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Plc Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Gotion, Inc.

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL

$96K - $127K/yr

Manteno, IL | On-site Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Senior/Staff PLC/Controls Engineer to take ownership of automation and control systems for our Pack & Module production ...

Gotion, Inc.

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Manteno, IL | On-site Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Senior/Staff PLC/Controls Engineer to take ownership of automation and control systems for our Pack & Module production ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Controls Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$83K - $107K/yr

We are seeking a talented Controls Engineer to design, program, and support custom automation ... This role will be responsible for developing PLC and HMI software, integrating controls hardware ...

DIA Packaging, Inc

PLC Control Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Job Title: PLC Control Engineer Location: Huntley, IL, USA Job Type: Full-Time | On-site Job Summary: We are looking for a PLC Electrical Engineer / Control Engineer with 35 years of industry ...

Converge Resources

Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL

$86K - $111K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Greater Chicago Area Position Type: Full-Time | Onsite with Travel (~25 ... Electrical schematic design PLC programming HMI development VFD setup and parameterization I/O ...

Shades of Grey HR

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Job Title: PLC & Automation Engineer Location: Cary, IL Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site ... Job Summary Ross and White Company is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to support the design ...

Implementation Engineers

Torque Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $102K/yr

Torque Controls Engineer Contract Consulting Opportunity | Chicago Area | Immediate Need About the ... PLC controls * Quality and traceability databases * Understanding of Industry 4.0 manufacturing ...

Great Lakes Group

Be Seen First

PLC Programmer - Allen-Bradley

Elgin, IL · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

PLC Programmer - Allen-Bradley Location: Chicago, IL Start Date: September 2026 Seeking an ... Controls Engineer , Automation Engineer , Controls Technician , or similar controls professional.

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... Full Control System Design - PLC programming, HMI design, SCADA, MES * Control Panel Design ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... Full Control System Design - PLC programming, HMI design, SCADA, MES * Control Panel Design ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... Full Control System Design - PLC programming, HMI design, SCADA, MES * Control Panel Design ...

Converge Resources

Electrical Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$82K - $110K/yr

Your expertise in electrical schematic design, PLC/HMI/VFD programming, and troubleshooting will be ... electrical controls troubleshooting and problem-solving on-site. - Collaborate with cross ...

Stark Pharma Solutions Inc

PM Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$86K - $111K/yr

Hands-on experience with Rockwell and Siemens PLC systems * Strong knowledge of electrical systems and controls engineering principles * Experience working in GMP-regulated environments * Strong ...

MATRIX DESIGN LLC

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL

$82K - $106K/yr

This position focuses on integrating robotic systems, PLC programming, HMI development, and motion ... in controls engineering with a focus on automation and robotics * Hands-on experience with PLCs ...

Matrix Design, LLC

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$52.88 - $67.31/hr

This position focuses on integrating robotic systems, PLC programming, HMI development, and motion ... in leading controls engineering projects with a focus on automation and robotics * Hands-on ...

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

Plc Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$57.2K

$94.9K

$127.8K

How much do plc controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for plc controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $94,876.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PLC controls engineer?

PLC Controls Engineers are professionals who design, program, and maintain programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used to automate industrial processes. They develop control systems that allow machinery and production lines to operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting issues, upgrading systems, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. PLC Controls Engineers often work closely with other engineers and technicians to optimize manufacturing operations.

What does a PLC controls engineer do?

As a PLC controls engineer, your primary responsibilities include the setup, programming, testing, and implementation of computer control systems used for production automation and industrial equipment design. Your duties are to implement programs on programmable logic controllers and test whether industrial computers process information and function correctly. You debug issues and troubleshoot problems that have non-standard solutions. In this role, you also assess the functionality of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems and may work in numerous fields, including aviation, robotics, energy production, and manufacturing.

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

To thrive as a PLC Controls Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering, automation systems, and proficiency in programming PLCs, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC platforms (such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Schneider), HMI/SCADA systems, and industrial networking is essential, and certifications like Siemens S7 or Rockwell Automation can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills are critical for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated processes to ensure efficiency and reliability in industrial environments.

What are some typical challenges a PLC controls engineer might face when working on a new automation project?

PLC Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new automation systems with existing machinery, troubleshooting unexpected equipment behavior, and ensuring minimal downtime during installation or upgrades. Communication with cross-functional teams—including electricians, mechanical engineers, and production managers—is essential to align project goals and resolve issues efficiently. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and keeping up with the latest PLC programming standards are common aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Plc Controls Engineer vs Automation Technician?

AspectPlc Controls EngineerAutomation Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical/Automation Engineering, PLC certificationsTechnical diploma or associate degree, PLC training
Work EnvironmentDesign, programming, and troubleshooting PLC systems in industrial settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of automation equipment
Industry UsageManufacturing, process control, automation firmsFactory floors, maintenance departments

The Plc Controls Engineer focuses on designing and programming PLC systems, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, the Automation Technician handles installation and troubleshooting, often with technical diplomas. Both roles are vital in industrial automation but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Are Plc Controls Engineers in demand?

Plc Controls Engineers are in high demand due to the ongoing need for automation in manufacturing, processing, and industrial facilities. They typically require knowledge of PLC programming, electrical systems, and control hardware, and job opportunities are expected to grow as industries continue to automate processes.

How much does a Plc Controls Engineer make?

A PLC Controls Engineer's average salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with certifications in PLC programming and automation may earn higher wages, especially in specialized or high-demand sectors.
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Plc Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plc Controls Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,876 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Gotion, Inc.

Manteno, IL

$96K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Location: Manteno, IL | On-site

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior/Staff PLC/Controls Engineer to take ownership of automation and control systems for our Pack & Module production line at Gotion's Manteno facility. This role will lead troubleshooting, stabilization, and optimization of production equipment, while also mentoring existing Controls Engineers and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive throughput and yield improvements.

This is a hands-on role requiring strong problem-solving skills, deep PLC expertise, and proven manufacturing floor experience.

 Key Responsibilities

  • Lead troubleshooting and optimization of PLC, HMI, motion control, and industrial networking systems across the production line.

  • Diagnose chronic automation issues impacting throughput, yield, and process stability; develop and execute permanent corrective actions.

  • Reprogram, tune, and standardize PLC logic (primarily Siemens S7-1500 / TIA Portal, plus some Omron).

  • Improve and maintain equipment documentation, parameter settings, software version control, and backup libraries.

  • Collaborate with Process, Quality, and Maintenance teams to drive continuous improvement.

  • Lead controls-related Root Cause Analysis (RCA), FMEA, DOE activities.

  • Provide technical leadership and knowledge transfer to internal Controls Engineers and Technicians; coach and elevate team capability.

  • Support new equipment integration, commissioning, and upgrades.

 Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation/Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent experience.

  • 8+ years of PLC/Controls experience in a manufacturing environment (assembly / automated production / automotive / battery industry preferred).

  • Expert-level Siemens PLC programming (TIA Portal / S7-1500).

  • Experience with industrial communication protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus).

  • Strong troubleshooting and electrical diagnostic ability; able to solve system-level issues independently.

  • Able to work onsite full-time in a fast-paced production environment.

Preferred

  • Experience with Omron PLC.

  • Robotics and machine vision integration experience.

  • Experience stabilizing production lines during ramp-up.

 What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation and benefits package

  • Opportunity to lead automation strategy during rapid scale-up

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $120,000 -$160,000, plus eligibility for bonus and benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by factors such as the role, level, and geographic location. The range listed in the job posting represents the minimum and maximum target salaries for this position across all U.S. locations. Actual compensation within the range will be influenced by the specific work location, along with factors such as job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter will provide more details about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the listed compensation reflects the base salary only and does not include bonus or benefits.

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