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Manufacturing Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Shades of Grey HR

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

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

Intellectt INC

Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

... manufacturing environments is highly preferred. I would love to connect and discuss this ... Job Title: Controls Engineer -IL Core Responsibilities * Develop specifications and user ...

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 ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Controls Engineers

Elgin, IL

$160K/yr

... Controls Engineer to join an Automation Development team focused on designing and building custom automation and robotic equipment for high-volume manufacturing environments. This role is hands-on ...

Matrix Design, LLC

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL

$52.88 - $67.31/hr

Would include integration of robots and motion control systems into custom manufacturing solutions ... in leading controls engineering projects with a focus on automation and robotics * Hands-on ...

MatrixIndustrialAutomation

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Integrate robotic arms and motion control systems into custom manufacturing solutions. 3. CROSS ... in controls engineering with a focus on automation and robotics * Hands-on experience with PLCs ...

Venteon

2nd Shift Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K/yr

2ND SHIFT CONTROLS ENGINEER - CHICAGO, ILLINOIS A Leading Automotive Supplier in Chicago, Illinois ... Train, coach, and mentor, the electrical controls process, for manufacturing skilled trades and ...

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Showing results 21-40

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

Manufacturing Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$67K

$94.6K

$119.1K

How much do manufacturing controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $94,628.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,600.00 and $102,100.00 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, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,628 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Shades of Grey HR

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 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.