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Junior Project Controls Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

MSI Express, Inc.

Senior Controls Engineer

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

MSI Express, Inc.

Senior Controls Engineer

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Trilon

Early Career Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

Trilon

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Stantec

Project Manager-Thermal Generation

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Trilon Group

Early Career Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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.

Trilon Group

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

RWE

Sr Engineer II, Plant Controls

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Exempt The Plant Controls Team within RWE Americas ensures control solutions for utility-scale ... Actively trains and educates junior engineers across all project phases Job Requirements and ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProject Controls JobsJunior Project Controls JobsJunior Project Controls Jobs in Chicago, IL

Junior Project Controls information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.2K

$74.7K

$127.7K

How much do junior project controls jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior project controls in Chicago, IL is $74,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,600.00 and $86,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Project Controls jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Project Controls jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Project Controls jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Project Controls job openings:
Junior Project Controls jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Project Controls job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,667 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer

MSI Express, Inc.

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

MSI Express rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

252nd of 438 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job Description:

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • Health insurance

  • Paid time off

  • Dental Insurance

  • Vision Insurance

  • 401K Matching

  • Bonus Eligible

Schedule:

  • First Shift

Work Location: In person

ROLE PURPOSE/ POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Controls Engineer will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of sophisticated controls and automation systems, serving as a principal figure in advancing the company's operational efficiency and technical capabilities. This role entails overseeing complex and critical industrial automation projects, including advanced PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control systems, and comprehensive process and discrete manufacturing environments. The Senior Controls Engineer is expected to provide strategic direction in the selection and deployment of automation technologies, mentor junior engineers, and drive innovation in controls engineering practices.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Advanced System Design and Strategic Integration:

  • Lead the development and integration of advanced control systems for industrial automation, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives.
  • Champion the deployment of cutting-edge control strategies and technologies to enhance operational efficiency and expand automation capabilities.

Complex Troubleshooting and Optimization:

  • Oversee advanced troubleshooting efforts, providing expert guidance to resolve intricate system issues and improve process reliability and performance.
  • Direct the optimization of control systems to achieve superior efficiency, quality, and safety standards.

Advanced Programming and Software Development Leadership:

  • Guide the programming of PLCs, HMIs, robots, and other control devices, ensuring systems meet complex requirements.
  • Lead collaboration efforts with the corporate engineering team on advanced programming and software development projects.

Strategic Collaboration and Continuous Improvement:

  • Drive cross-functional collaboration to support strategic continuous improvement and automation initiatives.
  • Lead the development and implementation of breakthrough automation technologies and practices.

Documentation Standardization and Compliance Leadership:

  • Set standards for and oversee the creation and maintenance of comprehensive control system documentation, ensuring best practices in record-keeping and compliance.

Advanced Training and Mentorship:

  • Develop and deliver advanced training programs for technical teams, enhancing their capabilities in control systems operation and maintenance.
  • Mentor junior controls engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

Project Management Excellence:

  • Provide senior leadership in managing controls-related projects, from conceptualization through to implementation, ensuring excellence in execution and adherence to strategic objectives.

Research, Innovation, and Technology Evaluation:

  • Champion the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, leading research into advanced control and automation solutions aligned with industry trends.

QUALIFICATIONS/ CAPABILITY PROFILE

Minimum Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, or a related field; or equivalent comprehensive work experience - Required
  • 8+ years of experience in advanced controls engineering roles in manufacturing environments or with systems/machine integrators, including leadership experience - Preferred

Minimum Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Expert knowledge of advanced control system design principles and state-of-the-art industrial automation technologies - Required
  • Excellent programming skills for sophisticated PLCs, HMIs, and robotics systems - Required
  • Proven ability to lead complex engineering projects, from inception to completion, with a track record of innovation and success - Required
  • Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and team leadership skills - Required
  • Experience with advanced Allen Bradley control systems and a deep understanding of process controls, remote operations, and SCADA systems - Preferred
  • High proficiency in AutoCAD and/or other system design software for advanced system design - Preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop technical teams - Required

MSI Express is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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