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

Sr. Automation Engineer

Pontoon Beach, IL · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Automation Engineer CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. Job Summary ... Manage the controls-related budget for the site. Conduct failure analysis and incident review ...

Senior Field Service Engineer

Highland, IL · On-site

$96K - $113K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with controls systems, prime mover controls including balance of plant PLC with SCADA ... Compensation We anticipate filling the Sr. Field Service Engineer position with an expected ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Collinsville, IL · Remote

$99K - $129K/yr

Tetra Tech is seeking a full-time Senior-Level Electrical Engineer with a minimum of 10-years of ... Develop detailed electrical and controls schematics. Prepare project specific technical ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Collinsville, IL · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

Tetra Tech is seeking a full-time Senior-Level Electrical Engineer with a minimum of 10-years of ... Relevant experience for fuels infrastructure can include controls system architecture for ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Highland, IL salary details

$66.4K

$105.7K

$141.9K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Highland, IL is $105,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,400.00 and $118,000.00 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 cities near Highland, IL are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Highland, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,745 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Sr. Automation Engineer

CBRE

Pontoon Beach, IL • On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


CBRE rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 349 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 492 rated business services


Job description

Senior Automation Engineer
CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.
Job Summary
At CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS), Safety is our top priority! We maintain a safety-first culture in which CBRE employees return home in the same condition in which they reported to work. We're looking for a skilled and forward-thinking ES Systems Sr Eng / Senior Automation Engineers (SAE) to join our growing team as we work to service one of the world's largest online retailers.
We offer competitive pay, a robust benefits package, wellness programs, and a workplace environment that embraces diversity. Come join our global network of professionals supporting client operations across CBRE. Looking for growth and career advancement? Upon completing six months of successful service, associates may explore career advancement opportunities within the organization!
Read on to learn more!
About the Role
In this vital leadership role, the ideal candidate will proactively support operations on the customer's technical problems related to their automated material handling equipment (MHE).
Your expertise will be utilized in the optimization and execution of the preventive maintenance process, with a focus on maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance of equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, SCADA devices and programs.
You will provide our client with expert-level support based on the technical problems related to their MHE systems.
What You'll Do
Promote a safe working environment by complying with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agency, and company directives related to system operations and work safety.
Provide support with Material Handling Equipment (MHE) systems optimization and project implementation. Proactively and effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders including, but not limited to, leadership, operations and the maintenance team on technical issues and project timelines and production impacts.
Manage the controls-related budget for the site.
Conduct failure analysis and incident review processes, implement process improvements and/or retraining to avoid future incidents.
Engineer process solutions and reliability improvement from concept to network implementation.
Coordinate technical resources to support commissioning, training, installation, and operational performance qualifications for new and existing facilities.
Monitor upkeep of material handling equipment (MHE), control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, AS-Interface, Profibus, labeling and parcel sortation system, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
Assist with skill assessments of automation engineers as well as readiness audits and technical drills for sites supported.
Cultivate positive working relationships with our Client and the Operations Maintenance team members.
Apply advanced knowledge to seek and develop new, better methods for accomplishing both individual and department objectives.
Showcase expertise in Controls / Automation Engineering and in-depth knowledge of other job disciplines within the organization function.
Coach others to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in most or all areas within the function.
What You'll Need
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Bachelor's Degree preferred with 3-5 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, a combination of experience and education may be considered.
Experience in at least two engineering design cycles including specification, component selection and programming.
5+ years of experience with programming HMI components.
5+ years of experience with Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) programs.
5+ years of experience with robotics system components and controls.
3+ years of experience with SCADA systems.
Excellent communication, presentation, and analytical skills and the ability to solve advanced problems in complex situations.
Ability to exercise judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information and make recommendations in support of the client and company.
Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite experience (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
Ability to travel up to 10% of the time to various sites within your assigned region.
Ability to be available and work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.
Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with crafting automated alarms, reports, metrics for plant management, and HMI for operational equipment configuration/settings.
4+ years Allen Bradley PLC programming experience using RSLogix 5000 and RSLinx experience with at least two full cycles of PLC ladder logic code design, development and testing.
Willingness to take a new perspective on existing solutions.
In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
Organizational skills with an advanced inquisitive mindset.
Sophisticated math skills. Ability to calculate mildly complex figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.
Project management and development methodology experience.
CBRE Employee Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision
Disability benefit program
401k company matching
Paid time off and holidays
Company paid life insurance
Pet insurance
Paid parental leave
Why CBRE?
We invest in our employees' development. The core of our strategy is the view that development happens through three key activities: on-the-job learning, coaching and formal training. We provide employees with resources that support them in developing skills to enhance performance in their current role as well as for future roles.
CBRE carefully considers multiple factors to determine compensation, including a candidate's education, training, and experience. The minimum salary for the Sr. Automation Engineer position is $136,011.20 annually [or $65.39 per hour] and the maximum salary for the Sr. Automation Engineer position is $143,187.20 annually [or $68.84 per hour]. The compensation that is offered to a successful candidate will depend on the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE has a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company's success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@cbre.com or via telephone at +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.) and +1 866 388 4346 (Canada).

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About CBRE

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The real estate industry is undergoing significant and exciting change, increasingly driven by data and technology. At CBRE, the world's premier commercial real estate services company, we empower teams to take ownership over that technology and shape it, offering both nimble, research-driven product design and the resources of a Fortune 500 business. We approach culture with intention, valuing camaraderie, collaboration, inclusivity and a healthy work/life balance. The user experience team is passionate about the quality, usability, and simplicity of the experiences we create. Individuals in these roles gather these key user insights, and then use them to inspire and inform product strategy and design solutions. We partner closely with each other, engineering, and product management to create innovative, usable, great-looking products.

Industry

Real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1906

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