1

Controls Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Caledonia, IL

$76K - $98K/yr

Bachelor's degree (BS) is required, with an engineering discipline strongly preferred. * At least 2+ years of experience in controls engineering or a closely related field for the Controls Engineer ...

New

Controls Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Bachelor's degree (BS) is required, with an engineering discipline strongly preferred. * At least 2+ years of experience in controls engineering or a closely related field for the Controls Engineer ...

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.

Senior Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

... engineering concepts and ideas clearly (to builders, customers, and others) • Travel to customer sites for machine installation; travel % is approximately 25% Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in ...

Controls Engineers

Elgin, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

... in Electrical Engineering or equivalent • 7+ years of controls engineering experience in high-volume manufacturing • Strong experience with Allen Bradley PLCs, Studio 5000, RSLogix 5000 ...

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field. * 7+ years of Controls Engineering experience in manufacturing or industrial automation. * Strong programming and troubleshooting ...

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent * 7+ years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment * Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field. * 7+ years of experience in industrial automation/manufacturing controls. * Strong experience with Allen Bradley ...

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field. * 7+ years of experience in industrial automation/manufacturing controls. * Strong experience with Allen Bradley ...

Controls Engineer

Belvidere, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

This role is ideal for a controls engineering professional with a strong hardware design background who thrives in a hands-on, collaborative environment. The Controls Engineer II is responsible for ...

Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL

$86K - $111K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Greater Chicago Area Position Type: Full-Time | Onsite with Travel (~25 ... engineering team. This role is responsible for owning projects from initial concept through ...

Controls Engineer

Roscoe, IL · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

The controls engineering will occasionally work with the sales team and application engineers to solve customer problems and recommend PBC Linear products which will meet their application ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Controls Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$53.3K

$93.6K

$126.9K

How much do controls engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 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.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Controls engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within engineering fields. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership positions in large corporations may approach high six-figure incomes, but reaching $500,000 is rare for standard controls engineering roles.

What 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 actuators to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often using engineering software and technical skills. Their role involves troubleshooting, testing, and optimizing control systems in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or large manufacturing often offer such compensation, particularly for engineers in managerial or lead positions with advanced expertise in PLCs, SCADA systems, and robotics.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in automation, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Senior-level roles often require strong knowledge of PLC programming, industrial networks, and project management, typically in manufacturing or process industries. Compensation varies based on location, industry, and individual skill set.

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, 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.
Controls Engineering Specialist

Controls Engineering Specialist

Ford Motor Company

Ford Heights, IL • On-site

$84K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

We are the movers of the world and the makers of the future. We get up every day, roll up our sleeves and build a better world -- together. At Ford, we're all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Are you ready to change the way the world moves? 

As part of our Manufacturing team, you'll help build the world-class, state-of-the-art smart vehicles we're known for. In our plants around the world, we're constantly developing new technologies and processes to further increase our efficiency. You'll get the satisfaction of making great products people use and love.

In this position... 

As a Controls Engineering Specialist at our Chicago Stamping Plant, you will design, implement, and maintain automation and control systems for stamping processes. This includes optimizing equipment effectiveness, troubleshooting PLCs and robots (Fanuc), and ensuring compliance with safety standards. 

You'll have... 

  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • 2+ years of Controls Engineering experience (relevant internship, co-op, or Controls Technician experience will be considered).
  • Fundamental working knowledge of PLC logic and controls (RSLogix)
  • Electrical Background (electrician or technician) or related experience
  • Allen Bradley Panel View use/programming AB Servo and AB VFD drives 
  • Fundamental working knowledge of Fanuc robots 
  • Familiarity with VFDs, Armor starts, encoders, network/Ethernet controls
  • Ability to work rotating shifts and hours, including days, nights, and weekends
  • Successful candidates will exhibit strong leadership, interpersonal, team-building, and communication skills.

Even better, you may have...

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
  • 2+ years of Controls Engineering experience
    • Strong problem-solving skills, including 8Ds, FMEAs, and DMAICs 
    • Ability to independently troubleshoot all body equipment and continuously evaluate equipment for improvement for quality and delivery 
    • Fanuc robot experience 
    • Kawasaki programming, RS Logics, Microsoft Office 
    • PLC  
    • Ability to read prints, AutoCAD, interpret, and modify electrical schematics
    • Experienced in laser burning
    • Strong understanding of conveyor system programming and body tooling techniques, in addition to networking understanding, DH+, Ethernet, and remote IO
    • Ability to read blueprints
    • Simulation modeling exposure
    • Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience
    • Lean Tools - 5S, Kanban, Poka-yoke, and Value Stream Mapping
    • DMAIC and DMADV (DFSS) Project Methodology experience
    • TQM and Kaizen Methods
    • FMEA, PPAP, and DOEs experience
    • Visual Factory Management

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!

As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:

  • Immediate medical, dental, and prescription drug coverage

  • Flexible family care, parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up childcare and more

  • Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more

  • Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases

  • Tuition assistance

  • Established and active employee resource groups

  • Paid time off for individual and team community service

  • A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day

  • Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time. 

This position is a salary grade 7 and ranges from $84,480-$141,360. 

For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/GSR

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.

#LI-Onsite

#LI-DS1

#ControlsTechnician

#ControlsEngineeringSpecialists 

What you'll do...

  • Use Vis Plant monitoring software to review cycle times of automation, review and follow up automation project's and installations
  • Troubleshoot PLC, robot, and other automation problems
  • Update program backups for automation 
  • Program new installations of Body tooling and conveyor systems
  • Reprogram automation for engineering changes and improvements 
  • Coordinate automation campaigns

Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982