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Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Sauget, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Controls/Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement automation control systems for industrial processes and warehouse distribution equipment. This role ...

Controls Engineer

Markham, IL · On-site

$106K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Controls/Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement automation control systems for industrial processes and warehouse distribution equipment. This role ...

Controls/Electrical Engineer The Controls/Electrical Engineer will apply advanced electrical design expertise to develop, document, and support industrial control systems from concept through ...

Sr Controls Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

We are seeking a skilled Sr Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement Siemens and B&R PLC-based control systems for industrial equipment. This role requires strong experience with Siemens ...

Sr Controls Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

We are seeking a skilled Sr Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement Siemens and B&R PLC-based control systems for industrial equipment. This role requires strong experience with Siemens ...

Controls Engineer

Sterling, IL · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Sterling, IL Type: Full-time | On-site Position Summary: Work under the direction of the project managers to create PLC & HMI applications for weighing and batching or ...

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

SUMMARY The Controls Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, and implementing advanced control systems for industrial automation projects. This position focuses on integrating ...

PLC Controls Engineer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

PLC Controls Engineer Location: Peoria, IL Summary: Seeking a PLC Engineer with experience in PLC programming, Ladder Logic, SCADA, HMI/Ignition, and industrial automation systems. The role involves ...

Controls Engineer

Mapleton, IL

$77K - $100K/yr

Must have 5+ yrs of Allen-Bradley PLC Programming 5+ yrs of HMI programming 5+ yrs of Fanuc Robotics Programming 5+ yrs of Control systems engineering knowledge Required Education: • Bachelor ...

Controls Engineer This role focuses on designing, programming, and troubleshooting electrical control systems and associated software for both standard and custom plastic assembly automation products.

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL

$82K - $106K/yr

SUMMARY The Controls Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, and implementing advanced control systems for industrial automation projects. This position focuses on integrating ...

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Showing results 1-20

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.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Electrical engineers, including controls engineers, typically earn salaries below $500,000 annually, with top earners in specialized industries or executive roles reaching higher compensation. Achieving such a salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, leadership positions, or working in high-paying sectors like aerospace or energy. Most control engineers earn between $70,000 and $130,000 per year, depending on location and expertise.

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 $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 controls engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or advanced manufacturing can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with senior roles, bonuses, and profit sharing. These positions often require advanced skills in automation, programming, and certifications, along with extensive industry experience.

How much do control engineers get paid?

Control engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized control engineers with advanced skills in automation, PLC programming, and control systems may earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand sectors like manufacturing and energy.
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:
Controls Engineer - Senior

Controls Engineer - Senior

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Senior Controls Engineer – Medical Devices
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL, USA
Compensation: $150,000 – $175,000
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401K

Overview
We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to join our Medical Devices team in Buffalo Grove, IL. Reporting to the Director of Operations Engineering, this role is responsible for specifying, designing, and maintaining advanced automation equipment, tooling, and applications to meet manufacturing requirements. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in control systems, PLC programming, robotics, and automation solutions within medical device or pharmaceutical environments.


Key Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, implement, and maintain control systems for manufacturing equipment.
  • Build standardized automation cells and custom automated solutions from concept to deployment.
  • Configure, program, and maintain PLC software and wiring.
  • Program controls for factory automation equipment including robotics, machine vision, servos, and pneumatics.
  • Work with multiple PLC platforms (Mitsubishi, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, Omron, etc.), HMIs, and motion controllers.
  • Perform electrical design, drafting, and communication architecture for automation systems.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve automated process or equipment issues.
  • Develop and improve manufacturing processes and equipment for electrical component assembly.
  • Partner with vendors and maintenance teams to ensure spare parts availability and preventive maintenance plans.
  • Support system deployment at company and customer sites, including service work.
  • Collaborate with engineers, designers, and operations leadership on automation initiatives.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering or related field.
  • 10+ years of relevant experience in medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Strong knowledge of automation equipment specification, installation, and upgrades.
  • Experience designing fail-safe electrical circuits with safety PLCs and relays.
  • Robotics programming experience with UR, ABB, Omron, or Yamaha.
  • Expertise in PLC programming (Structured Text, Ladder Logic) and software tools such as GX Works3, Studio 5000, TIA Portal, TwinCat3.
  • HMI design experience (FactoryTalk, GTWorks3, or similar).
  • Skilled in integrating mechanical, electrical, sensor, and pneumatic/hydraulic systems.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent for schematics/drawings.
  • Python programming and IoT device familiarity a plus.
  • Experience with BOMs, manufacturability, process design, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Background in high-speed/high-accuracy automation solutions preferred.
  • Experience with fluid filling, drug handling automation, and disposable manufacturing is a strong plus.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and communicate effectively across teams.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.