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Motion Control Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Control Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

As a well-established engineering consulting firm with over 20 years in business, they are known ... Experience with PLCs, motion control, process control, robotics, machine vision, and SCADA systems

Control Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

As a well-established engineering consulting firm with over 20 years in business, they are known ... Experience with PLCs, motion control, process control, robotics, machine vision, and SCADA systems

PLC Control Engineer

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline 35 years of hands-on experience ... Experience in custom machinery, CNC machine tools, or industrial automation Understanding of motion ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Glenview, IL

$102K - $134K/yr

You will support both custom product modifications and new product development, evaluating customer requirements, performing engineering analysis, selecting motion control components, and driving ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Northbrook, IL

$106K - $140K/yr

You will support both custom product modifications and new product development, evaluating customer requirements, performing engineering analysis, selecting motion control components, and driving ...

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Motion Control Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$74.6K

$85.7K

$95K

How much do motion control engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for motion control engineering in Illinois is $85,662.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $91,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is motion control engineering?

Motion control engineering is a field focused on the design and implementation of systems that control the movement of machines or mechanical systems. This often involves the use of motors, actuators, sensors, and controllers to achieve precise positioning, speed, and acceleration in applications such as robotics, manufacturing automation, and aerospace. Motion control engineers work with both hardware and software to develop efficient, reliable movement solutions. Their work is critical in industries where accurate and repeatable movement is required.

What is the difference between Motion Control Engineering vs Robotics Engineering?

AspectMotion Control EngineeringRobotics Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering; certifications in automation or control systemsBachelor's in Robotics, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering; certifications in robotics or automation
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation facilities, R&D labsResearch labs, manufacturing, autonomous systems development
Industry UsageAutomation, CNC machines, industrial equipmentAutonomous robots, drones, robotic arms
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Motion Control Engineering focuses on designing and implementing systems that precisely control movement in machinery and automation equipment. Robotics Engineering encompasses the broader development of robotic systems, including sensors, control algorithms, and mechanical design. While both roles require control system knowledge and similar credentials, Motion Control Engineers specialize in movement precision within industrial settings, whereas Robotics Engineers work on creating autonomous and interactive robotic systems.

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

To thrive as a Motion Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, with expertise in automation, robotics, and control systems. Familiarity with PLC programming, servo systems, CAD software, and relevant certifications (such as Certified Motion Control Professional) is typically required. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and troubleshoot complex systems. These competencies ensure precise, efficient, and reliable motion solutions critical to manufacturing and automation industries.

What are some common challenges faced by motion control engineers when integrating new automation systems into existing manufacturing environments?

Motion control engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new automation components and legacy systems, minimizing downtime during integration, and maintaining precise synchronization across various machines. Troubleshooting communication protocols and adapting control algorithms to fit unique production requirements can also be complex. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as maintenance and software engineers, is essential to address these challenges and achieve a seamless integration process.
What job categories do people searching Motion Control Engineering jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Control Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Motion Control Engineering job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,662 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Motion Control Automation Engineer -- Linear Actuation

PBC Linear Bearings

Roscoe, IL โ€ข On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Motion Control Automation Engineer — Linear ActuationA day in this role

Morning stand-up done, you dive into a customer application: calculating loads, sizing a servo and drive, and selecting sensors and safety devices for a cartesian robot. You open your electrical design software to finalize a control panel layout, confirm wiring specs, and review schematics. After lunch, you tune a stepper-driven actuator to hit a tight move profile, then switch to debugging a PLC routine written in IEC 61131-3. You wrap the day collaborating with sales and application engineering to recommend the right PBC Linear actuators, profile rail, and ball/lead screw components—or sketching an idea for a new product variant that fits a unique requirement.

What you’ll do
  • Provide product and application support for linear motion systems, components, and actuators.
  • Design, select components, and troubleshoot motion control solutions using stepper motors, servo motors, drives, sensors, safety equipment, and related hardware.
  • Size and choose motors and drives using appropriate load calculations.
  • Tune servo- and stepper-driven linear motion systems for performance and stability.
  • Program PLC systems using IEC 61131-3 languages and interface with controls, drives, and sensors.
  • Install and wire electrical components into control panels; read and interpret electrical control panel schematics.
  • Diagnose and repair issues in existing electrical panels.
  • Support the design, construction, operation, and troubleshooting of customer applications and test stands for linear motion products.
  • Communicate with engineers, vendors, and customers on controls-related opportunities and issues.
  • Leverage mechatronics knowledge across controls, software, and mechanical actuator systems.
  • Use electrical design software to document and validate designs.
  • Occasionally partner with sales teams and customers to understand requirements and either select appropriate PBC Linear products or help design new offerings.
  • Optional but valuable: C++, C#, or Visual Basic for tooling, test, or integration tasks.
What you bring
  • Hands-on knowledge of servo and stepper motor dynamics, PLCs, controls, and drive systems.
  • Familiarity with linear motion technologies such as actuators, profile rail, ball screws, lead screws, and linear bearings (preferred).
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related 2-year technical degree—preferably Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or Mechatronics.
Why PBC Linear

PBC Linear (A Pacific Bearing Company) is a global leader in linear technology—and a local manufacturer committed to our associates and community. If you enjoy tackling complex motion challenges in a fast-changing, dynamic environment, you’ll feel at home here. We offer a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D, and Aflac.

Equal Opportunity

PBC Linear is an Equal Opportunity Employer.