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Controls Systems Designer Jobs in Gurnee, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Controls Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Review previous system designs and project documentation to support new customer solutions ... Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and controls-related issues. * Travel to customer ...

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Controls Systems Designer information

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$17

$37

$60

How much do controls systems designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls systems designer in Gurnee, IL is $37.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.93 and $43.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by a controls systems designer when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Controls Systems Designers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, which can present challenges in aligning technical requirements and timelines. Effective communication and a strong understanding of each discipline's needs are essential to ensure seamless integration of control systems with other project components. Additionally, adapting to evolving project specifications and resolving unforeseen technical issues require flexibility and proactive problem-solving skills. Navigating these challenges successfully helps ensure project goals are met and fosters strong professional relationships within the team.

What is a controls systems designer?

A Controls Systems Designer is a professional who develops and implements systems that control machinery, processes, or devices within industries such as manufacturing, automation, and building management. They design control schemes, select hardware and software, and create detailed schematics and documentation. Their work ensures that automated systems operate safely, efficiently, and according to specifications. Controls Systems Designers often collaborate with engineers, electricians, and project managers to integrate and troubleshoot these control systems.

What is the difference between Controls Systems Designer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls Systems DesignerControls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) are commonSimilar credentials, often with engineering degrees and certifications such as CCST or PE licensure
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused roles often in office settings, collaborating with engineers and project managersMore fieldwork involved, including installation, testing, and troubleshooting of control systems
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, automation, and industrial sectors for designing control systemsApplied in similar industries, with a focus on implementation and maintenance of control systems

Controls Systems Designers primarily focus on designing and planning control systems, while Controls Engineers are more involved in implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, often within the same industries.

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

To thrive as a Controls Systems Designer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, automation principles, and control theory, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification. Proficiency with PLC programming, CAD software, SCADA systems, and industry standards like IEC 61131 is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in interdisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure reliable and efficient system designs that meet client specifications and regulatory requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Controls Systems Designer jobs in Gurnee, IL? For Controls Systems Designer jobs in Gurnee, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Gurnee, IL are hiring for Controls Systems Designer jobs? Cities near Gurnee, IL with the most Controls Systems Designer job openings:
Controls Systems Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Systems Designer job openings in Gurnee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,564 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

HVAC Controls Systems Engineer

Johnson Controls

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Johnson Controls rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 407 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 538 rated manufacturers

Job description

About Us:
Johnson Controls, a global leader in thermal management, mission-critical building systems, energy efficiency, and decarbonization, helps customers use energy more productively, reduce carbon emissions, and operate with the precision and resilience required in rapidly expanding industries such as data centers, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing, and higher education.
For more than 140 years, Johnson Controls has delivered performance where it really matters. Backed by advanced technology, lifecycle services and an industry-leading field organization, we elevate customer performance, turn goals into real-world results and help move society forward.
Controls Systems Engineer IV
Johnson Controls creates smart, healthy, and sustainable building solutions that help customers operate more efficiently and achieve better outcomes. In this role, you will contribute to complex control system solutions that support that mission after sale.
You will work closely with engineering, sales, and customer teams to shape technical solutions, protect quality, and deliver designs that can be executed with confidence.
What you'll do
This expert-level position is responsible for defining and delivering highly complex control system solutions post-sale. You will provide oversight of hardware design and software architecture, use tools such as AutoCAD and BIM, and help ensure technical solutions are aligned, documented, and ready for successful implementation. The role also calls for thought leadership, engineering best practices, and mentoring that strengthens the broader team.
How you'll do it
  • Lead the development and delivery of highly complex control system solutions after the sale.
  • Oversee hardware design and software architecture to ensure the technical solution is complete, practical, and aligned with customer needs.
  • Use AutoCAD, BIM, and related design tools to support detailed engineering work, documentation, and technical reviews.
  • Review design outputs for quality, accuracy, and consistency across the solution lifecycle.
  • Establish and reinforce engineering best practices that improve reliability and execution.
  • Provide thought leadership on complex technical issues, design tradeoffs, and solution direction.
  • Mentor senior engineers and help build a high-performing team through coaching and knowledge sharing.
  • Collaborate with sales, project, and customer stakeholders to keep technical solutions aligned with scope and expectations.
  • Support innovation and improvement by evaluating emerging technologies and better ways of working.
How You Will Do It
  • Own outcomes with accountability, safety, and integrity while maintaining high standards for technical quality and customer trust.
  • Stay close to the work and remove obstacles for customers by engaging early, clarifying requirements, and addressing issues before they affect delivery.
  • Improve every day through candid problem-solving by challenging gaps, refining documentation, and strengthening solutions through review and learning.
  • Win as one team by bringing together hardware, software, sales, and delivery perspectives and creating space for collaboration.
  • Apply AutoCAD and BIM workflows with discipline so drawings, models, and design packages remain accurate and usable.
  • Use clear communication and strong coordination to guide complex decisions and keep stakeholders aligned.
  • Share expertise generously and mentor others in a way that builds capability across the team.
Required
  • Advanced degree in a relevant field, or a university degree with an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 6+ years of progressive experience in system design and integration, ideally in complex controls or related technical environments.
  • Demonstrated mastery of design platforms and the ability to apply AutoCAD and BIM in advanced engineering work.
  • Strong background in hardware design oversight and software architecture for integrated control solutions.
  • Proven strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to guide decisions in complex situations.
  • Experience communicating technical concepts clearly to engineering, sales, project, and customer stakeholders.
  • Ability to mentor senior engineers and influence engineering practices across a team.
  • Strong attention to quality, documentation, and technical consistency.
Preferred
  • Experience with Revit or other BIM coordination workflows.
  • Experience supporting pre-bid activities, shop drawing review, or design milestone management.
  • Exposure to enterprise account engineering support or similar post-sale technical coordination.
  • Familiarity with emerging design technologies or digital engineering methods that improve delivery quality.

HIRING SALARY RANGE: 91k- 140k. (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us
Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.

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About Johnson Controls

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Johnson Controls is a world leader in smart buildings, creating safe, healthy and sustainable spaces. For nearly 140 years, we’ve made buildings better and now we’re transforming them again with our award-winning digital technologies and services. We’re using artificial intelligence and data driven solutions to give you deeper insight into your building’s health, sustainability and performance. It’s changing the way we design, operate and maintain indoor environments and driving to a new era of autonomous buildings. We deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, hotels, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive suite of connected solutions. Johnson Controls offers the world’s largest portfolio of building technology, software and services. Supported by a team of more than 100,000 dedicated employees working across 150 countries, we’re helping customers achieve their sustainability goals and power their mission.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing, water transportation, public safety statistics centers and offices and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

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