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Entry Level Scada Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Scada Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$71.5K

$121.6K

How much do entry level scada engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level scada engineer in Chicago, IL is $71,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $80,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and tasks can an Entry Level SCADA Engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As an Entry Level SCADA Engineer, you will typically assist in designing, configuring, and maintaining Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for industrial or utility clients. Early tasks often include supporting senior engineers with system integration, troubleshooting control system hardware and software, and helping to develop or modify Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens. You may also be involved in fieldwork, such as commissioning new systems or providing technical support onsite. Collaboration with project managers, electricians, and other engineering disciplines is common, offering valuable exposure to multidisciplinary teamwork and project workflows.

What is the difference between Entry Level Scada Engineer vs Entry Level Control Systems Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Scada EngineerEntry Level Control Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical, Automation, or Computer Engineering; Basic knowledge of SCADA systemsSimilar degrees; focus on control systems, automation, and programming
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, utility companiesManufacturing, process industries, automation firms
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, manufacturing plants, automation service providersIndustrial automation, process control, manufacturing

Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and work in industrial environments. An Entry Level Scada Engineer focuses specifically on SCADA systems used for monitoring and control, while an Entry Level Control Systems Engineer has a broader scope in designing and implementing control systems. The roles often overlap, but the Scada Engineer specializes in supervisory control and data acquisition technologies.

What is an Entry Level SCADA Engineer?

An Entry Level SCADA Engineer is a professional who assists in designing, implementing, and maintaining Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, which are used to monitor and control industrial processes such as manufacturing, energy, or water management. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and are responsible for tasks like configuring software, troubleshooting hardware, and ensuring system security. This role is ideal for recent graduates with a background in electrical, computer, or automation engineering who want to gain experience in industrial control systems.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level SCADA Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of electrical engineering, control systems, and computer science, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with SCADA software platforms (such as Wonderware, Ignition, or GE iFIX), PLC programming, and networking protocols is highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and address real-time system issues. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure reliable industrial automation, system integrity, and efficient troubleshooting in critical infrastructure environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Scada Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Scada Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Scada Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Scada Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Scada Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,453 per year, or $34.4 per hour.
IT Engineer I - Real-Time Systems - Entry Level

IT Engineer I - Real-Time Systems - Entry Level

NiSource

Merrillville, IN

$82K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


NiSource rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

IT Engineer I - Real Time Systems - Entry Level

Full Time Perm

Shift: Hybrid - 3 days on location

Salary: $82,200 - $123,200, plus 8% annual bonus

Location: Merrillville, IN or Columbus, OH

NiSource is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the U.S., serving millions of customers across six states. We're more than an energy provider-we're a team committed to innovation, inclusion, and growth. At NiSource, you'll find a workplace that encourages collaboration, supports professional development, and empowers employees to make an impact.

The Real Time Systems Team provides operational support and innovative solutions while supporting critical utility systems.The real-time and historical data is used to support critical business operations and planning efforts. The team is responsible for the application support spread across approximately 250 servers, over 900 interfaces, and over 7 million data tags.

The IT Engineer 1 works under the direction of the ManagerIT Applications and is responsible for driving the performance of our IT Service Providers, providing enhanced guidance for technical problem support, and responsible for ensuing proper systems documentation is reviewed, approved, and maintained. As a Systems Analyst you will also be responsible for gathering requirements, writing technical specifications, configuration, and performing testing.

Your responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • Partners with business and IT service providers to ensure timely resolution of systems issues and achievement of Service Level Agreements

  • Participates in solution of designs for small to medium size capabilities, upgrades, and disaster recovery exercises, etc.

  • Focuses on system stability, security, compliance

  • Provide day-to-day production support for applications, infrastructure, and end user client tools (ex. Datalink, Process Book, and PI Vision)

  • Provide performance optimization and system health monitoring in support of compliance with overall health and availability targets for production systems

  • Provide installation, configuration, and monitoring support for the PI system servers, the application operating systems, interfaces, and client tools on end user workstations

  • Provide monitoring and maintenance support for system security, deployment of patches, file backups, system restoration, and password management

  • Perform root cause analysis along with recommending and implementing preventive techniques as required

  • Support the analysis of business processes, information gathering, interpreting requirements, developing specifications, and implementing process workflows, including routing and approvals

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

Experience listed below could be obtained through a combination of school work, classes, research, or any relevant previous job or internship experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience

  • 1+ years of experience with Windows System administration, Active Directory Security, PowerShell Scripting, or related IT Systems Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) duties

  • 1+ years of experience with the installation, configuration, monitoring, and performance optimization of AVEVA PI or SCADA System servers, interfaces, and user tools

  • 1+ years of experience as an AVEVA PI or SCADA System administrator

  • Technical knowledge of networks, firewalls, and related hardware and software

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with applications (hosting, information management, networking, etc.)

  • Familiarity with SCADA, Operational Data Historian, HMIs, RTUs, PLCs

  • Experience with PI Data Archive, PI Asset Framework, PI Asset Analytics, PI Event Frames, PI Vision, and PI Notifications

  • Experience with PI integrator for business analytics

  • ITIL certification

  • Technical certifications

Disclaimer

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.

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As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.comor 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

E-Verify

NiSourceparticipates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:

  • E-Verify Poster(English and Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
  • Right to Work Poster(English and Spanish) If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away

Salary Range*:

$82,200.00 - $123,200.00

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

2026-07-20

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2026-08-20Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

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