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

Romeoville, IL office (onsite) The CONTROLS SOFTWARE ENGINEER is an integral person in helping our customer's vision for an automated storage solution from Movu US come to life. The core objectives ...

Controls Software Engineer

Romeoville, IL · On-site +1

$95K - $120K/yr

Romeoville, IL office (onsite) The CONTROLS SOFTWARE ENGINEER is an integral person in helping our customer's vision for an automated storage solution from Movu US come to life. The core objectives ...

Romeoville, IL office (onsite) The CONTROLS SOFTWARE ENGINEER is an integral person in helping our customer's vision for an automated storage solution from Movu US come to life. The core objectives ...

Knowledge of industrial networks, controls software, and MES * Project management skills * Ability ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering * 5+ years experience * Consumer Packaged Goods experience with a ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $134K/yr

Provide on-site start-up engineering support during line commissioning. Compensation and Benefits ... Knowledge of industrial networks, controls software, and MES * Project management skills * Ability ...

The Project Engineer II will support the delivery and coordination for embedded controls software teams, ensuring programs are on schedule and on budget while managing hardware logistics and test ...

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Controls Software Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do controls software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls software engineer in Chicago, IL is $50.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.81 and $57.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Controls Software Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControls Software EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Software Engineering; often requires experience in control systemsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; may require certifications in automation systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing control software for machinery and industrial systemsDesigning, implementing, and maintaining automated processes and systems
Industry UsageManufacturing, robotics, process controlManufacturing, process industries, robotics

Controls Software Engineers focus on developing control algorithms and software for machinery, while Automation Engineers design and optimize automated processes. Both roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope: controls software is more software development-centric, whereas automation emphasizes process improvement and system integration.

What does a controls software engineer do?

A controls software engineer designs, develops, and maintains software that controls machinery and industrial systems. They typically work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), embedded systems, and automation tools to ensure equipment operates efficiently and safely. Strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or ladder logic are essential, along with knowledge of control theory and system integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Software Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Software Engineer, you need a strong background in control systems theory, programming (such as C/C++ or PLC languages), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB/Simulink, SCADA systems, and industry-specific automation platforms is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) being advantageous. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex system challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable and efficient automated control systems in industrial settings.

What are Controls Software Engineers?

Controls Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement software used to control machines, industrial processes, or automated systems. They work at the intersection of hardware and software, creating programs that direct how machinery operates in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, and robotics. Their responsibilities often include writing control algorithms, configuring programmable logic controllers (PLCs), troubleshooting system issues, and ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently. Controls Software Engineers collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and process engineers to deliver integrated solutions. This role requires strong programming skills, an understanding of control theory, and familiarity with industrial automation tools.

Can I make 200k a year as a software engineer?

Controls Software Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies can earn salaries of $200,000 or more annually. Achieving this often requires advanced knowledge of automation, control systems, and proficiency with programming languages like C++ or Python, along with certifications or leadership roles. Salary levels vary based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Controls Software Engineers in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation, and relevant certifications. High compensation often reflects seniority, complex project responsibilities, and working in competitive or high-demand environments.

How does a Controls Software Engineer typically collaborate with hardware and mechanical teams during a project?

As a Controls Software Engineer, collaboration with hardware and mechanical teams is integral throughout the project lifecycle. You will frequently participate in cross-functional meetings to align software controls with hardware specifications and system requirements. This may involve reviewing electrical schematics, discussing sensor integration, and conducting joint troubleshooting sessions during system commissioning. Open communication and a willingness to adapt your code based on physical system feedback are key to ensuring seamless system performance and successful project delivery.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, or aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Senior controls software engineers working in industries like automation, robotics, or aerospace with advanced skills and certifications may also reach this level, especially in senior or executive roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Controls Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Controls Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Software Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Controls Software Engineer

Movu Robotics

Romeoville, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Company Description

#WeRackTheWorld

The warehouse of the future contains high-density, high-precision racking with automated pallet shuttles (like our atlas 1D) instead of wide aisles that forklifts need to pass through.

Our customers benefit from much better utilization of their warehouses (up to 70% more pallet storage than traditional rack!), maximized vertical space, improved accuracy in pallet selection, and minimized labor costs and product damage.

Over the span of more than 40 years, we’ve grown into a company with 10 manufacturing facilities, 19 commercial offices, and the know-how of around 2000 employees serving customers in 40 countries.

We Rack the World. Early 2021, we opened our first U.S. Office in Romeoville, IL and we have already grown to over 70 employees. We are also soon opening our first stow manufacturing plant in the greater Atlanta area to serve our current and future customer base. It's exciting times to be at stow!

Location:  Romeoville, IL office  (onsite) 

Job Description

The CONTROLS SOFTWARE ENGINEER is an integral person in helping our customer’s vision for an automated storage solution from Movu US come to life. The core objectives are to program the PLC and HMI for our products and support product implementation and system integration onsite.

Solutions: Fully automated storage solutions including pallet shuttles (atlas) and ancillary systems such as conveyors and lifts.

Customers: End users are located throughout the United States and Canada. We work with many of the leading integrators as our Sales partners.

Typical project size: 1-30M  

Qualifications

As our CONTROLS SOFTWARE ENGINEER, you…

  • support Sales, Engineering, Project Management, and Commissioning by sharing your expertise of the final installation and system integration
  • support the creation of the functional description specifications regarding the operation of the system and the commissioning of controls
  • draft documentation such as SOPs and contribute to creating manuals
  • develop and design PLC programs, using standard blocks
  • develop and design HMI programs, using standard templates
  • test and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems and processes
  • work closely with our integration team for WCS testing
  • optimize the system by offering simulation support
  • contribute to the development of test plans alongside the Commissioning Team
  • be present on-site to make sure everything is operational after rack installation and initial electrical troubleshooting and to make sure everything is functional before our robots are commissioned  
  • be present on-site when commissioning is in final stages to prepare the Movu system for handover to the end-customer
  • perform Site Acceptance Testing  

This lets us know you’re up for the job

  • Multiple years of experience with controls engineering for material handling systems and industrial automation
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Automation, Robotics, Electrical, Electro-Mechanical, or Mechatronics Engineering
  • PLC and HMI Programming experience (Siemens preferred, but strong experience with Allen Bradley is just fine)
  • Experience reading/writing code in SCL or other structured text-based languages 
  • Always looking for ways to improve processes, hardware components, and codebase
  • Willing and able to travel to customer sites and if remote, to our office an average of up to 30%, usually no longer than 2 weeks at a time; throughout the United States and occasionally to Canada 
  • If remote, occasional travel to our Romeoville, IL office (average 3 days at a time; approx. 4-6 times per year besides onboarding & training)
  • For onboarding and training, if remote, travel to our Romeoville, IL office and regardless of your location, to our headquarters in Belgium (usually no more than 2 weeks at a time)
  • We work closely with our European colleagues. The morning hours are the most important so we can connect with them while our business hours overlap across time zones. If you love starting your workday mid-morning or later, you would hate it here. Most people start their workday at 8 am CST and some love to start even earlier so they can wrap up earlier at the end of the day.

Additional Information

What do we offer you?

  1. PTO, sick leave, & paid holidays
  2. Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  3. Company paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  4. Company Paid Life Insurance
  5. Company Paid Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  6. 401K with employer match, currently 4%
  7. Partial Tuition Reimbursement after 12 months
  8. Gross Salary

Salary Range: $95k to $120k

Quality, Safety, Health, Environment, Compliance

Every employee at stow contributes to a safe and compliant work environment. We set the example and motivate each other to work safely, efficiently, and in a qualitative way. stow’s standards, policies, instructions, and local legislations are there to guide our decisions.

EEO

stow provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. stow prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, age, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.