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

Generac

Senior Controls Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer serves as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects within the Generac Microgrid Controls Team. This role owns projects endtoend-from sales ...

BBS Automation

Sr. Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$117K - $137K/yr

Join our Team! Sr. Controls Engineer is capable of leading the electrical and/or controls design and programming of a large, custom automated assembly machine project from concept to acceptance. Has ...

Autokiniton

Controls Engineer Sr.

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99K - $131K/yr

Senior Controls Engineer We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i-TAHN) AUTOKINITON delivers operational excellence, high-quality execution, and customer service. We offer 100% vertical integration ...

Daifuku

ILUS - Senior Controls Engineer I

Bolingbrook, IL

$95K - $126K/yr

With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a ... Department Summary The Controls Team Focuses on the design and modeling of a diverse range of ...

Daifuku

ILUS - Senior Controls Engineer II

Bolingbrook, IL

$95K - $126K/yr

Develop Programmable Logical Control (PLC) programs * Maintain product develop schedules and cost ... controls/controllers * Proficient with AutoCAD Electrical or other related electrical CAD systems

Matrix Design, LLC

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL

$52.88 - $67.31/hr

SUMMARY The Senior Controls Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, and implementing advanced control systems for industrial automation projects. This position focuses on integrating ...

Matrix Design, LLC

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

SUMMARY The Senior Controls Engineer plays a critical role in designing, developing, and implementing advanced control systems for industrial automation projects. This position focuses on integrating ...

Shades of Grey HR

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Controls Engineer Location: Cary, IL Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site Reports To ... This position works closely with the company's senior engineer to support day-to-day engineering ...

Shades of Grey HR

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Controls Engineer Location: Cary, IL Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site Reports To ... This position works closely with the company's senior engineer to support day-to-day engineering ...

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All JobsControls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer JobsSenior Controls Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$71.2K

$113.4K

$152.2K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Elgin, IL is $113,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,900.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Senior Controls Engineers?

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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are some typical projects or responsibilities a Senior Controls Engineer can expect to handle 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 most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:
Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,406 per year, or $54.5 per hour.
Senior Controls Engineer

Senior Controls Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Elgin, IL

$105K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Controls Engineer
Location: Elgin, IL
Hire Type: Direct hire
Compensation: $105,000 to $125,000
Benefits: Standard benefits package (health insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, 401k)


Objective:

As a Senior Controls Engineer you will lead the electrical and/or controls design and programming of a custom automated assembly machines from concept to client acceptance. You will be responsible for understanding the concept, budget and schedule and staying within the project deadline and budget requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Proficiency with Allen Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs and HMIs
• Will write PLC to device software interface including implementation documentation and validation plan
• Skilled in commissioning intelligent devices on fieldbus networks (Ethernet I/P, ProfiNet, etc.) with very good troubleshooting skills
• Should have robot programming (Epson, Adept, Mitsubishi, Fanuc, Staubli, ABB)
• Set up and programming of vision systems (Cognex, Keyence)
• Precision motion control involving coordinated motion
• Participate in internal and customer design reviews, installations, and service calls when needed.
• Able to communicate engineering concepts and ideas clearly (to builders, customers, and others)
• Travel to customer sites for machine installation; travel % is approximately 25%

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering
• 10+ years of controls engineering experience in custom automation; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience



Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.