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Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Electrical Controls Engineer

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... seeking a Controls Engineer, who will provide electrical and controls support for Production ... Knowledge of process instrumentation, experience with P&IDs and process automation. * Experience ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

... seeking a Controls Engineer, who will provide electrical and controls support for Production ... Knowledge of process instrumentation, experience with P&IDs and process automation. * Experience ...

... Controls Engineer. As a member of our team, you will help support and transform the chemical ... Support capital projects with electrical, instrumentation, and control system needs. Minimum ...

... Controls Engineer. As a member of our team, you will help support and transform the chemical ... Support capital projects with electrical, instrumentation, and control system needs. Minimum ...

Controls Systems Engineer LOCATION: Bedford Park, IL (Argo Plant) REPORTS TO: Manager, Control ... Ensure the instrumentation, control systems, and documentation are capable of supporting the ...

Controls Systems Engineer LOCATION:Bedford Park, IL (Argo Plant)REPORTS TO:Manager, Control System ... Ensure the instrumentation, control systems, and documentation are capable of supporting the ...

Brindley Engineering's talented team consists of Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Process Engineers, Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Project Managers ...

Brindley Engineering's talented team consists of Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Process Engineers, Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Project Managers ...

Brindley Engineering's talented team consists of Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Process Engineers, Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Project Managers ...

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Entry Level Instrumentation Controls Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$27

$52

$79

How much do entry level instrumentation & controls engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level instrumentation & controls engineer in Illinois is $52.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.25 and $60.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you need a degree in electrical, mechanical, or control systems engineering and a solid understanding of process control fundamentals. Familiarity with PLC/DCS programming, SCADA systems, and industry-standard software like AutoCAD or MATLAB is typically required, and certifications such as EIT/FE can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in collaborative engineering environments. These competencies ensure accurate system design, smooth project execution, and effective troubleshooting in complex industrial settings.

What types of projects and tasks can an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer, you can expect to assist with designing, configuring, and testing control systems for industrial processes, such as those found in power plants, manufacturing, or water treatment facilities. Your responsibilities may include creating wiring diagrams, selecting and specifying instrumentation, supporting field installations, and collaborating with senior engineers or project managers. You'll also likely help troubleshoot control system issues and participate in commissioning activities, providing valuable hands-on experience. This role offers a blend of office-based design work and on-site support, giving you exposure to both technical and practical aspects of engineering projects.

What does an Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer do?

An Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer assists with the design, installation, and maintenance of systems that measure and control industrial processes. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to develop control systems, select appropriate instruments, and ensure that equipment operates safely and efficiently. Typical responsibilities include preparing technical documentation, troubleshooting control systems, and supporting project execution. This role often serves as a starting point for engineers interested in automation, process control, or industrial systems.

What is the difference between Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer vs Entry Level Electrical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Instrumentation & Controls EngineerEntry Level Electrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like CAP or ISA are a plusBachelor's in Electrical Engineering; PE license optional for entry level
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, automation systemsPower plants, electronics manufacturing, construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageProcess industries, automation companies, oil & gas, manufacturingUtilities, electronics, consulting firms, construction
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineers focus on designing, installing, and maintaining control systems and instrumentation used in industrial processes, while Entry Level Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but serve different technical functions within the industry.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,912 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
Automation and Controls Engineer

Automation and Controls Engineer

Intellectt INC

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Contractor

Posted yesterday


Job description

Hello,
This is Mahaboob from Intellectt Inc. I’m reaching out regarding an excellent Controls Engineer opportunity in Buffalo Grove, IL.
Please review the details below and let me know if you’re interested. You may also share your updated resume for consideration.
Role: Controls Engineer
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
Job Overview:
The Controls Engineer will support and enhance high-volume automated medical device manufacturing equipment by providing expertise in controls, PLC programming, troubleshooting, and electrical systems. This role involves design, installation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of PLC-based controls while ensuring safety, quality, and productivity targets are met.
What you will be doing:
• Lead or support maintenance teams in troubleshooting elusive problems resulting in downtime or quality issues.  Identify and correct causes of chronic equipment failures or issues.
• Assist with development and implementation of plans to achieve highly effective controls troubleshooting and repair, while minimizing downtime.
• Provide control of machine software, firmware and user access security.
• Propose, evaluate risk and implement PLC program and other software/firmware or hardware changes needed to improve safety, yield and productivity.
• Completing change control documentation, including change documentation, risk assessment and justification.
• Define equipment maintenance/preventative maintenance requirements and procedures.
• Identify root-causes of equipment failures and slowdowns, develop and implement corrective actions.
• Develop troubleshooting and repair skills of Controls and Automation Technicians.
• Provide on-call support for system outages and incidents.
• Development of User Requirement Specifications for new equipment or equipment updates.
• Work with Automation and Validation Engineers to develop test script to validate software/firmware updates.
• Support commissioning and validation of new equipment and/or implementation and testing of changes to existing equipment.
Qualifications:
• A Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent coupled at least 3 years of industrial controls experience in high volume manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency programming and troubleshooting Allen Bradley Control Logics PLCs and Human Machine Interface (HMI / GUI )
• Established user of RSLOGIX5000, Logix Designer, Studio 5000
• Ability to design fault-tolerant systems with error handling and recovery.
• General understanding of factory LAN/WAN ethernet networks and ability to setup devices with IP addresses or nodes
• Proficiency selecting appropriate circuit protectors, wire and cable.
• Experience selecting, configuring and installing: sensors, safety hardware, PLC hardware, remote I/O, VFDs and instrumentation.
• Knowledge of controls devices and experience troubleshooting.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Desired skills:
• Experience with Vision systems is a plus (Cognex, Keyence, Fanuc) is a plus.
• Experience programming/troubleshooting Siemens PLC, Step7.
• Proficient with: RSLOGIX5000, Logix Designer, Studio 5000, Factory Talk SE, and Ignition.
• Experience setting up/tuning and troubleshooting Allen Bradley Power-Flex variable frequency drives and Kinetix multi-axis servo drives.
• Working knowledge:
o Field bus Networks (ProfiNet, DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, Safety rated field bus networks).
o Radio frequency identification devices (RFID) and all the accompanying components (Receiver, antenna, puck, reader)
o PID tunning and closed feedback loops
o Serial communication (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, ProfiBus, Modbus RTU, Data Highway) between PLCs, instruments and microcontrollers
o Ethernet communications between machine PLCs and embedded data collection systems