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Controls Sales Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Shades of Grey HR

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Collaborate with sales and project teams to understand customer requirements. * Review AutoCAD ... Hands-on experience with PLC programming, controls, automation, or industrial troubleshooting.

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 ... sales, Southlake Automation has a path for you. Products and Engineering Services Offered by ...

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 ... sales, Southlake Automation has a path for you. Products and Engineering Services Offered by ...

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 ... sales, Southlake Automation has a path for you. Products and Engineering Services Offered by ...

Panatrol

Controls Systems Engineer

Oak Forest, IL · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

The Controls Systems Engineer reviews and designs engineered systems for various applications in ... Effective communication skills with sales, service, customers, vendors, electricians, and internal ...

Panatrol

Controls Systems Engineer

Oak Forest, IL · On-site

$80K - $104K/yr

The Controls Systems Engineer reviews and designs engineered systems for various applications in ... Effective communication skills with sales, service, customers, vendors, electricians, and internal ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsControls Sales Engineer JobsControls Sales Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Controls Sales Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$56.7K

$99.5K

$134.9K

How much do controls sales engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls sales engineer in Chicago, IL is $99,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a controls sales engineer?

A Controls Sales Engineer is a professional who specializes in selling control systems, such as automation and building management solutions, to businesses and organizations. They combine technical knowledge of control products with sales skills to identify customer needs, propose customized solutions, and close deals. Controls Sales Engineers often work closely with engineers, project managers, and procurement teams to ensure the proposed systems meet specific technical and budgetary requirements. Their role also includes generating leads, preparing quotations, and providing post-sale support. This position typically requires a background in engineering and strong communication skills.

How does a controls sales engineer typically collaborate with project managers and technical teams during the sales process?

Controls Sales Engineers work closely with project managers and technical teams to ensure proposed solutions meet client requirements and technical specifications. They often participate in site visits, technical discussions, and proposal development, acting as a liaison between the customer and internal engineering teams. This collaboration helps in accurately scoping projects, addressing potential challenges early, and ensuring smooth project execution post-sale. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as these roles rely on each other to deliver successful outcomes for both the company and the client.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a controls sales engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Sales Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, sales experience, and knowledge of control systems. Familiarity with building automation software (such as Tridium or Siemens), CRM platforms, and relevant industry certifications like LEED or HVAC certifications is often required. Outstanding communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help you build client relationships and tailor solutions effectively. These competencies are critical for understanding client needs, designing technical solutions, and driving sales growth in a competitive market.

What is the difference between Controls Sales Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Sales EngineerControls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; sales certifications beneficialBachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering; professional engineering license optional
Work EnvironmentCombines office sales activities with client site visits; customer interaction is keyPrimarily on-site or in manufacturing/industrial settings; focus on system design and implementation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by automation, manufacturing, and industrial control companies for client-facing rolesEmployed by engineering firms, automation integrators, and manufacturing plants for system development

The Controls Sales Engineer focuses on selling control systems and solutions, combining technical knowledge with sales skills. In contrast, the Controls Engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems. Both roles require technical expertise, but their primary functions differ—sales versus engineering design and implementation.

What are popular job titles related to Controls Sales Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Controls Sales Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Controls Sales Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Controls Sales Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Controls Sales Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Controls Sales Engineer job openings:

Controls Sales Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Sales Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,485 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Shades of Grey HR

Cary, IL • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

This position does not offer employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Job Title: PLC & Automation Engineer
Location: Cary, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Reports To: Head Engineer / Engineering Leadership
Travel: Approximately 20% travel for customer site startups, troubleshooting, training, and service support (typically about once per month depending on project volume).
Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 per year, based on experience
Benefits:
  • Medical and Dental. We cover 100% of employee and 50% of family coverage.  We don't offer vision or life insurance at this time.
  • Simple IRA with 3% employer contribution.
  • PTO - 3 weeks for the first 10 Years.
 
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 systems.
 
This position works closely with the company's senior engineer to support day-to-day engineering operations, develop control systems, troubleshoot equipment, assist with customer installations, and help improve existing products. The ideal candidate combines strong PLC and controls experience with mechanical aptitude and enjoys working in a collaborative, non-corporate manufacturing environment.
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs for custom wash systems.
  • Program and support Automation Direct / DirectLOGIC PLCs or comparable PLC platforms.
  • Design and integrate electrical control systems including relays, motor starters, sensors, VFDs, and related components.
  • Review previous system designs and project documentation to support new customer solutions.
  • Collaborate with sales and project teams to understand customer requirements.
  • Review AutoCAD drawings to verify layouts, dimensions, and system functionality.
  • Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and controls-related issues.
  • Travel to customer locations for equipment startup, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and operator training.
  • Assist with customer training during new equipment installations.
  • Support project documentation, bills of materials, and quotation development.
  • Work closely with engineering, production, service, sales, and leadership to ensure successful project completion.
  • Recommend and implement continuous improvements to equipment and control systems.
Required Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with PLC programming, controls, automation, or industrial troubleshooting.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand complex equipment systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, technical drawings, and system layouts.
  • Experience working with electrical control panels, relays, sensors, motor starters, VFDs, and related components.
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar drafting software.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to work directly with customers during installations and service visits.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Willingness to travel as needed.
  • Associate degree, technical school, trade school, engineering technology education, or equivalent hands-on experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Approximately 5+ years of controls, automation, or related technical experience.
  • Experience with Automation Direct / DirectLOGIC PLC systems.
  • Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, GE, or other PLC platforms.
  • Background in industrial automation, controls engineering, PLC programming, OEM equipment manufacturing, systems integration, HVAC controls, manufacturing maintenance, field service, or similar industries.
  • Experience supporting custom equipment or heavy industrial machinery.
  • Four-year engineering degree is a plus but not required.
Work Environment / Schedule
 
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Cary, Illinois.
 
The Controls Engineer works closely with engineering, production, service, sales, and leadership in a collaborative manufacturing environment. Regular travel to customer sites is required for equipment startup, testing, troubleshooting, and training.
 
Compensation and Benefits
  • Annual salary of $90,000 - $110,000, based on experience.
  • Medical and Dental. We cover 100% of employee and 50% of family coverage.  We don't offer vision or life insurance at this time.
  • Simple IRA with 3% employer contribution.
  • PTO - 3 weeks for the first 10 Years.
EEO Statement
 
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.