ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Branex Group

Be Seen First

Sr. Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer - Chicago, IL Shift: 2nd Shift * 6PM - 4:30AM * Mon-Thurs OR Sun-Wed ... other protected characteristic by State and Federal laws. Branex Group offers the following ...

New

Hansoninc

Electrical Controls Engineer - Power

Peoria, IL

$78K - $105K/yr

Power Controls Engineer (Power Industry) Position Type: Full-Time Industry Focus: Power Delivery ... Protective relays * Assist with commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting control and ...

Hansoninc

Electrical Controls Engineer - Power

Monee, IL

$77K - $103K/yr

Power Controls Engineer (Power Industry) Position Type: Full-Time Industry Focus: Power Delivery ... Protective relays * Assist with commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting control and ...

Generac

Senior Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

For more than 65 years, we've turned big ideas into solutions that help protect homes, strengthen ... The Senior Controls Engineer serves as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system ...

Ferrara Candy Company

Controls Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$81K - $113K/yr

As a Controls Engineer, you'll play a key role in shaping the automation and technology that power ... Protective gear will be required where appropriate. * Position requires ability to work varying ...

Ipsen International Inc

Controls Engineer

Cherry Valley, IL · On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

... engineering field required. * 3+ years designing controls for industrial equipment required ... a protected veteran. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. To ...

Ipsen

Controls Engineer

Cherry Valley, IL · On-site

$77K - $115K/yr

... engineering field required. * 3+ years designing controls for industrial equipment required ... a protected veteran. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. To ...

Ferrara

Controls Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$81K - $113K/yr

As a Controls Engineer, you'll play a key role in shaping the automation and technology that power ... Protective gear will be required where appropriate. * Position requires ability to work varying ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProtection & Controls Engineer JobsProtection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Protection Controls Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$53.3K

$93.6K

$126.9K

How much do protection & controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for protection & controls engineer in Illinois is $93,582.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $104,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Protection & Controls Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protection & Controls Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electrical power systems, protection schemes, and control logic, usually backed by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as SEL AcSELerator, ETAP, and relay programming tools, as well as certifications like PE or NETA, are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are key soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure accurate system protection, minimize downtime, and support safe, reliable operation of critical power infrastructure.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Protection & Controls Engineer?

A Protection & Controls Engineer typically spends their day designing, reviewing, and testing protection and control systems for electrical substations and power grids. Daily tasks may include developing relay settings, performing fault analysis, creating wiring diagrams, and collaborating with project teams and field technicians to ensure accurate implementation. You will also troubleshoot and resolve issues in existing systems, update project documentation, and participate in meetings with clients or stakeholders. This role often balances independent technical work with teamwork, providing variety and opportunities to apply both engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills.

What is a Protection & Controls Engineer job?

A Protection & Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining electrical protection and control systems for power grids, substations, and industrial facilities. They ensure the safe and reliable operation of electrical systems by developing protective relaying schemes, performing system studies, and troubleshooting faults. Their role involves working with relays, circuit breakers, SCADA systems, and automation technologies to prevent equipment damage and power outages. They collaborate with utilities, engineering teams, and field technicians to optimize system performance and ensure compliance with industry standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Protection & Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Protection & Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Protection & Controls Engineer job openings:
Protection Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Protection & Controls Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,582 per year, or $45 per hour.
Controls Engineers

Controls Engineers

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Elgin, IL • On-site

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Controls Engineer – Automation

Location: Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Up to $160,000 annually (based on experience)

Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated 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 and end-to-end—you’ll own projects from concept and proof-of-principle through programming, debug, testing, and factory integration.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, custom machine build environments, enjoys learning new technologies, and takes pride in delivering robust, high-performing automation solutions.

What You’ll Do
  • Design and implement control systems for custom automation and robotic equipment
  • Support rapid prototyping efforts using in-house fabricated parts
  • Participate in machine risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards
  • Review electrical schematics and support controls hardware architecture decisions
  • Create application design documentation, flowcharts, and participate in software design reviews
  • Program and configure automation systems including:
    • PLCs
    • HMIs / SCADA
    • Servo systems
    • Robotics
    • Machine vision systems
  • Test and verify electrical wiring (safety circuits, I/O, communications, etc.)
  • Debug and validate software and hardware to meet performance and quality requirements
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers and assembly teams to ensure proper machine setup and alignment
  • Execute acceptance testing and support equipment installation and integration at manufacturing facilities
  • Travel up to 25–30% to support factory installations and system launches
What You’ll Bring
  • 1+ years of experience in custom automation or machine build environments
  • PLC programming experience
    • Siemens (preferred)
    • Rockwell Automation (secondary)
  • HMI / SCADA experience
    • WinCC (preferred)
    • Ignition (secondary)
  • Experience with controls hardware including sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, machine vision systems, barcode readers, and safety devices
  • Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, TCP/IP, etc.)
  • Robotics experience
    • FANUC (preferred)
    • KUKA (secondary)
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience
Why This Role
  • Work on custom, one-of-a-kind automation systems—no cookie-cutter projects
  • High ownership and visibility from concept through commissioning
  • Collaborative engineering environment with strong technical talent
  • Exposure to cutting-edge automation, robotics, and manufacturing technologies
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary up to $160,000, depending on experience
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and holidays


  • Additional benefits and perks discussed during the interview process


  • on for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.