1

Lead Software Automation Engineer Jobs in Rantoul, IL

Automation Engineers split their time between in-office and on-site work. When in office, the job ... Position could lead to a Management role. Safety * Follows all safety rules set forth. * Conducts ...

Automation Engineers split their time between in-office and on-site work. When in office, the job ... Position could lead to a Management role. Safety * Follows all safety rules set forth. * Conducts ...

Summary The Automation Engineer develops, edits, maintains, and troubleshoots automated actuators ... Competency with Allen Bradley PLC programming hardware and software. * Competency with Allen ...

Summary The Automation Engineer develops, edits, maintains, and troubleshoots automated actuators ... Competency with Allen Bradley PLC programming hardware and software. * Competency with Allen ...

Summary The Automation Engineer develops, edits, maintains, and troubleshoots automated actuators ... Competency with Allen Bradley PLC programming hardware and software. * Competency with Allen ...

Test Automation Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Test Automation Engineer (Champaign, IL) Job Overview: We are seeking a motivated Test Automation ... Design, develop, and maintain testing processes that improve software quality, reliability, and ...

Automation Engineer

Danville, IL · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Summary The Automation Engineer develops, edits, maintains, and troubleshoots automated actuators ... Competency with Allen Bradley PLC programming hardware and software. * Competency with Allen ...

Test Automation

Champaign, IL · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Test Automation Engineer (Champaign, IL) **Job Overview:** We are seeking a motivated Test ... reliable software solutions. You will play a key role in improving testing strategies, enhancing ...

Test Automation

Champaign, IL · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Test Automation Engineer (Champaign, IL) Job Overview: We are seeking a motivated Test Automation ... Design, develop, and maintain testing processes that improve software quality, reliability, and ...

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of embedded software engineers, fostering a collaborative and high ... Oversee source control, build automation, and deployment practices utilizing modern development ...

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of embedded software engineers, fostering a collaborative and high ... Oversee source control, build automation, and deployment practices utilizing modern development ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lead Software Automation Engineer information

See Rantoul, IL salary details

$77.1K

$135.4K

$183.8K

How much do lead software automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead software automation engineer in Rantoul, IL is $135,434.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,300.00 and $156,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead software automation engineer do?

A Lead Software Automation Engineer oversees the design, development, and implementation of automated systems to improve software testing and deployment processes. They lead a team of engineers to create automation frameworks, write scripts, and ensure that software products are delivered efficiently and with high quality. Their responsibilities also include mentoring junior engineers, coordinating with other teams, and maintaining documentation for automated systems. By streamlining repetitive tasks, they help reduce errors and accelerate the software development lifecycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead software automation engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Software Automation Engineer, you need advanced programming skills (such as in Python, Java, or C#), expertise in test automation frameworks, and experience with software development lifecycles, often supported by a computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, CI/CD pipelines, and certifications such as ISTQB are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for mentoring teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills ensure the delivery of reliable, high-quality software products through efficient and scalable automation processes.

How does a lead software automation engineer typically collaborate with development and QA teams?

A Lead Software Automation Engineer works closely with both development and QA teams to define testing strategies and integrate automated testing into the software development lifecycle. They often facilitate communication between teams by translating technical requirements into effective automation solutions, and by mentoring team members on best practices. Regular collaboration is essential for identifying potential areas for test automation, ensuring test coverage, and resolving issues quickly to maintain high-quality software releases.

What is the difference between Lead Software Automation Engineer vs Software Automation Engineer?

AspectLead Software Automation EngineerSoftware Automation Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees automation projects, leads teams, designs automation frameworksDevelops and maintains automation scripts, executes test cases
Required SkillsAdvanced scripting, leadership, automation architectureProgramming, testing, scripting skills
ExperienceTypically 5+ years, leadership experience2-4 years in automation testing
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, project managementTesting teams, development environment

The Lead Software Automation Engineer typically has more leadership responsibilities, oversees automation strategies, and guides teams, whereas the Software Automation Engineer focuses on developing and executing automation scripts. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the lead position involves more strategic planning and team coordination.

What cities near Rantoul, IL are hiring for Lead Software Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Rantoul, IL with the most Lead Software Automation Engineer job openings:

Automation Engineer

Champaign, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Engineer and manage automation projects involving Vesuvius Flow Control systems for the steel making market.

  • Perform PLC/HMI programming, testing, and produce documentation during in-office project phases.

  • Commission systems at customer facilities, troubleshoot and debug issues, and interface with customers.


Vesuvius rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Purpose: Primary purpose of this position is the engineering and management of projects involving automation for Vesuvius Flow Control systems. These systems are mainly for customers in the steel making market. Automation Engineers split their time between in-office and on-site work. When in office, the job consists of engineering the project, PLC/HMI programming, testing, production of documentation to complement the projects, etc. At customer’s facilities, the work involves the commissioning of those systems, troubleshooting and debugging, interface with customer, activity reporting, etc. In addition, assistance on R&D projects and technical customer support are among the main activities to complement the position responsibilities.


Direct Reports: None


Dimensions of Position:

Technical Expertise

• Written and verbal communication

• Knowledge of steelmaking process

• Hydraulics and pneumatics knowledge

• PLC Programming (multiple brands)

• HMI programming (multiple brands)

• Industrial Network design

• Programming experience

• Electrical cabinet and system design

• Process control loop tuning

• Start up and troubleshooting

• Industrial Sensors

• Knowledge on ISO9000 standards

• Hydraulics and pneumatics design

• CAD

• Foreign languages desirable

• C/C++/VB programming knowledge

• Microsoft Office

• Database design

• Advanced control techniques

• Project Management

• Create documentation for installations


Planning / Development

• TSR planning.

• Planning of assigned development projects and CCARs.


Decision Making

• Makes decisions and recommendations regarding technical approach, or design.


Problem Analysis

• Analysis of CCARs.

• Troubleshooting of specific customer’s problems in office or at customer location.


Communication

• Time sheets for specific projects.

• Must produce trip reports and circulate to all Automation Department and other involved

people.

• Must interact with other Departments for major projects.

• Must be in contact with Customer whenever necessary. Will inform the Account Manager

whenever a direct contact with the Customer occurred.


Managing / Leadership

• Primary responsibilities are as technical individual contributor.

• Does not formally supervise other employees.

• Position could lead to a Management role.


Safety

• Follows all safety rules set forth.

• Conducts safety audits to recognize safety issues and identify safety risks.

• In accordance with safety guidelines, participates in all safety meetings & functions

following all rules set forth by Vesuvius & customer to ensure safe work environment.


Key Result Areas:

  • Automation/Electrical Engineering project planning
  • PLC and HMI programming
  • Equipment testing
  • Technical writing
  • On-site commissioning of equipment and systems
  • After-sales customer assistance
  • Assistance to Sales Team
  • Assistance to R&D


Qualifications:

  • Degree or equivalent experience: BS preferably in Electrical and/or Control Systems.


Experience:

  • Experience in Automation Engineering and/or Steelmaking Industry preferred but not required.
  • Work experience preferred in positions requiring computer skills, responsibility, problem solving.


Knowledge:

  • Broad knowledge and experience in: Electrical Engineering and Automation technology
  • Above average skills in: PLC/HMI programming, electrical engineering
  • Excellent skills in: Closed-loop control tuning
  • Demonstrated ability to: Work under pressure in harsh environments
  • Demonstrated ability to: Deal directly with customers
  • Demonstrated ability to: Integrate him/herself in project teams
  • General knowledge of: Electrical and Safety Standards, C and C++ programming, MS
  • Word/Excel/PowerPoint/Visio/Project
  • Experience in: Electrical troubleshooting
  • Additional Experience: Process analysis, problem solving, hydraulics and pneumatics, network
  • design, industrial sensors


Skills & Behavior:

  • Hands on attitude with regard to automation/electrical systems and the mechanical system being
  • interfaced.
  • Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing
  • Contribute to a productive and positive work environment.
  • Interact with others with integrity and respect.
  • Must be able to function in an open office environment.
  • Must be able to function under pressure in harsh (steel making) environments.
  • Management and leadership skills desirable.


Problem Solving & Complexity:

  • Handle more than one assignment at a time and meet technical requirements and completion
  • dates for each project
  • Be able to gather information from others and to resolve issues when information appears to be
  • conflicting
  • Overcoming obstacles with creative thinking
  • Decisions that the jobholder would typically refer to his / her manager, or others, for solutions:
  • Decisions for project direction
  • Commercial issues with customers
  • Some technical decisions
  • Product development direction

Company Description

Vesuvius is a global leader in molten metal flow engineering and technology, primarily serving the global steel and foundry industries. We develop innovative solutions that enable our customers to increase their efficiency and productivity, enhance quality, improve safety and reduce their costs and their environmental impact. Our history spans more than 100 years, we are on six continents with more than 11,000 employees. We value diversity. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We aim to deliver sustainable, profitable growth to provide our shareholders with a superior return on their investment, while providing our employees with a safe workplace where they are recognized, developed and properly rewarded.


What Vesuvius employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom