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Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL

$100K - $130K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation ... protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification ...

Ecolab

Sr Controls Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Our mission is to protect people and the vital resources necessary for life. We are seeking a skilled Sr Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement Siemens and B&R PLC-based control systems ...

Autokiniton

Controls Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i-TAHN) AUTOKINITON delivers ... any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy ...

Autokiniton

Controls Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL

$100K - $132K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i- TAHN ) AUTOKINITON delivers ... any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy ...

Gotion, Inc.

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Provide technical leadership and knowledge transfer to internal Controls Engineers and Technicians ... protected by law. At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued ...

Signode

Electrical Controls Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

We produce strap, stretch and protective packaging. We also manufacture packaging tools and ... Signode, a leader in packaging and automation equipment, is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer ...

Signode

Electrical Controls Engineer

Roselle, IL

We produce strap, stretch and protective packaging. We also manufacture packaging tools and ... Signode, a leader in packaging and automation equipment, is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer ...

Signode

Electrical Controls Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$75K - $115K/yr

We produce strap, stretch and protective packaging. We also manufacture packaging tools and ... Signode, a leader in packaging and automation equipment, is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer ...

Gotion, Inc.

Controls Engineer, Cell Line

Manteno, IL · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Controls Engineer to join our team at Gotion ... protected by law. At Gotion Inc., we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued ...

GAI Consultants

Engineer 3 (P&C/Substation)

Lisle, IL · On-site

GAI Consultants is seeking a Substation and/or Protection & Controls Engineer 3 for substation-related work. This position will perform substation and protection and controls design, technical ...

MetaOption, LLC

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Substation Engineer Chicago, Illinois, USA Openings also in Houston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Kansas ... Strong experience in physical and/or protection & controls (P&C) design * Ability to lead projects ...

MetaOption, LLC

Substation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Substation Engineer Chicago, Illinois, USA Openings also in Houston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Kansas ... Strong experience in physical and/or protection & controls (P&C) design * Ability to lead projects ...

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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 13, 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 Engineer

Controls Engineer

Actalent

Elgin, IL

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description:

  • Develop, configure, and support PLC, HMI, and SCADA platforms.
  • Diagnose and resolve control system issues while maintaining safe and reliable logic across production equipment.
  • Assist with robotic cell design, system integration, and performance optimization.
  • Apply automation solutions that enhance operational safety, throughput, and consistency.
  • Create and improve preventive maintenance strategies, lead failure investigations, and help drive improvements in equipment uptime, OEE, and overall reliability.
  • Lead and support automation-driven capital initiatives while contributing to Industry 4.0 advancements and Lean manufacturing efforts.
  • Ensure automation systems comply with OSHA requirements and internal safety standards, including machine safeguarding and safety-rated control systems.
  • Maintain drawings, procedures, and CMMS documentation. Provide hands-on training and technical support to maintenance teams and operators.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 2–10 years of hands-on experience working in industrial automation or controls-focused roles.
  • Familiarity with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens, along with exposure to robotics, automated guided vehicles, and computerized maintenance systems.
Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Elgin, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

Full Time benefits, 401k, profit sharing, and yearly bonus

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Elgin,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

Social media

Facebook

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