ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Controls Engineering Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Converge Resources

Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

BrightFarms Inc

Controls Engineer

Yorkville, IL · On-site

$135K - $159K/yr

Work closely with all engineering groups, support teams, and manufacturing, to assure accurate ... Monitors assigned project status and reports progress and obstacles to management as required to ...

TekPro

Electrical Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL

$55.29 - $60.10/hr

Ability to independently manage controls-related responsibilities while collaborating with a broader engineering team. * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation ...

BrightFarms Inc

Controls Engineer

Yorkville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Work closely with all engineering groups, support teams, and manufacturing, to assure accurate ... Monitors assigned project status and reports progress and obstacles to management as required to ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

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 14, 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 Engineer - Contract

Yorkville, IL • On-site

Davies Engineering Group
See more jobs at Davies Engineering Groupexternal

$81K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Controls Engineer - Contract
Yorkville, IL
Overview
Davies Engineering Group is seeking a Controls Engineer for a contract role based at our client site in Yorkville, IL. The candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of industrial automation experience and will design, program, and commission industrial control systems for a variety of industrial facility projects. The candidate will step immediately into an active owner's engineer assignment at a Chicago-area manufacturing plant, representing the owner on automation scope for a capital project program.
The successful candidate will provide controls system design and programming services with a primary focus on Rockwell Automation hardware and software platforms.
This position begins as a contract engagement. Conversion to full-time employment is based first on demonstrated technical performance and client confidence on the current assignment, and second on progress developing additional work in the Chicago market.
What you'll do:
The selected candidate will work with DEG controls engineers as part of project-specific teams. The candidate will manage assigned projects, coordinate the work of other controls engineers as needed, and represent DEG with clients and prospects in the Chicago region.
Owner's Engineer — Current Assignment
  • Represent the owner's interests on automation scope: review integrator designs, code, and submittals for conformance with plant standards and functional requirements.
  • Witness and document FAT/SAT, I/O checkout, and functional testing; track punch lists to closure.
  • Coordinate between plant operations, maintenance, corporate engineering, and integrators; manage automation-related changes and RFIs.
Sales amp; Business Development
  • Identify and pursue automation opportunities with existing and prospective clients in the Chicago region.
  • Build and maintain client relationships.
  • Prepare proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates in coordination with DEG leadership.
Project Management
  • Manage project budgets, schedules, and deliverables from proposal through closeout.
  • Coordinate construction and commissioning schedules with clients, contractors, and DEG staff in other offices.
  • Communicate project status and scope changes to clients and management.
Controls Engineering
  • Meet with clients to define scope, assess existing conditions, and establish equipment preferences.
  • Develop control system designs: platform selection, panel layouts, wiring and schematic diagrams, and specifications using AutoCAD.
  • Program PLCs and HMIs from sequences of operation and functional requirements; develop failure mode matrices.
  • Perform startup and commissioning: I/O checkout, program and functional testing, troubleshooting, and operator training.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum of 5 years of industrial automation experience designing, programming, and commissioning industrial control systems.
  • ABET-accredited engineering degree (electrical, mechanical, or chemical) preferred; equivalent experience and demonstrated technical competence will be considered.
  • FE completion is preferred, not required.
  • Experience working on the owner's side of capital projects — reviewing integrator deliverables, witnessing FAT/SAT, and coordinating plant stakeholders — is strongly preferred.
  • Exposure to industrial electrical power systems is preferred.
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
  • Demonstrated ability to manage automation projects, including scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables.
  • Experience developing client relationships and generating new work through proposals and estimates is strongly preferred.
Design and Programming Experience:
Required
  • Allen-Bradley Logix 500/5000 PLC development
  • HMI/SCADA development
  • Control panel design, instrumentation selection, and wiring diagrams
  • Working knowledge of pumps, fans, and mechanical process systems
Preferred
  • In-depth proficiency in at least one of: FactoryTalk View, Inductive Automation Ignition, or AVEVA System Platform
  • Batch management, packaging/robotics, or MSSQL database experience
The ideal candidate will possess excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. Frequent interaction with clients, suppliers, contractors, and project team members is required. The ability to work independently, research technical and code-related issues, and develop practical engineering solutions is essential. Above all, a strong desire to learn, take ownership, and succeed is essential.
Why Davies?
Davies Engineering Group is named after the late Gary Davies, an engineer who inspired others to dream bigger, work harder, and do what's right - even if it's not easy. DEG represents the continued growth and evolution of our engineering team, and we show up for our people with the same mindset. Davies is continuing to move forward, and we'd love for you to be a part of it.

Apply