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System Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... As a fast-growing systems integrator, there is plenty of opportunity for advancement. Choose a ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... As a fast-growing systems integrator, there is plenty of opportunity for advancement. Choose a ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Westchester, IL · On-site

$82K - $107K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... As a fast-growing systems integrator, there is plenty of opportunity for advancement. Choose a ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... As a fast-growing systems integrator, there is plenty of opportunity for advancement. Choose a ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN

$82K - $106K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... As a fast-growing systems integrator, there is plenty of opportunity for advancement. Choose a ...

Southlake Automation

Controls Engineer

Westchester, IL

$82K - $107K/yr

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a ... As a fast-growing systems integrator, there is plenty of opportunity for advancement. Choose a ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Senior Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

... systems (Cognex, Keyence) • Precision motion control involving coordinated motion • Participate in internal and customer design reviews, installations, and service calls when needed. • Able to ...

MSI Express, Inc.

Senior Controls Engineer

Portage, IN · On-site

$89K - $117K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer is expected to provide strategic direction in the selection and ... Lead the development and integration of advanced control systems for industrial automation ...

Australia-Employment

Controls Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Controls Engineer $85000 - $115000 per year | Addison, IL | On-site | Permanent Join a leading ... systems. You will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of our manufacturing processes ...

Matrix Design, LLC

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL

$52.88 - $67.31/hr

This position focuses on integrating robotic systems, PLC programming, HMI development, and motion ... in leading controls engineering projects with a focus on automation and robotics * Hands-on ...

TekPro

Electrical Controls Engineer

Elgin, IL

$55.29 - $60.10/hr

Program and configure HMI systems for automated machinery. * Develop and modify electrical controls ... Work closely with mechanical engineering and manufacturing throughout equipment development.

Culligan NA

Be Seen First

Electrical Controls Engineer

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Electrical Controls Engineer II / Automation Engineer Supervisor: Director of Global Accounts ... Support panel builds, system wiring, prototype development, shop-floor troubleshooting ...

MatrixIndustrialAutomation

Controls Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

This position focuses on integrating robotic systems, PLC programming, HMI development, and motion ... in controls engineering with a focus on automation and robotics * Hands-on experience with PLCs ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSystem Controls Engineer JobsSystem Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

System Controls Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$62.8K

$112.1K

$180.8K

How much do system controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for system controls engineer in Chicago, IL is $112,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $130,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a system controls engineer?

A System Controls Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains automated control systems used in manufacturing, energy, transportation, and other industries. They are responsible for integrating hardware and software solutions to ensure that complex systems operate efficiently and safely. Their work often involves programming controllers, troubleshooting electrical or mechanical issues, and optimizing processes for better performance. System Controls Engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement solutions that meet specific operational requirements.

What are some common challenges system controls engineers face when integrating new automation technologies into existing systems?

System Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new automation technologies and legacy equipment, minimizing downtime during system upgrades, and maintaining system reliability throughout the integration process. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—including IT, operations, and maintenance—is crucial for troubleshooting issues and implementing solutions efficiently. Staying current with evolving industry standards and safety regulations also plays a key role in successful integration projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a system controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a System Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems theory, and automation, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and familiarity with tools like MATLAB or AutoCAD is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP). Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These skills ensure the reliable design, implementation, and maintenance of automated control systems critical to modern industrial operations.

What is the difference between System Controls Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectSystem Controls EngineerAutomation Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CSCP or relatedBachelor's in Engineering or Computer Science, certifications like PLC or SCADA
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, process industriesManufacturing, robotics, software development environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, process industries, automation firmsManufacturers, tech companies, automation solution providers

System Controls Engineers focus on designing and maintaining control systems for industrial processes, while Automation Engineers develop and implement automation solutions, often involving software and robotics. Both roles overlap in industry and credentials but differ in scope and daily tasks.

Are control system engineers in demand?

Control system engineers are in high demand due to the increasing need for automation and process optimization across industries such as manufacturing, energy, and aerospace. They often require skills in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and control theory, with job growth driven by technological advancements and infrastructure upgrades.
System Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Controls Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,055 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Merrillville, IN • On-site

Southlake Automation
Industrial Automation Equipment Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Southlake Automationexternal

$82K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Southlake Automation is seeking a full-time Controls Engineer who is interested in experiencing a large variety of engineering applications in a high-paced and challenging environment.
Southlake Automation offers Control Engineers a unique employment opportunity that allows for a variety of experiences in hardware design, network design, database development, robotics programming, software development and field commissioning. With a wide range of customers, engineers get the opportunity to see industrial equipment applied in a wide array of industries. These industries include automotive, chemical, consumer product, food & beverage, and material handling.
As a solution provider, Controls Engineers are responsible for project management and execution. This includes the electrical control design, programming, commissioning, panel build supervision and field commissioning.
As a fast-growing systems integrator, there is plenty of opportunity for advancement. Choose a career path that fits your goals and talents. Whether your plan is to become the highest technical expert, a project team leader or to branch into technical sales, Southlake Automation has a path for you.
Products and Engineering Services Offered by Southlake Automation:
  • Turnkey Robotic Cell Design and Deployment - Packing, palletizing, machine tending, & more
  • Full Control System Design - PLC programming, HMI design, SCADA, MES
  • Control Panel Design - Hardware design for PLC, HMI and drive systems
  • Control Panel Assembly - Control panels assembled and wired in our panel shop for our designs and the designs of others
  • Field Service - Assisting customers with down equipment situations
  • Remote Support - Assisting customers via telephone and VPN
  • Commissioning - Bring our designs to full operation

Responsibilities:
  • Design control systems
  • Manage project scope from written specification and verbal description
  • Ensure that designs meet NEC code and UL508A
  • Program PLCs and operator interfaces (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Automation Direct and Mitsubishi).
  • Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting while commissioning systems
  • Communicate directly with customers regarding the status of projects
  • Manage multiple projects from concept through commissioning.
  • Customer relationship management
  • Develop software applications with Visual Basic, C#, Python and SQL Server preferred but not required.
  • Prepare written scopes and material budgets for quotations

Requirements:
  • 0 to 10 years of experience.
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or related field of study.

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