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Controls Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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.

Venteon

2nd Shift Controls Engineer

Normal, IL · On-site

$110K/yr

The ideal candidates should have hands-on experience in Controls Engineering Requirements of the Controls Engineer * Bachelor s degree in a related field preferred. * Four or more years of relevant ...

TekPro Engineering

Controls Engineer

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Collaborative engineering team where your ideas and technical expertise are valued ... controls-related issues during machine builds and customer acceptance testing. * Ensure designs ...

New

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Controls Engineers

Elgin, IL

$160K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience Why This Role * Work on custom, one ...

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All JobsControls Engineering JobsControls Engineering Jobs in Illinois

Controls Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$53.3K

$93.6K

$126.9K

How much do controls engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls engineering 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 controls engineering?

Controls engineering is a specialized field of engineering that focuses on designing, developing, and implementing systems that manage, command, direct, or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems. Controls engineers use principles from electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering to automate processes, improve efficiency, and ensure safety in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy. Their work often involves programming controllers, designing feedback systems, and integrating sensors and actuators to achieve precise control over machinery and processes.

How does a controls engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Controls Engineers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure seamless integration of automated systems. They are responsible for developing and implementing control strategies that meet project specifications, which often involves coordinating with design, installation, and commissioning teams. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as Controls Engineers must align their solutions with the overall project goals and troubleshoot cross-disciplinary issues that arise during development and testing phases.

What exactly does a controls engineer do?

A controls engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that automate machinery and processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often analyzing data and troubleshooting issues. The role typically requires knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and software engineering principles, along with relevant certifications and technical skills.

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

To thrive as a Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and industry certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated systems in industrial environments.

How much do controls engineers get paid?

Controls engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $110,000. Salaries are often complemented by benefits such as overtime pay, technical training, and opportunities to work with automation tools like PLCs and SCADA systems.
What are popular job titles related to Controls Engineering jobs in Illinois? For Controls Engineering jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Engineering jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
Controls Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Engineering 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.

Controls Engineering Manager

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

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.