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Senior Automation Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Automation Engineer

Malta, IL · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

To support this mission, Syngenta's Automation & Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in Malta, IL. This role will lead the design, development, prototyping, and deployment of end ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Malta, IL · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

To support this mission, Syngenta's Automation & Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in Malta, IL. This role will lead the design, development, prototyping, and deployment of end ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Malta, IL

$97K - $128K/yr

To support this mission, Syngenta's Automation & Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in Malta, IL. This role will lead the design, development, prototyping, and deployment of end ...

SUMMARY The Senior Automation Engineer at Matrix Design, LLC plays a key role in quoting, designing, programming, and implementing robotic automation systems to improve manufacturing efficiency ...

Automation Developer Location: 3 Lincoln Cntr Oakbrook Terrace, IL Duration: Long -Term Contract Job Summary We are seeking a Mid-to-Senior Automation Developer / Process Automation Analyst to drive ...

Senior AI Platform Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Role Overview The Sr. Automation Engineer serves as a senior technical authority responsible for designing, building, and governing enterprise-scale intelligent automation systems centered on agentic ...

Senior Marketing Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Senior Marketing Automation Engineer - Oracle Eloqua & CRM Integration The Senior Marketing Automation Engineer - Oracle Eloqua & CRM Integration (Redwood) serves as the technical guide for Oracle ...

Senior AI Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Agentic Automation, AI Agents, LLMs, Prompt Engineering, Intelligent Document Processing, Process Mining, Generative AI; Python, C#, .NET, REST APIs, SQL, Git, CI/CD; Azure, Azure OpenAI, Azure ...

MLOps Automation Senior Lead Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$107K - $140K/yr

The MLOps Automation Engineering Senior Lead will lead a team responsible for building and deploying MLOps Automation for some of Huntington's most valuable and most challenging data-driven projects.

Senior Trading Automation Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Optiver is seeking a Senior Trading Automation Specialist to join the team responsible for the ... Collaborate with Quantitative Traders, Quantitative Researchers, and Software Engineers to ...

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Senior Automation Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$50.9K

$120.5K

$166.1K

How much do senior automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior automation engineer in Elgin, IL is $120,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,800.00 and $134,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior automation engineer?

The duties of a senior automation engineer are to develop, design, and configure systems that automate processes, such as manufacturing or software processes. Some people in this position work exclusively with software design while others work with hardware design and production. Some may provide both digital and physical solutions to automation problems. Regardless of the field, the responsibilities of a senior automation engineer are to improve efficiency while reducing the number of people it takes to complete a given process. Qualifications typically include a bachelor’s or master’s degree, experience in the industry, and leadership skills.

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

To thrive as a Senior Automation Engineer, you need a deep understanding of automation frameworks, scripting languages (such as Python or Java), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Docker, and CI/CD systems, along with certifications like ISTQB or Certified Automation Professional (CAP), is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, leadership, effective communication, and collaboration skills help you excel in guiding teams and managing complex projects. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of automated systems in fast-paced technical environments.

What is the difference between Senior Automation Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectSenior Automation EngineerAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; often some certifications in automation toolsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications in automation tools are common
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and overseeing automation systems; leading projectsImplementing automation solutions; supporting existing systems
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, software, automotive, and industrial sectorsManufacturing, software development, and industrial sectors

Senior Automation Engineers typically have more experience, lead projects, and handle complex automation systems, while Automation Engineers focus on implementing and supporting automation solutions. Both roles require similar credentials and are used across various industries, but senior roles involve more leadership and strategic responsibilities.

How does a senior automation engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

Senior Automation Engineers frequently work alongside software developers, QA specialists, and operations teams to design and implement robust automated testing frameworks or process automation solutions. They often lead discussions to identify automation opportunities, define requirements, and ensure that automation integrates smoothly into existing workflows. Effective communication and documentation skills are essential, as they must translate complex technical needs for non-technical stakeholders and align efforts across departments. Collaboration may also involve mentoring junior engineers and conducting code reviews to maintain high standards and consistency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Automation Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? For Senior Automation Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Automation Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Automation Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Senior Automation Engineer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Senior Automation Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Automation Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,454 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Senior Automation Engineer

Syngenta Group

Malta, IL • On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Company Description
About Syngenta
At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We're a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities. We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance.
Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture.
Job Description
At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. To support this mission, Syngenta's Automation & Engineering Team is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer in Malta, IL. This role will lead the design, development, prototyping, and deployment of end-to-end automation systems that drive efficiency, precision, and scalability within Seeds R&D. This hands-on role focuses on innovating and integrating engineering solutions from concept to production.
Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex requirements into robust, production-ready systems. Success in this role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, practical prototyping skills, and a passion for innovation in agricultural automation.
Accountabilities:
  • System Design & Development: Lead the architectural design and integration of automated systems from concept to production, incorporating PLCs, robotics, and mechanical/electrical components. Use CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) to produce detailed 3D models, simulations, and assembly drawings.
  • Vision-Guided Automation: Develop and optimize high-speed, high-accuracy pick-and-place systems using machine vision and robotic arms to handle multiple payloads and operating environments.
  • Prototyping & Implementation: Build and iterate physical prototypes using rapid prototyping methods (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining). Perform hands-on assembly, testing, and debugging of components, ensuring seamless integration of sensors, actuators, and end-effectors. Coordinate with external vendors for parts fabrication as needed.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with breeders, data scientists, biologists, engineers, and operations teams to solve complex robotics and automation challenges.
  • Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Stay current with emerging technologies (e.g., collaborative robots, automation platforms) to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
  • Conduct cost-benefit analyses and tradeoff evaluations to optimize design efficiency and component selection.
  • Project Delivery & Governance: Manage project timelines and deliverables using Agile methodologies and engineering best practices.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Prepare comprehensive technical reports, SOPs, and presentations to communicate findings and support regulatory submissions or patent filings.

Qualifications
PLEASE NOTE: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring current or future sponsorship (which also includes OPT/CPT and H-1B visas).
Education:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related experience.

Experience:
  • 7+ years in robotics and automation engineering, with at least 4 years in hands-on prototyping and automation system integration.
  • Proven track record of delivering end-to-end projects in industrial automation or laboratory environments.

Technical Skills:
  • Design & CAD: Proficient in mechanical design using SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or CATIA. Experienced with finite element analysis (FEA) tools such as ANSYS for stress and structural analysis.
  • Robotics Hardware: Hands-on experience with servo motors, grippers, pneumatic actuators, and integration of pick-and-place robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and collaborative robots (e.g., Universal Robots, KUKA).
  • Vision & Sensing: Skilled in machine vision systems such asOpenCV, HALCON, Keyence, and Cognex VisionPro. Experienced in sensor fusion involving LiDAR, IMUs, and force/torque sensors.
  • Prototyping & Electronics: Familiar with rapid prototyping platforms such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, as well as 3D printing. Experienced in PCB design, electronic wiring, breadboarding, and fabrication of custom electronic systems, such as soldering, enclosure design, and microcontroller integration.
  • Programming & Control: Expertise in Python, MATLAB, National Instruments LabVIEW, ROS (Robot Operating System), and C/C++/C#. Skilled in PLC programming using Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
  • AI-Augmented Development: Proficient in leveraging AI-powered tools like GitHub Copilot to accelerate development, automate engineering tasks, and enhance team productivity.
  • Version Control & DevOps: Experienced in applying version control best practices using Git-based systems (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket), such as branching strategies, commit hygiene, CI/CD integration, and team training for repository management and code integrity.

Additional Information
Salary for the role is $114,100 - $163,000 per year.
What We Offer:
  • A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. Offers flexible work options to support your work and personal needs.
  • Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts your first day.
  • 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution.
  • Paid Vacation, Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts, among other benefits.

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI
Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
WL: 5B