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

Shades of Grey HR

Controls Engineer

Cary, IL

$90K - $110K/yr

This position works closely with the company's senior engineer to support day-to-day engineering ... The ideal candidate combines strong PLC and controls experience with mechanical aptitude and enjoys ...

BAXTER

Senior Principal Controls Engineer

Deerfield, 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 ...

Aegis

Project Controls Engineer

Mount Pleasant, WI · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

... trusted senior staff. With over two decades of experience solving the industry's toughest ... About the Role We seek a Project Controls Engineer to provide scheduling support services to our ...

Baxter

Senior Principal Controls Engineer

Round Lake, 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 ...

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

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Gurnee, IL salary details

$69.1K

$110.1K

$147.8K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Gurnee, IL is $110,115.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,100.00 and $122,900.00 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 cities near Gurnee, IL are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Gurnee, IL with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:

Senior Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Gurnee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,115 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Senior Controls Engineer - Construction - Water Division

Path Construction

Arlington Heights, IL

$70K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Path Construction seeks a qualified Senior Controls Engineer to join our organization in Arlington Heights, IL. We are a rapidly growing commercial general contractor with additional offices in Charlotte, NC; Knoxville, TN; Tampa, FL; Dallas, TX; and Phoenix, AZ, with projects ongoing throughout the United States. The right candidate will have 7 years of control systems management experience in the wastewater construction industry. Path is looking for someone with great technical skills, good communication skills, strong attention to detail, and strong leadership skills.

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in the success of our operation teams for our water division projects. You will work closely with cross-functional teams from estimating through project delivery to ensure that our control systems are efficient, reliable, and meet the highest standards of performance.

Founded in 2008, Path Construction is a Chicago based general contractor that provides a vast array of construction services. Our expertise is very diverse and includes experience on small and large projects of many different types, including but not limited to: healthcare, residential, retail, senior living, self-storage, transportation, water and waste treatment, convention centers, laboratories, correctional, and institutional. The main philosophy and strategy for the growth of our organization is to be on the cutting edge of all aspects of the construction process. Additionally, our unmatched customer satisfaction and most importantly, the development and quality of our people drive our success. For more about us, please visit our website at www.pathcc.com.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, and other stakeholders to deliver projects on time and within budget.
  • Leverage deep understanding and knowledge of advanced control systems for a variety of applications to advance project goals.
  • Create and maintain detailed documentation of control system architecture, design, and processes.
  • Review system testing, troubleshooting, and optimization to ensure performance and reliability.
  • Coordinate site visits with key stakeholders (owners, owner representatives, and subcontractors).
  • Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians.
  • Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve our control systems.
  • Participate in project reviews and provide technical input for new proposals and designs.

Requirements

Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in: Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Control Systems Engineering, or a related field (Master's degree required).
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in control systems design, automation,  implementation, preferably in water and waste treatment plants.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of both PLC and DCS hardware and software.
  • Proficiency in PLC programming (e.g., Emerson, Schneider - Square D, Siemens, Allen-Bradley) and HMI/SCADA development.
  • Ability to program PLCs, DCS, HMIs, SCADA systems, and other control devices.
  • Strong understanding of industrial automation, robotics, and process control systems in water and waste treatment facilities.
  • Experience with motion control, servo systems, and instrumentation.
  • Experience with network infrastructure.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

    • Experience in commercial construction, industrial construction, or public works projects.
    • Familiarity with cybersecurity principles as they apply to control systems.
    • Knowledge of IoT, machine learning, or AI as applied to control systems.
    • Professional Engineer (PE) license or Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certification.

Benefits

For the right Senior Controls Engineer we offer:

  • Annual Salary Range: $70,000 - $140,000
  • 401(k) Program
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance
  • Company cellphone and computer
  • Annual Bonus Plan

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