Freelance Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Title:
Senior Control Systems Engineer
Job Description:
The Role:
Our Aurora, Illinois site is seeking a highly skilled Senior Control Systems Engineer to join our control systems team and support our global manufacturing operations. This role serves as a technical leader (SME) responsible for the design, development, and optimization of advanced automation systems, with a focus on Operational Technology (OT) Hardware selection, instrumentation, control networks, and cybersecurity risk mitigation. You will drive complex automation initiatives from concept through implementation, supporting key product lines and enabling strategic priorities such as new product commercialization, innovative process technology deployment, and scalable automation standards across global sites.
As a batch chemical manufacturer serving the semiconductor industry, we maintain the highest standards of quality and control, and this role is key to continuously improving those standards through process optimization and new technology adoption. This position also offers strong professional growth opportunities, including developing expertise in Rockwell and GE control systems application suites, Manufacturing Execution Systems, statistical process control, and automation of process data collection and analysis.
What You'll Do:
Drive a "Safety First" culture by performing equipment, process, and behavioral inspections and implementing solutions to risks.
Lead & Support projects to expand manufacturing capacity, transition products to high volume manufacturing, New Product Introductions and continuous improvement opportunities for existing processes.
Engage cross-functional stakeholders (Facilities/EHS, Procurement, R&D, Maintenance, Controls, Operations) to lead capital projects from justification through commissioning and qualification
Provide controls expertise for process design, P&ID development, instrument layout, and Functional Control Description (FCD) definition.
Lead Specification of Automation hardware and process instrumentation in conjunction with process engineer, internal standards and best practices
Generate, review and oversee I/O lists, electrical schematics and industrial network infrastructure topologies related to On-Machine and Distributed control systems
Write, debug, and optimize PLC logic, and HMI/SCADA interfaces. Simulation testing of new automation programs and user acceptance testing in conjunction with cross-functional teams
Lead internal system commissioning, validation, and acceptance testing
Potential for travel (20% - Domestic & International) for site evaluations and commissioning activities
Provide expertise and ideas around global automation strategy, best practices, and technology evolution
Collaborate with global teams to standardize automation platforms and processes
Stay ahead of emerging technologies and recommend strategic improvements
Drive Industry 4.0 and Smart manufacturing discussions and collaborative efforts for division and sites
Maintain information repository for global IACS infrastructure such as source PLC, HMI & SCADA programs, Equipment and Instrument configuration files, I/O lists, Instrument specifications, equipment selection standards and general best practices and procedures
Provide production support, serving as an expert resource and backup to site engineers.
Collaborate with global teams and site resources to assist with more complex problems
Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for automation-related downtime, quality issues, and system failures.
Provide on-call support for assigned sites during site resource PTO periods and serve as a secondary point of contact for escalations and impact events.
Supply Plant floor support as needed for local sites complex issue resolution needs
What We Seek:
B.S. Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical)
At least 5 years of experience in industrial automation and controls engineering within a manufacturing environment, preferably batch or specialty chemical manufacturing.
Expert-level proficiency in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, Variable Frequency Drives and motion control.
Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP (preferred))
Ability to lead design efforts on multiple assignments of varying complexity including implementation of new products & processes, with ability to produce results when facing deadlines or commitments
Knowledge of or experience with AC/DC power distribution, control/pneumatic; cabinet designs and layouts, to include electrical schematics.
Demonstrated familiarity with industrial instrumentation and the ability to select and specify devices for production processes, including pressure, vacuum, temperature, level, flow, and weighing systems.
Working knowledge of safety systems and hazardous environments
Demonstrated troubleshooting skills and root cause identification leveraging process data
Demonstrated leadership ability, strong communication skills and cross-functional teamwork
Strong commitment to continuous self-directed growth and adaptability to shifting priorities and markets
Outstanding Candidates Will Have:
Rockwell suite of applications (Studio5000/FTLinx/PlantPAX)
IEC61131-3 Experience with LD, FBD, SFC and ST along with best use cases
GE suite of applications - (Proficy Historian/Proficy iFix/Proficy Plant Applications (MES))
Industrial Automation Networking - Experience configuring Stratix/Cisco switches
Knowledge of Manufacturing Execution System integration and data analytics for smart manufacturing.
Knowledge of Batch Manufacturing Software such as Batch Execution for Distributed IACS environments and Sequence Manager for OEM Skids
Knowledge of International Standards ISA88 (batch)/ ISA99 (cyber) / ISA95 (enterprise IACS)
SQL Database experience (Stored Procedure generation), ODBC connections and transactional Data
Experience with and exposure to virtualization technologies and associated implementation techniques
Experience with and exposure to Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Application Whitelisting techniques
Experience with Cyber Risk based security solutions (Tenable) and OT remediation action plans
What We Offer:
At Entegris, we invest in providing opportunity to our employees and promote from within. The new hire in this role will have the potential to grow and create relationships across the organization and be recognized for demonstrated success and adherence to company PACE values.
Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals.
• Compensation: $95,000- 119,000 per year with actual pay dependent on candidate overall skills for the role
• Generous 401(K) plan with an impressive employer match
• Excellent health, dental and vision insurance packages to fit your needs
• Flexible work schedule and 11 paid holidays a year
• Paid time off (PTO) policy that empowers you to take the time you need to recharge
• Education assistance to support your learning journey
• Values-driven culture with colleagues that rally around People, Accountability, Creativity and Excellence.
Entegris does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. Do not apply for this role if you will need Entegris immigration sponsorship (e.g., H1B, TN, STEM OPT, etc.) now or in the future.
At Entegris we are committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants. Our policy is to recruit, hire, train, and reward employees for their individual abilities, achievements and experience without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital or military status.
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