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

Project Controls And we're backing that growth with more than good intentions: eligible roles come ... Collaborate with senior engineers, clients, and contractors * Participate in planning studies ...

Early Career Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Project Controls And we're backing that growth with more than good intentions: eligible roles come ... Collaborate with senior engineers, clients, and contractors * Participate in planning studies ...

Project Controls And we're backing that growth with more than good intentions: eligible roles come ... Collaborate with senior engineers, clients, and contractors * Participate in planning studies ...

I&C Electrical Engineer

Leaf River, IL · On-site

$122K - $154K/yr

The Instruments and Controls Electrical Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

I&C Electrical Engineer

Rochelle, IL · On-site

$122K - $154K/yr

The Instruments and Controls Electrical Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

I&C Electrical Engineer

Byron, IL · On-site

$122K - $154K/yr

The Instruments and Controls Electrical Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

I&C Electrical Engineer

Chana, IL · On-site

$122K - $154K/yr

The Instruments and Controls Electrical Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

I&C Electrical Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$122K - $154K/yr

The Instruments and Controls Electrical Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

I&C Electrical Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$89K - $154K/yr

The Instruments and Controls Electrical Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

I&C Electrical Engineer

Leaf River, IL · On-site

$122K - $154K/yr

The Instruments and Controls Electrical Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy ... This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Rochelle, IL salary details

$70K

$111.6K

$149.8K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Rochelle, IL is $111,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,300.00 and $124,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Rochelle, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Rochelle, IL are:
What cities near Rochelle, IL are hiring for Senior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochelle, IL with the most Senior Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Rochelle, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,559 per year, or $53.6 per hour.
Manufacturing Engineer-Controls

Manufacturing Engineer-Controls

Advastar, Inc

Sycamore, IL

$81K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

#jobalert | DIRECT PLACEMENT | MANUFACTURING ENGINEER-CONTROLS | Sycamore, IL area

A century-plus manufacturer of large-scale industrial storage and containment equipment is hiring a Manufacturing Engineer – Controls for its Illinois facility. This is a senior, hands-on role: you'll own the automation and controls side of a fabrication and assembly operation that runs stamping presses, punch presses, fiber lasers, conveyance systems, and robotic equipment. You'll write and troubleshoot PLC code, redesign electrical schematics for machine modifications, and run capital projects from concept through installation. The team is lean enough that your work is visible plant-wide, and the parent organization has manufacturing sites across North America and Europe — for a candidate who wants ownership now with a path to bigger scope later.

  • Anticipated $115,000–$145,000, based on experience
  • Benefits include: Health, Vision, Dental, 401K w/ match

Overview

  • Own PLC, PMC, and TP program creation, editing, and troubleshooting across the plant floor
  • Redesign and modify electrical schematics for machine and equipment changes
  • Design, build, and document automation solutions and custom equipment
  • Develop and test tooling for work-holding, fixturing, and material handling
  • Run capital projects start to finish: layout, equipment selection, installation, commissioning
  • Improve existing manufacturing processes to cut cost and hold quality
  • Provide technical support to production and maintenance teams on new equipment
  • Train plant personnel on new processes and equipment

Preferred Skills/Experiences

  • Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or mechanical engineering 
  • 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience designing equipment, tooling, and fixtures 
  • Hands-on experience with CNC equipment, punch presses, fiber lasers, robots, PLCs, and welding 
  • PLC, robot, and sensor programming experience
  • Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Six Sigma
  • Experience with facility layout, process design, PFMEA, and DOE
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office
  • Exposure to MRP systems
  • Ability to communicate from shop floor to executive level
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams to project completion
  • Ability to travel up to 10%

KEYWORDS: manufacturing engineer, controls engineer, PLC programming, PMC programming, TP programming, Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, electrical schematics, control panel design, fixture design, tooling design, CNC, punch press, fiber laser, robotics, robot programming, automation equipment, capital projects, process improvement, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DOE, PFMEA, AutoCAD, facility layout, DeKalb Illinois

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