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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sr Engineer II, Plant Controls

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

In this position, the Sr Engineer II, Plant Controls, will be key in the design and execution of control solutions for new sites. You will be gathering project-specific requirements to define the ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$69.8K

$111.2K

$149.2K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Illinois is $111,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior controls engineer?

Senior Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing processes, machinery, or automation equipment. They are responsible for programming controllers (such as PLCs), troubleshooting control system issues, and ensuring optimal system performance and safety. Senior Controls Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to integrate new technologies. Their expertise is crucial for streamlining production, reducing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What are the typical responsibilities of a senior controls engineer in a manufacturing environment?

As a Senior Controls Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you can expect to lead the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. Your responsibilities often include overseeing control system upgrades, optimizing equipment for efficiency, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, production, and IT—to implement solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives. Managing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers are also common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior controls engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and several years of experience in industrial automation. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and knowledge of industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and excellent communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex control systems, which are critical for operational safety, efficiency, and project success.

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

AspectSenior Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, troubleshooting, project leadership in industrial or manufacturing settingsImplementing control systems, programming, testing, and maintenance in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control companiesSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles within the same sectors

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Controls Engineers typically lead projects, design complex systems, and mentor junior staff, while Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the senior role involves more leadership and advanced technical skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,171 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Senior Engineer - Warehouse Controls Engineer

Abbott Laboratories

Chicago, IL • On-site

$78 - $156/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve automated control systems within a warehouse or distribution environment.

  • Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, and control system issues impacting warehouse operations.

  • Develop and maintain system documentation, troubleshooting guides, and support continuous system improvements.


Job description

## Senior Engineer – Warehouse Controls EngineerCandidatar-selocations: United States - Illinois - North Chicagotime type: Tempo Integralposted on: Publicado hojejob requisition id: 31155937Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.Descritivo de Cargo**About Abbott**Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.Our diagnostic solutions are used in hospitals, laboratories, and clinics around the globe. The crucial information derived from our tests, instruments and informatics systems are often the first step in patient care decision making for hundreds of health conditions from heart attacks to blood disorders to infectious diseases and cancers.**Working at Abbott**At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:* Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.* Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.* An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution* Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.* A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.* A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.**The Opportunity*** This is not a remote opportunity* Traveling up to 5%This position works out of our Abbott Distribution Center (North Chicago), IL location in the Core Diagnostics Division.**What You’ll Work On**The Warehouse PLC / Controls Engineer is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving automated control systems within a warehouse or distribution environment. This role focuses on maximizing system uptime through rapid issue resolution, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement of PLC-controlled equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, and automated material handling systems.* Diagnose and resolve Programmable Logic Control (PLC), Human machine interface (HMI), and control system issues impacting warehouse operations.* Provide real-time support to operations teams to minimize downtime.* Analyze system faults, alarms, and logs to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.* Support troubleshooting of automation systems including conveyors, sorters, pick by light and robotics systems.**System Documentation*** Develop and maintain accurate as-built documentation for PLC programs, network architecture, and control systems.* Update electrical schematics, I/O lists, and system configurations as modifications occur.* Ensure documentation is organized, version-controlled, and easily accessible.**Troubleshooting Guides & Knowledge Sharing*** Create and continuously improve standardized troubleshooting guides and procedures.* Develop training materials and provide guidance to operators and maintenance technicians.* Capture lessons learned from recurring issues to build robust knowledge bases.**Continuous Improvement & Upgrades*** Identify opportunities for system improvements to enhance reliability, efficiency, and performance.* Propose and implement equipment upgrades, control logic enhancements, and process optimizations.* Collaborate with vendors and engineering teams on system modifications and new installations.**Preventive & Predictive Maintenance*** Develop and execute preventive maintenance strategies for PLCs, control panels, and automation systems.* Monitor system health and implement predictive maintenance techniques to prevent failures.* Ensure compliance with maintenance schedules to maximize uptime and equipment lifespan.**Testing & Commissioning*** Support commissioning of new equipment, system upgrades, and retrofit projects.* Conduct Factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) testing and validate system performance post-implementation.* Verify proper operation of safety circuits and compliance with standards.**Required Qualifications*** Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical or Controls Engineering preferred) or equivalent work experience.* 4-7+ years of experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting (Prefer Allen-Bradley).* FDA regulated manufacturing, consumer packaged goods or similar experience.* Experience with validation or commissioning documentation.* PLCs(Programmable Logic Control), HMIs(Human machine interface), VFDs (Variable Frequency Drive), and industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, etc.)* Electrical systems and control panels* Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues under time pressure.**Preferred Qualifications*** Warehouse automation, distribution centers, or material handling systems.* Experience with WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) and other IT/OT systems integration.* Working knowledge of the principles of quality software engineering as described by software lifecycle development processes that are consistent with ISO, IEEE, or other FDA recognized standards.* Programming experience using current programming languages (C#, html, SQL) and/or experience in software development.* Be familiar with tools within Continuous Improvement (e.g., 6 Sigma, Lean, Kaizen, etc.) and participate in problem resolution.* Ability to manage multiple tasks and know how to prioritize the workday.* ‘Out-of-the-box’ thinking and problem solving.**Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:** www.abbottbenefits.comFollow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.**The base pay for this position is**$78,000.00 – $156,000.00In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.Família de CargoEngineeringDivisãoCRLB Core LabLocalidadeUnited States > North Chicago : K02Localidades AdicionaisTurno de TrabalhoStandardViagemYes, 5 % of the TimeVigilância médicaNot ApplicableAtividades de trabalho significativasContinuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO\_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO\_Spanish.pdf #J-18808-Ljbffr