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Controls Hardware Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... Control Panel Design - Hardware design for PLC, HMI and drive systems * Control Panel Assembly ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... Control Panel Design - Hardware design for PLC, HMI and drive systems * Control Panel Assembly ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Salary: Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in ... Control Panel Design Hardware design for PLC, HMI and drive systems * Control Panel Assembly ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... Control Panel Design - Hardware design for PLC, HMI and drive systems * Control Panel Assembly ...

Converge Resources

Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

Electrical schematic design PLC programming HMI development VFD setup and parameterization I/O ... Ignition Hardware & Systems: Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PowerFlex VFDs Kinetix Motion Systems ...

Lear Corporation

Process Controls Engineer

Hammond, IN

$79K - $102K/yr

Provide controls and systems engineering support for emergency and unscheduled repairs of ... hardware components for the design of electrical control systems and circuitry diagrams to perform ...

Lear Corporation

Process Controls Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Provide controls and systems engineering support for emergency and unscheduled repairs of ... hardware components for the design of electrical control systems and circuitry diagrams to perform ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsControls Hardware Design JobsControls Hardware Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Controls Hardware Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.8K

$94.9K

$121.6K

How much do controls hardware design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls hardware design in Chicago, IL is $94,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Controls Hardware Design vs Controls Systems Engineer?

AspectControls Hardware DesignControls Systems Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing control hardware componentsDesigning and integrating control systems and software
CredentialsElectrical engineering degree, hardware certificationsElectrical/software engineering degree, control system certifications
Work EnvironmentHardware labs, manufacturing facilitiesControl room, software development labs
Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, roboticsIndustrial automation, process control, systems integration

Controls Hardware Design focuses on creating the physical control components, while Controls Systems Engineer works on the overall control system integration, including software. Both roles often collaborate but differ mainly in their scope and technical focus.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Hardware Design jobs in Chicago, IL? For Controls Hardware Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Hardware Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Hardware Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Controls Hardware Design jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Controls Hardware Design job openings:
Controls Hardware Design jobs near you

Controls Engineers

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Elgin, IL

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Controls Engineer – Automation

Location: Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Up to $160,000 annually (based on experience)

Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to join an Automation Development team focused on designing and building custom automation and robotic equipment for high-volume manufacturing environments. This role is hands-on and end-to-end—you’ll own projects from concept and proof-of-principle through programming, debug, testing, and factory integration.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, custom machine build environments, enjoys learning new technologies, and takes pride in delivering robust, high-performing automation solutions.

What You’ll Do
  • Design and implement control systems for custom automation and robotic equipment
  • Support rapid prototyping efforts using in-house fabricated parts
  • Participate in machine risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards
  • Review electrical schematics and support controls hardware architecture decisions
  • Create application design documentation, flowcharts, and participate in software design reviews
  • Program and configure automation systems including:
    • PLCs
    • HMIs / SCADA
    • Servo systems
    • Robotics
    • Machine vision systems
  • Test and verify electrical wiring (safety circuits, I/O, communications, etc.)
  • Debug and validate software and hardware to meet performance and quality requirements
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers and assembly teams to ensure proper machine setup and alignment
  • Execute acceptance testing and support equipment installation and integration at manufacturing facilities
  • Travel up to 25–30% to support factory installations and system launches
What You’ll Bring
  • 1+ years of experience in custom automation or machine build environments
  • PLC programming experience
    • Siemens (preferred)
    • Rockwell Automation (secondary)
  • HMI / SCADA experience
    • WinCC (preferred)
    • Ignition (secondary)
  • Experience with controls hardware including sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, machine vision systems, barcode readers, and safety devices
  • Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, TCP/IP, etc.)
  • Robotics experience
    • FANUC (preferred)
    • KUKA (secondary)
  • 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-of-a-kind automation systems—no cookie-cutter projects
  • High ownership and visibility from concept through commissioning
  • Collaborative engineering environment with strong technical talent
  • Exposure to cutting-edge automation, robotics, and manufacturing technologies
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary up to $160,000, depending on experience
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and holidays


  • Additional benefits and perks discussed during the interview process


  • on for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.