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Electrical & Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Electrical Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues during equipment build, testing, and startup. * Work closely with mechanical engineering and manufacturing throughout equipment development. * Support ...

New

Electrical Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท Hybrid

$82K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Electrical Controls Engineer Location: Chicago Area Company:Converge Resources Position Overview: As an Electrical Controls Engineer, you will play a critical role in the design ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL ยท On-site

$55.29 - $60.10/hr

Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues during equipment build, testing, and startup. * Work closely with mechanical engineering and manufacturing throughout equipment development. * Support ...

New

Electrical Controls Engineer The Electrical Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports automated industrial control systems, combining strong hands-on electrical expertise with advanced PLC ...

Electrical Controls Engineer The Electrical Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports automated industrial control systems, combining strong hands-on electrical expertise with advanced PLC ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Chesterton, IN ยท On-site

$76K - $101K/yr

Electrical Controls Engineer - Chesterton, IN This opportunity is with an established General Contractor that specializes in converting existing Buildings and Structures into complex buildings ...

Electrical Controls Engineer - Power

Monee, IL ยท On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

Civil, structural, and electrical engineering teams * Utility operations and control center personnel * Review drawings and specifications to ensure proper integration of controls, communications ...

Civil, structural, and electrical engineering teams * Utility operations and control center personnel * Review drawings and specifications to ensure proper integration of controls, communications ...

Civil, structural, and electrical engineering teams * Utility operations and control center personnel * Review drawings and specifications to ensure proper integration of controls, communications ...

2ND SHIFT CONTROLS ENGINEER - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS A Leading Automotive Supplier in Chicago, Illinois ... Train, coach, and mentor, the electrical controls process, for manufacturing skilled trades and ...

PM Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, or related Engineering field * Proven experience leading automation and controls projects in manufacturing environments * Hands-on experience with Rockwell ...

Electrical Controls Engineer (Off-shift)

Gary, IN ยท On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to be responsible for the development, implementation, testing ... Perform functional testing of electrical and control systems * Provide technical guidance and ...

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Electrical Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.3K

$96.8K

$134.4K

How much do electrical & controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical & controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $96,793.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $110,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Electrical & Controls Engineer?

To thrive as an Electrical & Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, control systems, and automation, typically with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, AutoCAD, and relevant industry certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) are commonly required. Problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating across teams and resolving complex technical issues. These competencies are essential to ensure reliable system performance, safety, and efficient project delivery in industrial and manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges Electrical & Controls Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Electrical & Controls Engineers often collaborate with mechanical, process, and software engineers on complex projects. A common challenge is ensuring seamless integration of control systems with various hardware and software components, which requires clear communication and thorough documentation. Additionally, balancing project timelines with the need for precise system testing and troubleshooting can be demanding. Being proactive in cross-functional meetings and maintaining flexibility in the face of changing project requirements are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Electrical & Controls Engineer vs Electrical Technician?

AspectElectrical & Controls EngineerElectrical Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related fieldAssociate degree or technical certification in electrical technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of control systems; project planningInstallation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electrical systems
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, industrial facilities, and engineering firmsIndustrial plants, maintenance departments, and electrical service companies

Electrical & Controls Engineers focus on designing and developing electrical control systems, requiring a bachelor's degree, while Electrical Technicians handle installation and maintenance, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in industrial settings but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What does an electrical & controls engineer do?

An electrical & controls engineer designs, develops, and maintains electrical systems and control processes for various industries. They work with circuit diagrams, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and automation equipment to improve system efficiency and safety. The role often requires knowledge of electrical codes, troubleshooting skills, and proficiency with engineering software.
Infographic showing various Electrical & Controls Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,793 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Electrical Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL โ€ข On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Controls Engineer About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a well-established manufacturer of custom automated equipment that is looking to add a Controls Engineer to its growing engineering team.

This is a great opportunity for an engineer who wants to own controls projects from design and programming through testing and startup. You’ll work closely with mechanical engineering and manufacturing while getting hands-on with sophisticated automation systems.

The position offers strong technical variety and project ownership without the heavy travel requirements that often come with controls roles.

What You'll Do
  • Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems using Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens platforms.

  • Program and configure HMI systems for automated machinery.

  • Develop and modify electrical controls, schematics, and system documentation.

  • Integrate PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motors, drives, and other industrial control components.

  • Troubleshoot electrical and controls issues during equipment build, testing, and startup.

  • Work closely with mechanical engineering and manufacturing throughout equipment development.

  • Support equipment testing, commissioning, installation, and customer startup.

  • Provide technical support and troubleshoot controls-related issues in the field.

  • Travel approximately 10–15% for installation, startup, and customer support.

What We're Looking For
  • Experience programming Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs.

  • Experience with HMI programming and industrial automation.

  • Strong understanding of electrical controls, schematics, sensors, motors, VFDs, and related automation hardware.

  • Experience troubleshooting automated machinery or industrial equipment.

  • Ability to independently manage controls-related responsibilities while collaborating with a broader engineering team.

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.

Why This Opportunity?
  • Work on custom automated equipment and a variety of controls projects.

  • Own projects through programming, testing, troubleshooting, and startup.

  • Limited travel of approximately 10–15%.

  • High level of technical ownership and visibility within the engineering organization.

  • Work with modern Allen-Bradley and Siemens automation platforms.

  • Join an established organization that continues to invest in its engineering and automation capabilities.

You should be proficient in:

  • PLC Troubleshooting Skills
  • Electrical Schematics
  • Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
  • PLC Programming Experience
  • HMI

Machines & technologies you'll use:

  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
  • Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Allen Bradley, Siemens)