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Controls Engineering Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$117K - $137K/yr

Continue open discussions with Controls Engineering Manager and Controls Engineering Group Leaders on how to improve group dynamics, accuracy, reliability, ease of construction, durability, and ...

Controls Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Controls Engineer Reporting to the Controls Engineering Manager, the Controls Engineer is ... Work with project management and other engineering disciplines, managing the deployment of control ...

Controls Engineer

Wolf Lake, IL

$79K - $102K/yr

Controls engineering design accordance with project requirements. * Act as the technical resource ... Ability to connect and interact with people at all levels, including engineers, managers, and front ...

PM Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in controls engineering, project management, and GMP-regulated environments, with a proven track record of delivering automation projects successfully.

Controls Engineer

Ringwood, IL · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

This position will report to the Engineering Manager. Job Scope The Controls Engineer is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and optimizing plant automation and control systems to ensure safe ...

This position will report to the Engineering Manager. Job Scope The Controls Engineer is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and optimizing plant automation and control systems to ensure safe ...

This full-time, salary, role is a part of the Engineering Team and reports to the Engineering Manager. Train, coach, and mentor, the electrical controls process, for manufacturing skilled trades and ...

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Manage software/firmware updates, change controls, and risk assessments. * Support MES, vision ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field. * 7+ years of ...

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Manage software/firmware updates, change controls, and risk assessments. * Support MES, vision ... Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field. * 7+ years of ...

Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL

$86K - $111K/yr

... engineering team. This role is responsible for owning projects from initial concept through ... Key Responsibilities Manage controls projects from kickoff through commissioning and final startup ...

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Showing results 1-20

Controls Engineering Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$53.3K

$93.6K

$126.9K

How much do controls engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineering manager in Illinois is $93,582.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $104,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Controls Engineering Manager vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Engineering ManagerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; often with leadership experienceBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are common
Work EnvironmentOversees teams in manufacturing, automation, or industrial settings; strategic planningDesigns, develops, and tests control systems; hands-on technical work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automation, and process industries for leadership rolesCommon in industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing sectors

The Controls Engineering Manager focuses on leading teams, strategic planning, and overseeing control system projects, while Controls Engineers handle the technical design, development, and implementation of control systems. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and industry experience, but the manager role emphasizes leadership and project management.

How does a Controls Engineering Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Controls Engineering Manager, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams such as mechanical engineers, project managers, software developers, and operations staff. Your role involves aligning control system requirements with overall project goals, coordinating design reviews, and ensuring seamless integration of controls with mechanical and electrical systems. Regular meetings and open communication are essential to address challenges, delegate tasks, and track progress, making collaboration a vital aspect of delivering successful automation projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Engineering Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in electrical or controls engineering, experience in automation systems, and typically a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and relevant certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or PMP are often required. Strong leadership, project management, and effective communication skills are crucial for managing teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These capabilities ensure successful delivery of complex automation projects, team productivity, and adherence to safety and quality standards.

What is a Controls Engineering Manager?

A Controls Engineering Manager is a professional responsible for overseeing the design, development, and implementation of control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries like manufacturing, energy, and automation. They lead a team of engineers, manage projects, ensure compliance with industry standards, and collaborate with other departments to optimize operational efficiency. The role often involves troubleshooting, budgeting, and staying updated on the latest automation technologies to improve system performance and reliability.
Infographic showing various Controls Engineering Manager job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,582 per year, or $45 per hour.
Building Controls Application Engineer

Building Controls Application Engineer

Mantis Innovation

Chicago, IL • Remote

$120K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Position: Controls Application Engineer 
Start Date: Immediate 
 
As a Controls Application Engineer, you will be responsible for developing BMS/SCADA applications at both a supervisory and controller level. You will help refine engineering standards and provide remote support to project and field teams. You will also be involved in providing support across multiple engineering functions within the Controls Engineering group. You should be familiar with both DDC and PLC programming, BACnet & Modbus integrations, and have experience with building graphical front-end client interfaces.
Controls Application Engineering
  • This position will report to the Controls Engineering Manager.
  • Develop BMS applications across multiple platforms: e.g., Niagara, Ignition, Wonderware, Distech, PLC's.
  • Support the development and enforcement of engineering standards for programming, graphics, alarming, tagging, history management, and database creation. 
  • Provide remote technical support to Project Managers and Field Engineers during project execution. 
Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in the engineering field, preferably in Building Automation or Controls Engineering. 
  • 5+ years of BMS application development experience, with mission critical experience preferred. 
  • Strong knowledge of DDC control theory & HVAC applications and the ability to apply these principles to real-world scenarios. 
  • Basic networking knowledge; addressing & subnetting, IP + serial device configurations.
  • Comfortable working with industry standard protocol integrations such as: BACnet, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, SNMP, MQTT.
  • Basic networking knowledge, including manipulating PC settings to set up and commission devices on a network. 
  • Experience with servers, network equipment, and IoT practices, specifically for BMS applications. 
  • 2+ years of experience with Niagara platform (Niagara N4 certification is preferred).
  • Familiarity with Distech field controllers and GFX programming, Ignition SCADA, Wonderware, and PLC systems.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Competencies
  • Must be able to work independently and in a team, handling multiple tasks across different projects. 
  • Strong troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify problems and develop effective solutions. 
  • Knowledge of the construction contracting industry, especially in MEP fields, with experience in mission-critical environments a plus. 
  • Understanding of Mechanical and Electrical equipment in typical Mission Critical environments.
This role will provide the opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, where you will gain valuable experience with cutting-edge technologies and play a pivotal role in the successful completion of projects 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.