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Motion Control Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Design and integrate control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and motion control, for industrial ... Programming and Software Development: * Program PLCs, HMIs, robots, and other control devices to ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Wheeling, IL

$43 - $55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Design, integrate, and validate motion control systems utilizing motors, encoders, bearings ... Lead engineering projects through the complete product lifecycle, from requirements definition and ...

Senior Control Systems Engineer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$165K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Expert-level proficiency in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, Variable Frequency Drives and motion control. Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP ...

Senior Control Systems Engineer

Aurora, IL

$165K - $171K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Expert-levelproficiencyin PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, Variable Frequency Drives and motion control. Experience with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL

$105K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Precision motion control involving coordinated motion * Participate in internal and customer design reviews, installations, and service calls when needed. * Able to communicate engineering concepts ...

Experience with AB and Siemens Motion Control software platforms a must. Knowledge of risk ... S. in Electrical Engineering · 5+ years minimum automated controls design experience in programing ...

Experience with AB and Siemens Motion Control software platforms a must. Knowledge of risk ... S. in Electrical Engineering · 5+ years minimum automated controls design experience in programing ...

Showing results 21-40

Motion Control Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.1K

$92.4K

$134.5K

How much do motion control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for motion control engineer in Chicago, IL is $92,377.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,981.00 and $105,208.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a motion control engineer?

A Motion Control Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes automated systems that control the movement of machines and robotics. They work with motors, sensors, controllers, and software to ensure precise motion in industrial and manufacturing applications. Their role involves programming control systems, troubleshooting performance issues, and integrating hardware and software components to improve efficiency and accuracy. These engineers are essential in industries like aerospace, automotive, robotics, and semiconductor manufacturing.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a motion control engineer?

As a Motion Control Engineer, your typical day involves designing, programming, and testing motion control systems for automation equipment or robotics. You’ll often collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to integrate components, conduct system debugging, and optimize machine performance. Troubleshooting issues, updating technical documentation, and supporting installations or commissioning are also frequent tasks. This role usually requires hands-on work both at the office and on-site, ensuring systems operate safely and efficiently while meeting project deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a motion control engineer?

To thrive as a Motion Control Engineer, you need strong expertise in electrical and mechanical engineering principles, control systems, and programming, typically backed by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with PLCs, servo motors, automation platforms like Siemens or Allen-Bradley, and certifications such as Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP) are commonly expected. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies are crucial for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting motion control systems that ensure optimal machine performance and productivity.

What are popular job titles related to Motion Control Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Motion Control Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Motion Control Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Motion Control Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Motion Control Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,377 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Director of Automation Engineering

OtterBase Inc

Chicago, IL

$62.50 - $84.13/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Location: Chicago, IL (Corporate Headquarters)

Reports To: Senior Director, Process Engineering

Travel: Up to 50%

Position Summary

The Director of Automation Engineering is responsible for leading the strategy, design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise-wide automation systems that support manufacturing excellence across multiple facilities. This role drives the adoption of advanced automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, industrial networking, and Industry 4.0 solutions to improve operational performance, reliability, quality, and sustainability.

The Director partners closely with Engineering, Operations, Information Technology, Quality, and external system integrators to deliver capital automation projects from concept through commissioning while establishing engineering standards and best practices that support long-term manufacturing success.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the specification, design, implementation, and optimization of plant-wide automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, motion control, and advanced process controls.
  • Develop and execute automation strategies that support operational excellence, manufacturing efficiency, and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Integrate packaging, process, and utility systems to improve equipment performance, data visibility, and production reliability.
  • Champion Industry 4.0 technologies, smart manufacturing, industrial analytics, and connected factory initiatives.
  • Manage automation capital projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and execution.
  • Lead equipment commissioning, startup activities, factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT), system validation, and operator training.
  • Establish automation engineering standards, documentation, programming standards, and preventive maintenance strategies that maximize equipment uptime.
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and IT teams to ensure automation solutions align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
  • Manage relationships with automation vendors, OEMs, and system integrators while overseeing contract negotiations and project deliverables.
  • Support manufacturing cybersecurity initiatives and ensure compliance with IT/OT security standards and data integrity requirements.
  • Identify emerging automation technologies and recommend innovative solutions that improve productivity, quality, sustainability, and operational performance.
  • Mentor automation engineers and provide technical leadership across multiple manufacturing facilities.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; Master's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive automation engineering experience within manufacturing environments.
  • Proven experience leading automation design, integration, commissioning, and startup for large-scale capital projects.
  • Strong technical knowledge of PLC programming, HMI/SCADA platforms, industrial networking, robotics, motion control, and industrial control systems.
  • Experience managing cross-functional engineering teams, contractors, system integrators, and equipment suppliers.
  • Demonstrated success managing project budgets, schedules, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.
  • Working knowledge of industrial cybersecurity, IT/OT convergence, and manufacturing data systems.
  • Experience developing engineering standards, best practices, and documentation for automation systems.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and project management abilities.
Preferred Experience
  • Manufacturing experience within consumer packaged goods (CPG), food and beverage, or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
  • Experience implementing smart manufacturing, digital transformation, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies.
  • Familiarity with MES, historian platforms, advanced analytics, and enterprise manufacturing systems.
  • Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations.
Core Competencies
  • Strategic Leadership
  • Automation & Controls Engineering
  • Capital Project Management
  • Digital Transformation
  • Robotics & Motion Control
  • Industrial Networking
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Vendor & Contractor Management
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Manufacturing Operations
  • Operational Excellence
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making
  • Change Management
  • Communication & Team Leadership
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