Trainee Instrumentation Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Lead Maintenance Technician - Instrumentation & Controls
Drive Automation Excellence. Mentor Talent. Make a Lasting Impact.
PDS Tech Commercial is seeking an experienced Maintenance Technician - Instrumentation & Controls to support a leading global nutrition manufacturer in Aurora, Illinois. This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior-level controls professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys solving complex automation challenges while mentoring the next generation of technicians.
Location: Aurora, IL
Schedule: Full-time | Flexible Shift Availability
Pay Rate: Up to $50/hour
As the facility's lead Instrumentation & Controls specialist, you will play a critical role in maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated production systems that directly support operational performance, uptime, and product quality. This position goes beyond maintenance, offering the opportunity to serve as a technical mentor, collaborate with engineering and operations teams, and drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the plant.
If you're a seasoned controls professional who enjoys taking ownership, solving complex problems, and developing the capabilities of others, this is the role for you.
What You'll Do
Automation & Controls Leadership

• Lead troubleshooting and repair efforts for instrumentation, controls, and automation systems throughout the facility.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, motor controls, sensors, and industrial networks.
• Support production and utility equipment to maximize uptime and operational efficiency.
• Serve as the technical expert for controls-related issues across the plant.

Preventive & Predictive Maintenance

• Lead and maintain Instrumentation & Controls preventive maintenance programs.
• Ensure timely completion of PMs and repair work orders through CMMS systems.
• Maintain spare parts inventory and recommend improvements to maintenance strategies.
• Partner with operations and engineering teams to improve equipment reliability and performance.

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Install, configure, and commission controls and electrical equipment for upgrades and retrofit projects.
• Support automation, process improvement, and safety-focused initiatives.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA), corrective action planning, and reliability improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with OEMs and vendors to troubleshoot and optimize equipment performance.

Mentorship & Technical Development

• Train and mentor maintenance technicians on electrical troubleshooting and controls fundamentals.
• Lead and support Instrumentation & Controls trainee development programs.
• Share best practices and elevate team-wide technical capabilities.
• Serve as a trusted resource and technical leader within the maintenance organization.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to all safety, quality, GMP, Lockout/Tagout, and Arc Flash requirements.
• Support implementation of safety improvement projects.
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with applicable electrical codes, standards, and plant procedures.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of Instrumentation & Controls experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC troubleshooting and industrial automation systems.
• Experience supporting production lines and manufacturing equipment.
• Advanced knowledge of:
  
  • PLC I/O troubleshooting
  • VFDs and motor control systems
  • Servo drives and motion control
  • MCCs and industrial electrical distribution
  • Ethernet-based industrial control networks
  • EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet communication protocols
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Experience using electrical testing equipment including voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, and Meggers.
• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working within CMMS platforms such as SAP or similar systems.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, overtime, weekends, and on-call assignments as needed.

Education

• Associate's Degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline, OR equivalent combination of education, military training, and industry experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley control platforms.
• Food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of UL508A, NFPA 79, and advanced NEC requirements.
• Experience with process instrumentation including:
  
  • Flow
  • Level
  • Temperature
• Mechanical systems and pneumatics experience.
• Experience leading maintenance reliability or continuous improvement initiatives.

Why Join Us?
This is more than a maintenance role. It's an opportunity to become a key technical leader within a highly automated manufacturing operation.
What Makes This Opportunity Stand Out
• Competitive pay up to $50/hour with flexibility for top talent
• Opportunity to serve as a senior technical expert and mentor
• Exposure to advanced automation and manufacturing technologies
• Direct collaboration with engineering, operations, and leadership teams
• High-impact role influencing reliability, productivity, and continuous improvement
• Stable, long-term opportunity with a globally recognized industry leader
• Strong culture focused on safety, teamwork, innovation, and professional growth
If you're passionate about automation, thrive on solving challenging technical problems, and want to help develop the next generation of maintenance professionals, we want to hear from you.
Apply Today
Bring your expertise in Instrumentation & Controls to a role where your technical skills, leadership abilities, and commitment to operational excellence will truly make a difference.
Take the next step in your career and apply today!
Pay Details: $50.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Ref: US_EN_33_022202_2582185