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Junior Project Controls Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

A Project Engineer (Ops) is considered a Junior Level Project Manager but does not have profit and ... Controls * Investigate and follow-up on technical queries with the technical services groups

Senior Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Mentor junior controls engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. * Project Management Excellence: Provide senior leadership in managing ...

Support mentorship and development of junior staff. * Achieve utilization target as agreed annually ... controls, reporting and document controls. * Strong leader and team player, collaborator, and ...

Junior Planners * Project Controls And we're backing that growth with more than good intentions: eligible roles come with a guaranteed seat in Blueprint , our new early career leadership program.

Junior Planners * Project Controls And we're backing that growth with more than good intentions: eligible roles come with a guaranteed seat in Blueprint , our new early career leadership program.

Junior Planners * Project Controls And we're backing that growth with more than good intentions: eligible roles come with a guaranteed seat in Blueprint, our new early career leadership program. Over ...

Junior Planners * Project Controls And we're backing that growth with more than good intentions: eligible roles come with a guaranteed seat in Blueprint , our new early career leadership program.

Junior Planners * Project Controls And we're backing that growth with more than good intentions: eligible roles come with a guaranteed seat in Blueprint , our new early career leadership program.

Showing results 21-40

Junior Project Controls information

What is a junior project controls?

Junior Project Controls professionals assist in monitoring and managing the cost, schedule, and progress of projects. They typically support senior project controls staff by collecting data, preparing reports, and helping to analyze project performance to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. This entry-level role is ideal for those looking to build a career in project management, as it provides valuable exposure to project planning, scheduling, and cost control processes. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with project management software are important for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior project controls?

To thrive as a Junior Project Controls specialist, you need a basic understanding of project management principles, cost control, scheduling, and a relevant degree in engineering, construction management, or a similar field. Familiarity with tools such as Microsoft Excel, Primavera P6, or MS Project, as well as knowledge of project management software, is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate tracking of project progress, cost efficiency, and clear reporting, all of which are critical for successful project delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by junior project controls, and how can they effectively manage them?

Junior Project Controls professionals often encounter challenges such as managing multiple project deadlines, adapting to evolving project scopes, and ensuring accurate data reporting. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are essential to stay on top of competing priorities. Regular communication with project managers and team members helps clarify expectations and quickly address issues. Utilizing project management software and regularly updating documentation can also greatly improve efficiency and accuracy in tracking project progress.

What is the difference between Junior Project Controls vs Project Scheduler?

AspectJunior Project ControlsProject Scheduler
CertificationsTypically includes PMP, CAPM, or similarOften requires PMI-SP or scheduling-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentSupports overall project management, cost control, and reportingFocuses on developing and maintaining project schedules
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, engineering, and large infrastructure projectsWidely used in construction, IT, and engineering sectors

Junior Project Controls professionals handle a broad range of project management tasks, including cost control and reporting, while Project Schedulers focus specifically on creating and maintaining project schedules. Both roles often collaborate but serve different core functions within project teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Controls jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Project Controls jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Junior Project Controls jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Junior Project Controls job openings:

Controls Engineer - Junior

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL โ€ข On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Controls Engineer – Manufacturing Systems & SCADA
Location: Buffalo Grove, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $90,000–$110,000 per year
Schedule: Full-Time | 100% Onsite

Position Overview
We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support the continued growth of a highly automated medical device manufacturing operation in Buffalo Grove, IL. This role combines traditional controls engineering with manufacturing IT, SCADA, and Operational Technology (OT) integration to support a connected manufacturing environment.
The ideal candidate will have experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled automation while also understanding plant-level SCADA systems, manufacturing networks, and system integration. This individual will partner closely with Manufacturing Engineering, IT, Automation, Maintenance, and Quality teams to improve equipment connectivity, data visibility, and production system reliability.
This is an excellent opportunity for a junior to mid-level Controls Engineer looking to expand into smart manufacturing, digital factory initiatives, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Key Responsibilities

Support and troubleshoot PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and automated production systems.
Maintain and improve plant-level SCADA systems and manufacturing visualization platforms.
Assist with Operational Technology (OT) initiatives, including manufacturing network connectivity and system integration.
Support integration between production equipment, PLCs, SCADA, manufacturing databases, and other plant systems.
Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, IT, Controls, Quality, and Operations to improve system reliability and production performance.
Troubleshoot automation hardware, industrial communication networks, HMIs, and manufacturing software.
Participate in automation upgrades, equipment commissioning, validation, and continuous improvement projects.
Support manufacturing data collection, reporting, and connected factory initiatives.
Assist with troubleshooting automated material handling systems, including ASRS (Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems) and AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) integration where applicable.
Develop and maintain controls documentation, network architecture diagrams, and engineering standards.
Work closely with equipment vendors and system integrators during new equipment installations and upgrades.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
2–5 years of experience supporting industrial automation or manufacturing controls systems.
Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment in a manufacturing environment.
Working knowledge of SCADA systems and HMI platforms.
Understanding of Manufacturing IT, Operational Technology (OT), and industrial networking concepts.
Experience supporting high-speed automated manufacturing equipment.
Strong troubleshooting skills with electrical controls, automation hardware, and industrial communication networks.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to work across Engineering, IT, Operations, and Quality teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLC platforms.
Familiarity with SCADA platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk View SE, WinCC, Wonderware, or similar.
Exposure to MES, manufacturing data collection systems, or historian platforms.
Experience integrating production equipment with plant-level systems.
Knowledge of Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, or other industrial communication protocols.
Experience supporting ASRS, AGV, or other automated material handling systems.
Experience within a medical device, pharmaceutical, food, or other highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a controls engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of automation and manufacturing technology. They possess a strong foundation in PLCs and industrial controls while also understanding how automation systems connect to plant-wide SCADA, manufacturing IT, and Operational Technology (OT) environments. This individual is eager to support digital manufacturing initiatives, collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines, and help drive the evolution of a connected, high-performance manufacturing operation.