacturing industries.

If you're looking for a role where you'll build new automation systems rather than simply maintaining existing equipment, this is an excellent opportunity to grow your technical expertise while working on a wide variety of challenging projects.

What's In It For You?

  • Competitive salary of $110,000-$120,000
  • Design and develop custom automation equipment—not repetitive production support.
  • Diverse, project-based work with exposure to cutting-edge assembly and testing systems.
  • Work with modern PLCs, HMIs, servo motion, instrumentation, robotics, and industrial controls.
  • Opportunity to own projects from concept through machine startup and customer acceptance.
  • Stable, employee-focused organization with excellent tenure and long-term career growth.
  • Outstanding benefits package, retirement programs, and employee ownership.
  • Collaborative engineering team where your ideas and technical expertise are valued.

Responsibilities:

  • Design and develop electrical control systems for custom automated assembly and testing equipment.
  • Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, VFDs, instrumentation, and industrial control hardware.
  • Develop electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, pneumatic schematics, and Bills of Material using AutoCAD Electrical.
  • Support machine commissioning, startup, debugging, and system validation.
  • Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering throughout the design and build process to ensure seamless system integration.
  • Identify opportunities to improve control system performance, reliability, and standardization across future machine builds.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by enhancing electrical design standards, programming efficiency, and engineering best practices.
  • Assist with troubleshooting and resolving electrical and controls-related issues during machine builds and customer acceptance testing.
  • Ensure designs comply with NEC, NFPA, and applicable industrial electrical standards.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related technical discipline preferred.
  • 3+ years of Electrical Controls Engineering experience within automation, special machinery, or industrial equipment.
  • Experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, servo motion, VFDs, and industrial control systems.

You should be proficient in:

  • PLC Troubleshooting Skills
  • PLC Programming Experience
  • PLC Wiring Experience
  • HMI

Machines & technologies you'll use:

  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
  • Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Siemens)