ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Head Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Shades of Grey HR

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Head Engineer / Engineering Leadership Travel: Approximately 20% travel for customer site startups, troubleshooting, training, and service support (typically about once per month depending on project ...

TCA Professional Services

Head Coach

Palatine, IL · On-site

$72K - $85K/yr

Midtown is looking for a Head Coach to join our world-class team. Learn more about our beautiful ... Onboarding new members into fitness programming * Recruit and onboard Fitness Coaches * Routinely ...

Midtown Athletic Club

Head Coach

Palatine, IL · On-site

$72K - $85K/yr

Midtown is looking for a Head Coach to join our world-class team. Learn more about our beautiful ... Onboarding new members into fitness programming * Recruit and onboard Fitness Coaches * Routinely ...

MidTown Athletic Club

Head Coach

Palatine, IL · On-site

$72K - $85K/yr

Midtown is looking for a Head Coach to join our world-class team. Learn more about our beautiful ... Onboarding new members into fitness programming * Recruit and onboard Fitness Coaches * Routinely ...

BiomeSense

Head of Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Head of Engineering Compensation: $125K- $200K salary, up to 1.0% equity stock options Full benefits, including health coverage, PTO & parental leave About BiomeSense BiomeSense is a life sciences ...

Keyrock

Head of Engineering - Options

Chicago, IL · Remote

Head of Engineering: Options About Keyrock Since our beginnings in 2017, we've grown to be a leading change-maker in the digital asset space, renowned for our partnerships and innovation. Today, we ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHead Engineer JobsHead Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Head Engineer information

What is the difference between Head Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHead EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentProject management, team leadership, strategic planningDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, engineering firmsAutomotive, aerospace, robotics, manufacturing

The Head Engineer typically oversees engineering projects, manages teams, and sets strategic goals, requiring leadership skills and experience. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering credentials, the Head Engineer has a broader managerial scope, whereas Mechanical Engineers concentrate on technical tasks within their specialty.

What are some of the main challenges a head engineer faces when leading cross-functional engineering teams?

One of the primary challenges for a Head Engineer is ensuring effective communication and alignment among diverse teams, such as software, hardware, and quality assurance. Balancing technical leadership with management duties—like resource allocation and project prioritization—can also be demanding. Additionally, the Head Engineer must foster collaboration and innovation while maintaining project timelines and meeting business objectives. Addressing these challenges requires strong interpersonal skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to adapt to evolving project needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, project management experience, and typically a relevant engineering degree with professional certification (such as PE or equivalent). Familiarity with industry-standard software (like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools) and compliance with regulatory frameworks is crucial. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities set outstanding Head Engineers apart by enabling them to guide teams and drive innovation. These skills ensure successful project delivery, safety, and the development of efficient engineering solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Head Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Head Engineer job openings:

Head Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Controls Engineer

Shades of Grey HR

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

This position does not offer employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Job Title: PLC & Automation Engineer
Location: Cary, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Reports To: Head Engineer / Engineering Leadership
Travel: Approximately 20% travel for customer site startups, troubleshooting, training, and service support (typically about once per month depending on project volume).
Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 per year, based on experience
Benefits:
  • Medical and Dental. We cover 100% of employee and 50% of family coverage. We don't offer vision or life insurance at this time.
  • Simple IRA with 3% employer contribution.
  • PTO - 3 weeks for the first 10 Years.
Job Summary
Ross and White Company is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, troubleshooting, startup, and continuous improvement of custom heavy-duty vehicle wash systems.
This position works closely with the company's senior engineer to support day-to-day engineering operations, develop control systems, troubleshoot equipment, assist with customer installations, and help improve existing products. The ideal candidate combines strong PLC and controls experience with mechanical aptitude and enjoys working in a collaborative, non-corporate manufacturing environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs for custom wash systems.
  • Program and support Automation Direct / DirectLOGIC PLCs or comparable PLC platforms.
  • Design and integrate electrical control systems including relays, motor starters, sensors, VFDs, and related components.
  • Review previous system designs and project documentation to support new customer solutions.
  • Collaborate with sales and project teams to understand customer requirements.
  • Review AutoCAD drawings to verify layouts, dimensions, and system functionality.
  • Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and controls-related issues.
  • Travel to customer locations for equipment startup, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and operator training.
  • Assist with customer training during new equipment installations.
  • Support project documentation, bills of materials, and quotation development.
  • Work closely with engineering, production, service, sales, and leadership to ensure successful project completion.
  • Recommend and implement continuous improvements to equipment and control systems.
Required Qualifications
  • Hands-on experience with PLC programming, controls, automation, or industrial troubleshooting.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to understand complex equipment systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, technical drawings, and system layouts.
  • Experience working with electrical control panels, relays, sensors, motor starters, VFDs, and related components.
  • Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar drafting software.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
  • Ability to work directly with customers during installations and service visits.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Willingness to travel as needed.
  • Associate degree, technical school, trade school, engineering technology education, or equivalent hands-on experience.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Approximately 5+ years of controls, automation, or related technical experience.
  • Experience with Automation Direct / DirectLOGIC PLC systems.
  • Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, GE, or other PLC platforms.
  • Background in industrial automation, controls engineering, PLC programming, OEM equipment manufacturing, systems integration, HVAC controls, manufacturing maintenance, field service, or similar industries.
  • Experience supporting custom equipment or heavy industrial machinery.
  • Four-year engineering degree is a plus but not required.
Work Environment / Schedule
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Cary, Illinois.
The Controls Engineer works closely with engineering, production, service, sales, and leadership in a collaborative manufacturing environment. Regular travel to customer sites is required for equipment startup, testing, troubleshooting, and training.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Annual salary of $90,000 - $110,000, based on experience.
  • Medical and Dental. We cover 100% of employee and 50% of family coverage. We don't offer vision or life insurance at this time.
  • Simple IRA with 3% employer contribution.
  • PTO - 3 weeks for the first 10 Years.
EEO Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.