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

The Senior Controls Technician will control and monitor commercial building HVAC controls system equipment which includes: programming, start-up, troubleshooting, commissioning and servicing of ...

The Senior Controls Technician will control and monitor commercial building HVAC controls system equipment which includes: programming, start-up, troubleshooting, commissioning and servicing of ...

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL

$96K - $127K/yr

Manteno, IL | On-site Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Senior/Staff PLC/Controls Engineer to take ownership of automation and control systems for our Pack & Module production ...

Senior/Staff Controls Engineer

Manteno, IL · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Manteno, IL | On-site Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Senior/Staff PLC/Controls Engineer to take ownership of automation and control systems for our Pack & Module production ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Monee, IL · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

The Senior Automation Engineer will ensure all work aligns with company policies and procedures ... controls design and systems integration experience. * Field service engineering and technical ...

Senior Site Reliability Engineer for CIAM

Campus, IL · On-site

$55.50 - $73.75/hr

Demonstrate leadership and accountability for managing risk and strengthening controls in relation ... Join us as a Senior Site Reliability Engineer for CIAM at Barclays, where you will bring to life a ...

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Senior Controls Engineer information

See Kankakee, IL salary details

$69.2K

$110.3K

$148.1K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Kankakee, IL is $110,291.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,300.00 and $123,100.00 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 job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Kankakee, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Kankakee, IL are:
What cities near Kankakee, IL are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Kankakee, IL with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Kankakee, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,291 per year, or $53 per hour.
Sr. Controls Technician

Sr. Controls Technician

PremiStar

Frankfort, IL • On-site

$59.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

The Senior Controls Technician will control and monitor commercial building HVAC controls system equipment which includes: programming, start-up, troubleshooting, commissioning and servicing of Building Automation Systems (BAS). This role will maintain open communications, deliver top quality workmanship, develop customer relationships, and complete tasks/projects timely. The Senior Controls Technician will serve as a field expert in controls, often assisting other technicians with complex troubleshooting and may serve as a team lead. This role will receive direction and support from a team typically consisting of Project Managers, Programmers, Account Managers, and Engineers.
  • Program, configure, and download Building Automation Systems (BAS) for HVAC controls.
  • Install, test, start-up, and commission control systems to ensure proper functionality and project design.
  • Troubleshoot complex system issues and perform technical diagnostics onsite and remotely.
  • Serves as a field expert and may act as a team lead in controls, often assisting other technicians with complex troubleshooting.
  • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field technicians to ensure successful system integration within project timelines.
  • Maintain and update project documentation including control drawings, programming files, and operation manuals.
  • Develops Database and stores backups for all customer sites.
  • Provide technical expertise to Account Managers for estimating purposes.
  • Coordinate and document customer training on BAS systems for usage and maintenance.
  • Complies with company, industry, and safety standards.
  • Provide technical support for ongoing service and warranty-related issues.
  • Complete start-up/commissioning forms and complete project punch list timely.

• High School diploma or GED and a two-year technical training certificate concentrated in HVAC systems or completion of a union apprenticeship program. An equivalent combination of work experience and education requirements will be considered.
• 5-7 years of experience as a Controls Technician preferred.
• Tridium or WebCTRL Certification preferred, but not required.
• Knowledge of HVAC control systems (ex. Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Automated Logic, etc.).
• Advanced knowledge of HVAC mechanical sequence of operations.
• Must be able to use a laptop computer running a windows operating system.
• Able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to lead others.
• Must clearly communicate in verbal and written form.
• Ability to read and understand mechanical drawings.
• Ability to work on a team and communicate effectively with others.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This job operates in both an office and a field environment. Must be able to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions unless doing so presents an undue hardship on the Company's business operations.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employees understand the above job description and agree to comply with and be subject to its conditions. Employee further agrees this job description does not alter his/her at-will employment status. Employees understand the Company reserves the right to delegate, remove, expand or change all responsibilities. Employees acknowledge that he/she can fulfill the above duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
This is a union position. IL Posting Requirement - Union Scale at $59.50/hour
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.