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Entry Level Instrumentation & Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Controls Engineer

Normal, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

The Controls Engineer will support the maintenance department by assisting in equipment ... Applies knowledge of electronic and instrumentation principles to determine equipment malfunctions ...

$81K - $105K/yr

The Controls Engineer will support the maintenance department by assisting in equipment ... Applies knowledge of electronic and instrumentation principles to determine equipment malfunctions ...

New

2nd Shift Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

2ND SHIFT CONTROLS ENGINEER - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS A Leading Automotive Supplier in Chicago, Illinois ... Maintain PLC based control systems for manufacturing automation and instrumentation. Guide designs ...

2ND SHIFT CONTROLS ENGINEER - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS A Leading Automotive Supplier in Chicago, Illinois ... Maintain PLC based control systems for manufacturing automation and instrumentation. Guide designs ...

EIC Controls Technician

Sandwich, IL · On-site

$29.75 - $39.25/hr

The Opportunity We are seeking an Electrical Instrumentation & Controls (EIC) Measurement ... Maintain power, process controls, programmable logic controllers (PLC), electric generation ...

New

Gotion is seeking a motivated Junior Controls Engineer to join our team at our state-of-the-art ... engineering discipline. * entry level candidates are encouraged to apply. * Internship, co-op ...

EIC Controls Technician

New Windsor, IL · On-site

$28.50 - $37.50/hr

We are seeking an experienced Electrical, Instrumentation, & Controls Technician who is proficient ... Maintain power, process controls, programmable logic controllers (PLC), electric generation ...

Creates basic human-machine interface (HMI) designs, programmable logic controllers (PLC), reports ... Assists with testing and startup of instrumentation, controls and related systems. Skills ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 16, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 27% Contract, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,912 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Controls & Instrumentation Engineer

Dynamic Manufacturing

Hillside, IL • On-site

$87K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Dynamic Manufacturing rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Dynamic Manufacturing, Inc. has an exciting opening for a Controls & Instrumentation Engineer to join our collaborative team in the business of automotive remanufacturing!

Responsible for managing, designing, implementing, and maintaining technologies used in disassembly, assembly, and testing of components, sub-assemblies, and assemblies. As well as motion control applications, industrial manufacturing equipment, electro-hydraulic and electro-pneumatic equipment, multi-panel testers, industrial and collaborative robotics cells, and automation projects. Candidate must demonstrate an advanced understanding of and practical working experience in electrical and mechanical concepts, creating drawings, designing, managing, and implementing projects, motion control, motor control, robotic projects, hydraulic and pneumatic control and testing, Vision Systems, Safety circuits and components, servos, DC motors, three phase motors, VFDs, PLCs and HMIs selection and programming, and DAQ selection.

At Dynamic Manufacturing, we offer:

  • An Engaging Work Environment
  • Opportunities for Advancement
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Competitive Pay (we pay weekly!)
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package & 401(k) Match
  • Generous Paid Time Off, and more!

Core Responsibilities

  • Participates in cost and level of effort estimates studies for potential new product line launches
  • Manages cost and level of effort estimates studies for potential projects
  • Participates in cost and level of effort estimates studies for potential new product launching within an existing product line
  • Interface with customers and visit customer locations as needed
  • Assist in the management of launches for new product lines
  • Assist in the management of several projects spanning multiple departments
  • Mentor less experienced Engineers
  • Assist in leading a team of Engineers and Associate Engineers
  • Interface and collaborate with Product Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, Mechanical Design Engineers, Maintenance Technicians, and Calibration Technicians
  • Design or assist in the design of, implement, and maintain:
  • Advanced industrial equipment such as air-decay testers, pick to light boards, and displacement measurement
  • Advanced component testers to test components such as 2-Pin Hall Effect Sensors, 3-Pin Hall Effect Sensors, bearings, and chains
  • NVH testers
  • Hardware and software interface with Hi-Pot testers to display and save test results
  • Vision Inspection Systems
  • Electrical control for pneumatic and hydraulic presses
  • Create electrical and mechanical design architectures
  • Create hydraulic and pneumatic design architectures
  • Create a standard for electrical and mechanical designs
  • Create a standard for Preventative and/or Predictive maintenance documents
  • Collaborative and Industrial Robotics Projects
  • Automation Projects
  • Electrical Control systems
  • Control and testing for hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  • Motion control
  • Vision Inspection Systems
  • Safety circuits
  • Three-phase motor and VFD control circuit
  • Multi-panel testers
  • Electrical and mechanical solutions
  • Create, and edit:
  • Electrical and mechanical designs
  • Pneumatic and Hydraulic designs
  • Project management documentation
  • Preventative and/or Predictive maintenance documents
  • Advise on status of equipment to determine necessary repairs, redesigns or rebuilds

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree or equivalent experience
  • Practical experience and demonstrated knowledge of:
  • Data acquisition systems such as NI hardware, Measurement and Computing and PLCs (Automation Direct family brands, Allen Bradly, Omron…), Arduino, Raspberry pi
  • Designing and executing robotics and automation solutions, including cell design, safety considerations, selecting end-of-arm tools, and selecting and programming the robot
  • Designing and implementing industrial machines
  • Drawing electrical schematics using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical and Visio
  • Creating mechanical drawings using Inventor
  • Creating pneumatic and hydraulic drawings
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic principles, as well as parts selection and operations
  • PLC and HMI programming (Ladder Logic or other)
  • Experience using and interfacing with LabVIEW
  • Types and functionality of sensors, for selection, design, implementation, and maintenance purposes
  • Industrial signal conditioners such as Dataforth and Analog Devices
  • Best practices for wiring, shielding, grounding, and signal noise cancelation
  • PCB design
  • Creating user-friendly PC-based Graphical Interfaces and HMIs
  • Saving data to Microsoft Access and SQL databases
  • Cognex Vision System and Barcode Scanners
  • Keyence and Banner Engineering product lines
  • DC and three phase Motor selection and control for the application
  • VFD selection, wiring, control, and programming for the application
  • Control via relay circuit and selection of safety relays and circuits for the application
  • Industrial communication protocol such as Ethernet and Modbus
  • Maintenance of Electrical, Mechanical, and Industrial equipment
  • Electrical Panel layout and implementation
  • Analog sensors such as pressure and torque transducers
  • Ability to understand regular operation of equipment with minimal documentation
  • Strong communication skills, Lean and continuous improvement mindset
  • Organized, skilled in project management, technical writing, and thorough in documenting work
  • Problem solving and troubleshooting skills

WHY CHOOSE DYNAMIC?

Dynamic Manufacturing is a family owned and operated organization formed in 1955 by John Partipilo. Our organization specializes in the manufacture of automotive, off-road, industrial and racing powertrain products. This includes Torque Converters, Transmissions (Automatic, Manual, Hybrid models) and Transfer Case Assemblies.

Our organization started with a single retail facility and a dream. Today, we serve the aftermarket and several OE customers. Our operations consist of almost a million square feet of floor space and 1,000+ extremely talented employees encompassing turnkey operations from engineering, total machining operations, through assembly and dynamometer testing.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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