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Entry Level Automation Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Gotion, Inc.

Junior Equipment Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking to build expertise in industrial equipment, automation, and battery manufacturing within a global organization. Key ...

KEYENCE

Field Application Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$54K - $81K/yr

Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world ... automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll be at the ...

KEYENCE

Technical Marketing Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$83K/yr

... Entry-Level | Full-Time Location: KEYENCE Headquarters - Itasca, IL At KEYENCE , we don't just ... As a global leader in factory automation, we innovate relentlessly to empower our customers and ...

KEYENCE

Field Application Engineer '27

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$53K - $80K/yr

Locations | Entry-Level | Full-Time Are you ready to launch your career with one of the world ... automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll be at the ...

KEYENCE

Field Service Technician

Itasca, IL

$68K/yr

... an Entry-Level Field Service Technician , you'll be part of our Engineering Services team, working hands-on with the world's most innovative Factory Automation products. You'll travel to ...

Keyence Corporation

Field Service Technician

Itasca, IL · On-site

$68K/yr

... an Entry-Level Field Service Technician , you'll be part of our Engineering Services team, working hands-on with the world's most innovative Factory Automation products. You'll travel to ...

Sogeti

Entry Level Technologist

Chicago, IL · On-site

As an Entry-Level Technology Consultant at Sogeti , you wi ll join one of our core practices based ... quality engineering, cloud and application development, all driven by AI, data and automation.

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All JobsAutomation Programmer JobsEntry Level Automation Programmer JobsEntry Level Automation Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Automation Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.7K

$83.1K

$115.4K

How much do entry level automation programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level automation programmer in Chicago, IL is $83,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $95,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Automation Programmer vs Automation Technician?

AspectEntry Level Automation ProgrammerAutomation Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or technical certification in automation or programmingHigh school diploma or technical certificate, some may have associate's degree
Work EnvironmentOffice and industrial settings, programming and testing automation systemsIndustrial environments, maintaining and troubleshooting automation equipment
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, robotics, process control companiesManufacturing plants, automation service providers
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Entry Level Automation Programmers focus on writing and testing automation software, often requiring programming skills and certifications. Automation Technicians primarily handle installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automation hardware. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and industrial settings, but they differ in responsibilities and skill emphasis.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Automation Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Entry Level Automation Programmer jobs near you
Junior Equipment Engineer

Junior Equipment Engineer

Gotion, Inc.

Manteno, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL and has R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan and Europe. We innovate in the next generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development. Gotion is powered by a leading power battery technology company that provides solutions for vehicles including the world's first mass commercial e-bus route.
Gotion is a career destination - we are not simply attempting to just fill another job, but to pursue a dream of global green energy together! We offer outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting and challenging working environment. Everyone is highly valued and plays a vital role in the growth of our organization.
Job Description: Junior Equipment Engineer
Location: Manteno, Illinois
Company Overview
Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA and is currently building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL, with R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan, and Europe. We innovate next-generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development.
Gotion is a career destination-we are not simply filling jobs, but pursuing a shared vision for global green energy. Every team member plays a vital role in the growth and success of our organization.
Job Summary:
The Junior Equipment Engineer supports the installation, commissioning, maintenance, and optimization of manufacturing equipment used in lithium battery cell production. Working closely with senior equipment engineers, vendors, and production teams, this role focuses on hands-on learning, technical support, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced, automated manufacturing environment.
This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking to build expertise in industrial equipment, automation, and battery manufacturing within a global organization.
Key Responsibilities
  • Assist senior engineers with the installation, commissioning, and validation of equipment used in:
    • Electrode manufacturing
    • Coating and calendaring
    • Stacking/winding
    • Electrolyte injection, sealing, formation, and packaging
  • Support equipment acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) and documentation under guidance
  • Help coordinate activities with vendors and internal teams during equipment setup
  • Support preventive maintenance activities to ensure stable equipment operation and minimize downtime
  • Assist in troubleshooting basic mechanical, electrical, and automation-related equipment issues
  • Document issues, corrective actions, and maintenance records in accordance with company procedures
  • Escalate complex problems to senior engineers as needed
  • Collect and analyze basic equipment performance and downtime data
  • Support equipment parameter adjustments and optimization efforts under supervision
  • Participate in continuous improvement projects related to equipment efficiency, yield, and reliability
  • Provide hands-on support to production and maintenance teams during daily operations
  • Assist in developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
  • Participate in equipment and safety training sessions to gain technical proficiency
  • Support communication with equipment vendors for troubleshooting, spare parts, and technical follow-ups
  • Work cross-functionally with process engineering, quality, production, and EHS teams to support manufacturing goals
  • Follow company safety policies and EHS requirements at all times
  • Support compliance with applicable quality and regulatory standards (e.g., ISO9001, IATF16949)
  • Participate in safety inspections, risk assessments, and improvement initiatives as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
  • 0-2 years of engineering experience (internships, co-ops, or project-based experience acceptable)
  • Basic understanding of industrial equipment, automation, or manufacturing systems
  • Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, manuals, and equipment documentation
  • Willingness to work in a manufacturing / factory environmeny

Preferred Qualifications
  • Internship or project experience with automated production equipment
  • Basic exposure to PLCs, HMIs, sensors, motors, or servo systems
  • Familiarity with CAD software for reviewing equipment layouts or designs
  • Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement principles
  • Mandarin language skills are a plus, but not required

Core Competencies
  • Technical Learning & Aptitude: Strong desire to build hands-on equipment and automation expertise
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze equipment issues and follow structured troubleshooting approaches
  • Team Collaboration: Works effectively with engineers, technicians, operators, and vendors
  • Attention to Detail: Accurate documentation and adherence to procedures
  • Safety Awareness: Proactive approach to safe equipment operation and compliance
  • Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment

Travel & Work Environment
  • Occasional domestic or international travel may be required for training or vendor support
  • Ability to support off-shift activities may be required during equipment installation or ramp-up phases

Gotion Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve, cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging, and ensuring equal employment opportunities for all.
We provide equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions (including breastfeeding), parental status, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other characteristic protected by law.
At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

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