ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Controls Engineers

Elgin, IL · On-site

$160K/yr

Controls Engineer - Automation Location: Elgin, IL Job Type: Full-Time Compensation: Up to $160,000 annually (based on experience) Overview We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to join ...

Intellectt INC

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Libertyville, IL (Onsite) Duration: Long-Term Contract Type: W2 Contract Industry: Medical Devices Manufacturing We are actively hiring a Controls Engineer for a leading ...

Intellectt INC

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Controls Engineer Location : Libertyville, IL Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer with 7+ years of experience in industrial automation or high-volume manufacturing ...

Intellectt INC

Controls Engineer

Six Mile, IL · On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Six Mile , IL Seeking a Controls Engineer with 7+ years of experience in industrial automation and high-volume manufacturing. The ideal candidate will lead the design ...

Mastech Digital

Controls Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Controls Engineer Primary Skills: Engineering Role Description: The Controls Engineer must have 6+ years of experience. For this role, you must be a skilled Controls Engineer to join our team in ...

Intellectt INC

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

We have an urgent opening for a Controls Engineer position based in Libertyville, IL with one of our prestigious clients. If you are interested or know someone who might be a good fit, please share ...

Intellectt INC

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Libertyville, IL Seeking a Controls Engineer with 7+ years of experience in industrial automation and high-volume manufacturing. The ideal candidate will lead the design ...

Intellectt INC

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Libertyville, IL Job Summary: Seeking an experienced Controls Engineer with 7+ years in manufacturing/automation to support a new high-volume medical device manufacturing ...

Converge Resources

Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL

$86K - $111K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Greater Chicago Area Position Type: Full-Time | Onsite with Travel (~25%) Industry: Industrial Machinery / OEM Manufacturing Position Overview A leading industrial ...

Intellectt INC

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Libertyville, IL Job Summary: Seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support a new medical device manufacturing plant. The role involves controls system design ...

PBC Linear

Controls Engineer

Roscoe, IL

$48.08 - $72.12/hr

The ideal controls engineer has direct knowledge of and experience working with servo motor and stepper motor dynamics, PLCs, controls, servo motors, stepper motors, drives, sensors, & safety ...

PBC Linear

Controls Engineer

Roscoe, IL · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

The ideal controls engineer has direct knowledge of and experience working with servo motor and stepper motor dynamics, PLCs, controls, servo motors, stepper motors, drives, sensors, & safety ...

Intellectt INC

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Libertyville, IL Job Summary Seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support a new medical device manufacturing plant. Responsible for controls design, commissioning ...

Huntsman Corporation

Controls Engineer

Ringwood, IL · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

: Controls Engineer Huntsman is seeking a Controls Engineer supporting the Polyurethanes Division located in Ringwood, Illinois. This position will report to the Engineering Manager. Job Scope The ...

Sotera Health

Controls Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

Controls Engineer Reporting to the Controls Engineering Manager, the Controls Engineer is responsible for supporting industrial control system endeavors throughout the Sterigenics network. The ...

Haumiller Engineering Co

Controls Engineer II

Belvidere, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Electrical / Controls Engineer Haumiller Engineering is a 100% employee-owned company that designs and manufactures automation assembly and test equipment for the life science, personal care and food ...

Huntsman

Controls Engineer

Ringwood, IL

$90K - $135K/yr

: Controls Engineer Huntsman is seeking a Controls Engineer supporting the Polyurethanes Division located in Ringwood, Illinois. This position will report to the Engineering Manager. Job Scope The ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsEngineer Controls Engineer JobsEngineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Engineer Controls Engineer information

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

To thrive as a Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industry certifications such as ISA or Siemens are highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable automation solutions in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges Controls Engineers face when working on automation projects?

Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation technologies with existing systems, troubleshooting complex hardware and software issues, and ensuring that all control systems meet safety and regulatory requirements. Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—is essential to resolve technical problems efficiently. Additionally, staying updated with rapidly evolving industry standards and technologies is crucial for long-term success in this role.

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

AspectControls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, automation facilitiesPower plants, electronics, telecommunications, industrial facilities
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower systems, electronics, telecommunications

Controls Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for automation and manufacturing processes, while Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic devices. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industrial environments, but their primary responsibilities and areas of expertise differ.

What are Controls Engineers?

Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems used to control machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy. They work with hardware and software to ensure automated systems operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Controls Engineers often program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), develop control algorithms, and troubleshoot automation issues. Their work is critical in optimizing production processes and integrating new technologies within industrial environments.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation and control systems, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), can earn $200,000 or more annually. High-paying roles are often found in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and energy, where complex systems and advanced technical expertise are required.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior control engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and advanced certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-paying roles often involve leadership responsibilities, working in industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or large manufacturing, and may require expertise in PLCs, SCADA systems, and programming languages such as Python or C++.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced control engineers, especially those in senior leadership roles or working in specialized industries like aerospace or oil and gas, can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually. Such roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What exactly does a controls engineer do?

A controls engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that automate machinery and processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often collaborating with electrical and mechanical teams. Skills in troubleshooting, programming, and understanding system integration are essential in this role.
What are popular job titles related to Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Engineer Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Engineer Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Engineer Controls Engineer job openings:
Engineer Controls Engineer jobs near you
Controls Engineers

Controls Engineers

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Elgin, IL • On-site

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Controls Engineer – Automation

Location: Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Up to $160,000 annually (based on experience)

Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to join an Automation Development team focused on designing and building custom automation and robotic equipment for high-volume manufacturing environments. This role is hands-on and end-to-end—you’ll own projects from concept and proof-of-principle through programming, debug, testing, and factory integration.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, custom machine build environments, enjoys learning new technologies, and takes pride in delivering robust, high-performing automation solutions.

What You’ll Do
  • Design and implement control systems for custom automation and robotic equipment
  • Support rapid prototyping efforts using in-house fabricated parts
  • Participate in machine risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards
  • Review electrical schematics and support controls hardware architecture decisions
  • Create application design documentation, flowcharts, and participate in software design reviews
  • Program and configure automation systems including:
    • PLCs
    • HMIs / SCADA
    • Servo systems
    • Robotics
    • Machine vision systems
  • Test and verify electrical wiring (safety circuits, I/O, communications, etc.)
  • Debug and validate software and hardware to meet performance and quality requirements
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers and assembly teams to ensure proper machine setup and alignment
  • Execute acceptance testing and support equipment installation and integration at manufacturing facilities
  • Travel up to 25–30% to support factory installations and system launches
What You’ll Bring
  • 1+ years of experience in custom automation or machine build environments
  • PLC programming experience
    • Siemens (preferred)
    • Rockwell Automation (secondary)
  • HMI / SCADA experience
    • WinCC (preferred)
    • Ignition (secondary)
  • Experience with controls hardware including sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, machine vision systems, barcode readers, and safety devices
  • Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, TCP/IP, etc.)
  • Robotics experience
    • FANUC (preferred)
    • KUKA (secondary)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience
Why This Role
  • Work on custom, one-of-a-kind automation systems—no cookie-cutter projects
  • High ownership and visibility from concept through commissioning
  • Collaborative engineering environment with strong technical talent
  • Exposure to cutting-edge automation, robotics, and manufacturing technologies
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary up to $160,000, depending on experience
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and holidays


  • Additional benefits and perks discussed during the interview process


  • on for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.