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Controls Manager Jobs in Round Lake, IL (NOW HIRING)

Area Manufacturing Manager - Controls

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$83K - $98K/yr

... controls and PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens). * Experience with PLC hardware/software design and operator interfaces (FactoryTalk View, PanelView). * Proven project management skills for ...

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 ...

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 ...

Controls Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Position Summary The Controls Engineer is responsible for the controls architecture, software ... change management. • Knowledge of NFPA 79, UL 508A, ISO 13849, IEC 62061, CE requirements ...

New

Controls Engineers

Elgin, IL · On-site

$160K/yr

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 ...

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Job Summary Ross and White Company is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, troubleshooting, startup, and continuous improvement of custom heavy-duty vehicle wash ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

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

Controls Engineer

Round Lake, IL · On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

Controls Engineer Duration: 12 Months Location: Round Lake, IL Only W2 candidates are eligible for ... Ability to communicate and persuade customers, partners, and management on recommended courses of ...

About the Role We seek a Project Controls Engineer to provide scheduling support services to our ... This position will work with a team of professionals, including client project managers ...

Showing results 21-40

Controls Manager information

See Round Lake, IL salary details

$74.8K

$128.2K

$163.5K

How much do controls manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls manager in Round Lake, IL is $128,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,900.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Controls Manager, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and process control, usually supported by a relevant degree and industry experience. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and coordinating with other departments. These skills ensure efficient system operation, project success, and compliance with safety and industry standards.

What are some common challenges controls managers face when overseeing automation projects?

Controls Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating between multidisciplinary teams, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring that control systems integrate seamlessly with existing processes. They must also stay updated with evolving technologies while maintaining compliance with safety and industry standards. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as troubleshooting unexpected issues and adapting to changing project scopes are regular parts of the role.

What is the difference between Controls Manager vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls ManagerControls Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; often requires leadership experienceBachelor's or master's degree in engineering, control systems, or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees control systems projects, manages teams, coordinates with clientsDesigns, develops, and tests control systems, often working hands-on with equipment
Industry UsageCommonly found in manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectorsTypically involved in engineering design and implementation in similar industries

Controls Managers focus on overseeing control systems projects and leading teams, while Controls Engineers are more involved in designing and developing control systems. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Controls Manager has additional leadership responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role in automation and control systems industries.

What cities near Round Lake, IL are hiring for Controls Manager jobs?

Cities near Round Lake, IL with the most Controls Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Controls Manager job openings in Round Lake, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,190 per year, or $61.6 per hour.

Controls Engineering Manager

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 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.