1

Electrical Instrumentation Engineering Jobs in Illinois

next page

Showing results 1-20

Electrical Instrumentation Engineering information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Electrical Instrumentation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Instrumentation Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, process control, and instrumentation, often supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or instrumentation engineering. Familiarity with PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, and relevant certifications such as ISA CAP or EIT are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in cross-functional teams and complex environments. These skills ensure safe, reliable, and optimized operation of automated and industrial systems.

What are some typical challenges Electrical Instrumentation Engineers face when working on large-scale industrial projects?

Electrical Instrumentation Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new instrumentation systems with existing legacy equipment, ensuring compliance with strict industry safety and regulatory standards, and managing tight project timelines. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including process engineers, electricians, and project managers—is key to overcoming these obstacles. Effective troubleshooting skills and adaptability are crucial, as unexpected technical issues or supply chain delays can arise during installation and commissioning phases.

What is Electrical Instrumentation Engineering?

Electrical Instrumentation Engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the design, development, installation, and maintenance of instruments and devices used to measure and control electrical systems and processes. Professionals in this field ensure the accuracy and reliability of equipment that monitors variables such as voltage, current, pressure, temperature, and flow in industrial and manufacturing settings. They play a crucial role in automating processes, improving efficiency, and maintaining safety standards in industries like power generation, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

What is the difference between Electrical Instrumentation Engineering vs Electrical Engineering?

AspectElectrical Instrumentation EngineeringElectrical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical or Instrumentation Engineering, certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, PE license (optional)
Work EnvironmentFactories, process plants, automation systemsPower plants, electrical design firms, manufacturing
Industry UsageIndustrial automation, control systems, instrumentationPower systems, electronics, telecommunications

Electrical Instrumentation Engineering focuses on designing, installing, and maintaining control and instrumentation systems used in industrial processes. Electrical Engineering covers a broader range of electrical systems, including power distribution, electronics, and telecommunications. Both roles often share certifications and work environments but differ in specialization and scope.

What job categories do people searching Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Electrical Instrumentation Engineering jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Electrical Instrumentation Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Electrical Instrumentation Engineering job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution.
Electrical / Controls Engineer - Waukegan, IL

Electrical / Controls Engineer - Waukegan, IL

AkzoNobel

Waukegan, IL • On-site

$76K - $101.70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


AkzoNobel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 88 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

About AkzoNobel
Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands - including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon - is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today - while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.
For more information please visit www.akzonobel.com
2024 Akzo Nobel N.V. All rights reserved.
Job Purpose
The Electrical / Controls Engineer position supports the site in their manufacturing electrical and automation journey through technical capability to specify, install, maintain, and safeguard electrical, Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and associated systems. The Electrical / Controls Engineer further collaborates with site and regional teams to augment existing instrumentation and controls capabilities, capture future opportunities, and create road maps for automation projects that support business objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Control Systems Excellence:
• Primarily responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the site electrical, instrumentation and control (I&C) systems, including performing minor changes to switchgears, PLC system, routine maintenance and backups, troubleshooting assistance, creating preventative maintenance (PM) and asset life-cycle plans, creating spare parts strategies, and training site personnel on I&C use and maintenance
• Determine necessary OEM and third-party support contract needs for control systems
• Provide expertise on electrical, instrumentation and control system design for capital and expense projects, specifying equipment (disconnects, conduits, PLC, I/O, instrumentation), topologies, communication protocols, and collaborating with other discipline engineering
• Develop, update, and maintain the site digital map, including network architecture, equipment locations, IP / MAC addresses used and available, cable routes, etc.
• Collaborate with the Regional Digital Deployment Teams in preparation of digital initiatives (i.e. shutdown management, performance portal, communication boards, etc.)
• Act as Site Cyber Security Officer to ensure AkzoNobel policies and standards are implemented and accurately reported, execute periodic risk/vulnerability assessments, work with OEMs to mitigate found deficiencies, and lead and train on the control systems security program at the site
Process Safety Management:
• Maintain data and records for electrical, I&C systems related to Process Safety Management (PSM) processes, including safe operating limits, control system logic diagrams, loop drawings, and critical process interlocks
• Identify critical instrumentation and control system equipment, maintain up-to-date lists, and ensure identified equipment is maintained appropriately
• Participate in plant Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) studies, including HazOps, LOPAs, etc., providing instrumentation and control system expertise for functional safety.
Collaboration:
• Maintains good working relationships with OEM and third-party providers of I&C systems and manages contractors and service providers while on site
• Liaison with Information Management (IM), OEMs, and contractors in maintaining site industrial control system security
• Recognize the need for, and seek professional advice and/or assistance for areas beyond specific knowledge and experience
• Keep close coordination with Digital Architect & ISC Cybersecurity Officer for functional support and guidance.
Job Requirements
Technical Skills
• Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, instrumentation engineering, or engineering technology
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience; experience in a chemical or paints & coatings environment a plus
• Hands-on control system experience in large, high volume manufacturing facilities
• Experience in programming and troubleshooting electrical and PLC systems; experience with ABB and Rockwell systems a plus.
• Previous experience with factory digital transformation and automation programs
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, network architecture, and data collection methodologies
• Experience in different communication protocols (Profibus, Modbus, serial, ethernet, wireless etc.)
• Field instrumentation and VFD (ABB and Rockwell) programming and troubleshooting experience
• Experience with safety instrumented systems (SIS) a plus
Soft Skills
• Demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with production employees, peers, and manufacturing management
• Must be able to work with minimal direct guidance or direction from others
• Must have experience managing multiple projects and working on and/or leading multi-disciplined teams or workgroups
Benefits
Base salary range for this role is: $105,000 to $115,000. This is the range that we in good faith anticipate relying on when setting wages for this position. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This salary range may also be modified in the future.
  • 401K retirement savings with 6% company match
  • Medical insurance with HSA
  • Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D benefits
  • Generous vacation, sick and holiday pay
  • Annual bonus 10% Short Term Incentive
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid Parental leave after 1 year
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Active Diversity & Inclusion Networks
  • Employee referral bonus

Competencies
Accepting Direction
Accepting Responsibility
Acquiring Information
At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.
Requisition ID: 50844

What AkzoNobel employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom