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Manufacturing Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno ... Gotion is seeking a motivated Junior Controls Engineer to join our team at our state-of-the-art ...

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL

$96K - $127K/yr

... Controls Engineer to take ownership of automation and control systems for our Pack & Module ... PLC expertise, and proven manufacturing floor experience. Key Responsibilities * Lead ...

Controls Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

We're proud of our Tier 1 supplier legacy for manufacturing propulsion-agnostic, structural ... controls or automation engineering. Master's Degree is a plus. Open for equivalent years of ...

Controls Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

We're proud of our Tier 1 supplier legacy for manufacturing propulsion-agnostic, structural ... controls or automation engineering. Master's Degree is a plus. Open for equivalent years of ...

Controls Engineer, Cell Line

Manteno, IL · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno ... We are seeking a skilled and motivated Controls Engineer to join our team at Gotion ...

Process Controls Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Our teams have invented groundbreaking technologies, flawlessly manufactured millions of products ... A better future? As a member of the Engineering team, the Process Controls Engineer will be ...

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA, currently building a Manufacturing facility in Manteno ... Provide technical leadership and knowledge transfer to internal Controls Engineers and Technicians ...

Process Controls Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Our teams have invented groundbreaking technologies, flawlessly manufactured millions of products ... A better future? As a member of the Engineering team, the Process Controls Engineer will be ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

We also manufacture packaging tools and equipment used to apply the bulk packaging materials. These ... Signode, a leader in packaging and automation equipment, is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer ...

Controls Engineer II

Manteno, IL · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

... controls for process improvements and bug fixes as needed Location & Travel: * Primary Location ... Understanding manufacturing processes and process instrumentation * Investigating and solving ...

Controls Engineer II

Manteno, IL · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

... controls for process improvements and bug fixes as needed Location & Travel: * Primary Location ... Understanding manufacturing processes and process instrumentation * Investigating and solving ...

Showing results 41-60

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:

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 / Maintenance Technician

Apidel Technologies

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Contractor

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Position Description:
Controls Engineer / Maintenance Technician (Contract)
Position Summary:
The Controls Engineer / Maintenance Technician is a hands-on technical role responsible for supporting the reliability and performance of automated manufacturing equipment. This position reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and plays a critical role in electrical, PLC, robotics, CNC, and automation troubleshooting. This is a floor-based, hands-on position. The individual is expected to actively support breakdown recovery, perform advanced troubleshooting, and contribute to continuous improvement of automation systems. This role is structured as contract labor and may support specific reliability initiatives, equipment upgrades, or peak production demands.
Core Responsibilities:
Controls & Automation Support

Troubleshoot and repair Allen-Bradley PLC systems
Interpret electrical schematics and ladder logic for rapid diagnostics
Support and modify HMI programs as needed
Troubleshoot servo systems, motion control, and CNC controls
Support Fanuc robot troubleshooting and basic programming adjustments
Assist with Safety PLC validation and machine safety systems
Troubleshoot and support vision systems Breakdown Response & Uptime Support
Respond to equipment downtime events with urgency
Diagnose root causes of electrical and controls failures
Support production during high-impact downtime situations
Collaborate with maintenance technicians to restore equipment quickly and safely Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
Execute preventive maintenance tasks on electrical and automation systems
Support PM optimization efforts
Document findings and corrective actions in CMMS
Identify emerging failure trends and recommend corrective actions Safety & Compliance
Follow OSHA, NFPA, arc flash, and LOTO procedures
Ensure safe troubleshooting practices
Assist in maintaining machine safety system integrity
Required Qualifications:
35+ years industrial controls or electrical troubleshooting experience
Strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, ladder logic troubleshooting, HMIs, servo systems, motion control, CNC machinery, and industrial electrical systems
Experience with Fanuc robots (troubleshooting required; programming preferred)
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
Working knowledge of automation and machining environments
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving ability
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience integrating or modifying PLC programs
Safety PLC troubleshooting experience
Experience with vision systems
CNC programming exposure
CMMS experience
Mechatronics, Electrical Technology, or related degree/training (or equivalent experience)
Work Structure:
Reports directly to Maintenance Manager
Contract labor position
Floor-based role in a manufacturing environment
May require flexibility to support critical downtime or project needs
Additional Information
This is a temporary assignment expected to last between 6 and 12 months
Skills Needed
Troubleshoot and repair Allen-Bradley PLC systems



Apidel Technologies logo

About Apidel Technologies

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We understand that attracting, qualifying, placing, and retaining the best candidates for our clients requires exceptional talent. That’s why our highly skilled and dedicated recruitment team works tirelessly to develop lifelong associations with all candidates and clients. We prioritize helping our employees achieve their career goals while providing effective staffing solutions to our clients and candidates. At Apidel, we believe in simple yet established core values that are ingrained within each member of our team. These values are time and again illustrated in our approach to employees, candidates, and clients. Our unwavering belief that our core values of integrity, client satisfaction, innovation, and intellect distinguish us from our competitors is what drives us forward. We remain focused on improving and sustaining a measurable client satisfaction program that has created an organizational culture where our associates provide world-class service every day.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Plainfield, IL, US

Year founded

2012