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

BAXTER

Senior Principal Controls Engineer

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$128K - $176K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline preferred). * 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. * Ability to work ...

Baxter

Senior Principal Controls Engineer

Round Lake, IL

$128K - $176K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline preferred). * 8+ years of relevant engineering experience in a manufacturing environment. * Ability to work ...

Advastar, Inc

Manufacturing Engineer-Controls

Sycamore, IL · On-site

$81K - $95K/yr

This is a senior, hands-on role: you'll own the automation and controls side of a fabrication and ... Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or mechanical engineering * 5+ years of ...

Advastar, Inc

Manufacturing Engineer-Controls

Sycamore, IL · On-site

$81K - $95K/yr

This is a senior, hands-on role: you'll own the automation and controls side of a fabrication and ... Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or mechanical engineering * 5+ years of ...

Advastar, Inc

Manufacturing Engineer-Controls

Sycamore, IL · On-site

$81K - $95K/yr

This is a senior, hands-on role: you'll own the automation and controls side of a fabrication and ... Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or mechanical engineering * 5+ years of ...

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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 Aug 20, 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL 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 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 $113,406 per year, or $54.5 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy LLC.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

122nd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Description
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.
Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our nuclear power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR) due to the increasing demand for electric power. This is expanding our work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. Due to this influx of work, Sargent & Lundy has a need for additional I&C Engineers.
This position will offer you the opportunity to work in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of instrumentation and control systems in new and existing power plants. You will work on interesting and challenging projects that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of electrical controls engineering issues, including the following:
  • Digital Systems Design Development - PLC, DCS, Touchscreens, network switches , and control systems
  • Functional requirement and procurement specifications for control systems
  • Mechatronics, control systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors to improve the functionality of the nuclear power plant
  • Critical digital asset cyber assessment and assessment review
  • Client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
  • Assist the project manager/director to ensure projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget
  • Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for digital and analog controls applications
  • Interface with vendors to perform document reviews and prepare equipment purchase specifications
  • Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements
  • Perform independent reviews of work performed by others, including design documentation, specifications, calculations, and drawings
  • Enhance your career via participation in professional Communities of Practice
  • Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced engineers

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
  • BS or MS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • Five or more years of experience in I&C Design Engineering.
  • Experience with the selection of equipment, control philosophy, and the preparation and assembly of design packages, calculations, and specifications
  • Experience with controls system design including applications for equipment such as turbines, pumps, feedwater controls, and data displays
  • Experience with serving as the firm's client liaison in a support or lead engineering role
  • Experience in reviewing design documentation
  • PE license is preferred

#indeedSL
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:
  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$84,762 - $129,498
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
About This Business Unit
Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

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About Sargent & Lundy

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Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

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