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Controls Engineering Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

TREW LLC

Supervisor, Controls Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

Supervisor, Controls Engineering Location: West Chester, OH Job Id: 2088 # of Openings: 1 Position ... Report to engineering manager & project managers. Required Skills / Abilities * Ability to ...

BBS Automation

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 ...

Stark Pharma Solutions Inc

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.

TREW LLC

Supervisor, Electrical Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $162K/yr

You will work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Controls Engineering and Project Management. Duties / Responsibilities * Supervising a team of engineers, participating in hiring of engineers ...

Venteon

2nd Shift Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K/yr

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 ...

Huntsman

Controls Engineer

Ringwood, IL

$90K - $120K/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 ...

Huntsman Corporation

Controls Engineer

Ringwood, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/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 ...

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All JobsControls Engineering JobsControls Engineering Manager JobsControls Engineering Manager Jobs in Illinois

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 Sep 12, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls engineering manager?

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.

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 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.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Controls Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Controls Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Engineering Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,582 per year, or $45 per hour.

Controls Engineering Manager

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

Sterling Engineering Inc.
See more jobs at Sterling Engineering Inc.external

$140K - $160K/yr

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Job Description
Controls Engineering Manager
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
Salary: $140,000- $160,000 base salary + 10–20% annual bonus (10% guaranteed)

Position Overview
We are seeking a hands-on Controls Engineering Manager to lead a team of Controls Engineers supporting a high-volume manufacturing operation. This role combines technical leadership with day-to-day involvement in automation and controls projects, ensuring production equipment remains reliable, efficient, and operating at peak performance.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in industrial automation and understands the urgency of supporting manufacturing environments where equipment downtime directly impacts production. This individual will mentor and develop the engineering team while serving as the technical expert for controls systems, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Controls Engineers, providing technical guidance, coaching, and performance management.
  • Provide hands-on support for complex controls issues, equipment troubleshooting, and production-critical downtime events.
  • Partner with production, maintenance, quality, and operations teams to improve equipment reliability and manufacturing performance.
  • Work directly with customers to develop and implement controls upgrades and automation improvements.
  • Collaborate with OEMs and equipment vendors to resolve technical challenges and develop long-term automation solutions.
  • Lead controls-related capital projects, equipment upgrades, and new automation initiatives from concept through implementation.
  • Drive root cause investigations and implement permanent corrective actions to improve equipment uptime and reliability.
  • Establish and maintain controls engineering standards, documentation, and best practices.
  • Support PLC, HMI, industrial networking, robotics, motion control, and automated manufacturing systems.
  • Identify opportunities to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce downtime, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement through Lean manufacturing principles and data-driven decision making.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
  • 6+ years of industrial controls or automation engineering experience.
  • 2+ years of engineering leadership or supervisory experience.
  • Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMIs, industrial automation, and manufacturing equipment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex controls issues and provide technical leadership during production-critical events.
  • Experience managing projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work effectively with operations, maintenance, customers, and equipment manufacturers.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in food, pharmaceutical, medical device, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
  • Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations where minimizing downtime is critical.
  • Knowledge of robotics, vision systems, motion control, SCADA, MES, or industrial networking.
  • Experience working with OEM equipment suppliers and system integrators.
  • Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement experience is a plus.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for a leader who enjoys staying close to the technology rather than managing strictly from behind a desk. The ideal candidate understands what it takes to diagnose equipment issues, estimate repair efforts, support engineers through technical challenges, and develop long-term solutions that improve manufacturing reliability. If you thrive in fast-paced production environments and enjoy leading teams while remaining technically involved, we'd love to hear from you.

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