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Manufacturing Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Implementation Engineers

Torque Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $102K/yr

The ideal candidate combines hands-on manufacturing engineering experience with deep expertise in torque tooling, controls integration, traceability systems, and assembly process reliability. This is ...

Implementation Engineers

Torque Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $102K/yr

The ideal candidate combines hands-on manufacturing engineering experience with deep expertise in torque tooling, controls integration, traceability systems, and assembly process reliability. This is ...

Implementation Engineers

Torque Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $102K/yr

The ideal candidate combines hands-on manufacturing engineering experience with deep expertise in torque tooling, controls integration, traceability systems, and assembly process reliability. This is ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Controls Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

... manufacturing, and customers throughout the project lifecycle. The Controls Engineer will also provide onsite startup support, testing, and technical assistance to ensure successful system ...

Converge Resources

Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL

$86K - $111K/yr

Industrial Machinery / OEM Manufacturing Position Overview A leading industrial equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the Greater Chicago area is seeking a Controls Engineer to join their engineering team.

pca

Area Manufacturing Manager - Controls

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$83K - $98K/yr

Apply engineering techniques and best practices to improve processes. * Lead and manage capital ... Controls, Manufacturing, or Field Technical Support. * 5+ years of papermill experience required.

Shades of Grey HR

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... manufacturing environment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Develop, modify, and ... Hands-on experience with PLC programming, controls, automation, or industrial troubleshooting.

MSI Express, Inc.

Controls Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

This includes batching, blending, and material handling systems as well as discrete manufacturing ... in a controls engineering role in a manufacturing environment OR 3-5 years of experience in a ...

Stark Pharma Solutions Inc

PM Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

We are seeking an experienced PM Controls Engineer (Functional Lead) to lead automation and process improvement projects within a manufacturing environment. This role will be responsible for driving ...

MSI Express, Inc.

Senior Controls Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

... and discrete manufacturing environments. The Senior Controls Engineer is expected to provide ... strategic direction in the selection and deployment of automation technologies, mentor junior ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing Controls Engineer JobsManufacturing Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Manufacturing Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$67K

$94.6K

$119K

How much do manufacturing controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $94,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by manufacturing controls engineers in coordinating with production teams?

Manufacturing Controls Engineers often face challenges in aligning automation solutions with the dynamic needs of production teams. Effective communication is essential to ensure that control systems meet both operational efficiency and safety requirements. Additionally, adapting to changes in production schedules or troubleshooting unexpected equipment issues can require quick thinking and collaboration. Engineers must balance technical demands with the practical insights of operators and maintenance staff to ensure seamless integration and minimal downtime.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Controls Engineer vs Manufacturing Process Engineer?

AspectManufacturing Controls EngineerManufacturing Process Engineer
Primary FocusDesign and implement control systems and automation for manufacturing processesOptimize manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, and cost
Required SkillsPLC programming, control systems, automation, troubleshootingProcess analysis, Lean manufacturing, process improvement techniques
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation labsProduction floors, engineering offices
Common CertificationsControl system certifications, PLC programming certificationsSix Sigma, Lean certifications

While both roles support manufacturing operations, Manufacturing Controls Engineers focus on automation and control systems to improve production reliability, whereas Manufacturing Process Engineers work on optimizing overall manufacturing processes for efficiency and quality.

What is a manufacturing controls engineer?

A Manufacturing Controls Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining control systems that automate and optimize manufacturing processes. They work with hardware and software to ensure machinery operates efficiently, safely, and reliably. Their duties often include programming programmable logic controllers (PLCs), troubleshooting automation issues, and collaborating with other engineers to improve production workflows. Manufacturing Controls Engineers play a key role in increasing productivity, reducing costs, and maintaining product quality in industrial settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing controls engineer?

To thrive as a Manufacturing Controls Engineer, you need strong knowledge of automation systems, electrical engineering principles, and a degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and industry-standard certifications like ISA or Siemens are typically required. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and optimized manufacturing processes.

What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Manufacturing Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Manufacturing Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Controls Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,553 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Controls Engineer - Junior

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Buffalo Grove, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 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.