Sign up to access all features of our service.
  • Job search
  • Favorites
  • Create a CV
    New
  • Salaries
  • Subscriptions

Controls Engineers

$160k

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Job Description

Job Description

Controls Engineer – Automation

Location: Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Up to $160,000 annually (based on experience)

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to join an Automation Development team focused on designing and building custom automation and robotic equipment for high-volume manufacturing environments. This role is hands-on and end-to-end—you’ll own projects from concept and proof-of-principle through programming, debug, testing, and factory integration.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, custom machine build environments, enjoys learning new technologies, and takes pride in delivering robust, high-performing automation solutions.

What You’ll Do

  • Design and implement control systems for custom automation and robotic equipment

  • Support rapid prototyping efforts using in-house fabricated parts

  • Participate in machine risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards

  • Review electrical schematics and support controls hardware architecture decisions

  • Create application design documentation, flowcharts, and participate in software design reviews

  • Program and configure automation systems including:

    • PLCs

    • HMIs / SCADA

    • Servo systems

    • Robotics

    • Machine vision systems

  • Test and verify electrical wiring (safety circuits, I/O, communications, etc.)

  • Debug and validate software and hardware to meet performance and quality requirements

  • Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers and assembly teams to ensure proper machine setup and alignment

  • Execute acceptance testing and support equipment installation and integration at manufacturing facilities

  • Travel up to 25–30% to support factory installations and system launches

What You’ll Bring

  • 1+ years of experience in custom automation or machine build environments

  • PLC programming experience

    • Siemens (preferred)

    • Rockwell Automation (secondary)

  • HMI / SCADA experience

    • WinCC (preferred)

    • Ignition (secondary)

  • Experience with controls hardware including sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, machine vision systems, barcode readers, and safety devices

  • Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, TCP/IP, etc.)

  • Robotics experience

    • FANUC (preferred)

    • KUKA (secondary)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience

Why This Role

  • Work on custom, one-of-a-kind automation systems—no cookie-cutter projects

  • High ownership and visibility from concept through commissioning

  • Collaborative engineering environment with strong technical talent

  • Exposure to cutting-edge automation, robotics, and manufacturing technologies

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary up to $160,000, depending on experience

  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and holidays

  • Additional benefits and perks discussed during the interview process

  • on for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Vacancy posted 22 days ago
Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Controls Engineers in Elgin, IL vacancy
  • $100k - $130k

     ...support PLC, HMI, and SCADA platforms. ~ Diagnose and resolve control system issues while maintaining safe and reliable logic across...  ...teams and operators. ~ Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering,... 
    Suggested
    Permanent employment
    Full time

    Actalent

    Elgin, IL
    6 days ago
  •  ...hardware design and programming. Will work closely with other engineers and technical staff. Responsibilities also include providing engineering...  ...Knowledge to read and troubleshoot ladder logic within motion controls, including programming of servo drives (AB). Must have design... 
    Suggested
    Work experience placement

    MDAEdge

    Elgin, IL
    1 day ago
  • $90k - $105k

     ...increase uptime, and minimize operator intervention). Design control systems for custom automated machinery, which involves researching...  ...loops. Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering. 3 to 7 years of experience in programming PLCs / HMIs (Allen... 
    Suggested
    Work at office

    Sterling Engineering

    Algonquin, IL
    4 days ago
  • $110k - $135k

     ...Controls Engineer Matrix Design LLC - Bartlett, IL 60103 Overview Salary Range $110,000.00 - $135,000.00 Salary Level Senior Position Type Full Time Job Profile Matrix Design is a great company because we have great people. At Matrix Design, we are committed... 
    Suggested
    Full time

    MatrixIndustrialAutomation

    Bartlett, IL
    1 day ago
  • Aegis is currently partnering with a growing manufacturer in Algonquin to identify a Controls Engineer to join their team! Why Should This Excite You? HYBRID position! Salaried role + straight time for anything over 40 hours! Full benefits- no monthly costs to employees... 
    Suggested
    Local area
    Worldwide

    Aegis Worldwide

    Algonquin, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...The Sr. Controls Engineer is capable of leading the electrical and or controls design and programming of a large, custom automated assembly machine project from concept to acceptance. Has decision-making responsibility for issues related concept, design, programming, debug... 

    BBS Automation North America

    Bartlett, IL
    4 days ago
  •  ...Elgin, IL is seeking an electrical automation technician with on-site support duties. You will read schematics, troubleshoot power and control circuits, and contribute to design updates while complying with safety requirements. The role involves installing and configuring... 

    IMA AUTOMATION North America

    Elgin, IL
    1 day ago
  • MDAEdge is seeking an Engineer specializing in programming Allen‑Bradley PLCs and CODESYS systems. This role involves designing hardware systems, providing engineering support, and collaborating on troubleshooting and programming tasks. Candidates should hold a Bachelor... 

    MDAEdge

    Elgin, IL
    1 day ago
  • $105k - $125k

     ...Job Description Job Description Title : Senior Controls Engineer Location : Elgin, IL Hire Type : Direct hire Compensation : $105,000 to $125,000 Benefits : Standard benefits package (health insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, 401k) Objective... 

    Sterling Engineering Inc.

    Elgin, IL
    15 days ago
  •  ...assigned as necessary Bachelor or equivalent degree in EE/ME/CS Engineering Familiar with manufacturing automation/industrial robotic...  ...Profinet, etc.) Familiar with safety circuit and safety relay/controller configuration Ability to learn various new automation technology... 
    H1b
    Work at office
    Visa sponsorship
    Flexible hours

    DMG MORI

    Hoffman Estates, IL
    5 days ago
  • $28 - $32 per hour

     ...blueprints; perform tooling and offset adjustments Operate Fanuc-controlled machines CNC Programmer Shift: 1st (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM)...  ...machining and continuous process improvement Controls Engineer Shift: 1st Compensation: $90,000 – $110,000... 
    Shift work

    TekPro Engineering

    Elgin, IL
    5 days ago
  •  ...equipment and software. Read electrical schematics for automated control systems, troubleshoot electrical circuits, release components...  ...Competencies/Skills Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience with automation... 
    Work at office
    Remote work

    IMA Automation USA Inc

    Elgin, IL
    12 days ago
  • DMG MORI USA is looking for a skilled automation engineer to join our team in Hoffman Estates, IL. This role involves interfacing automation equipment, programming PLCs and robots, and providing customer support and training. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's... 
    Visa sponsorship

    DMG MORI USA

    Hoffman Estates, IL
    1 day ago
  • $75k - $115k

     ...qualifications, and/or skillset.  Summary: Signode, a leader in packaging and automation equipment, is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer for our Application Engineering Department. The role involves designing, planning, integrating, and commissioning end-of-line... 
    Full time
    Contract work
    Remote work
    Worldwide
    Visa sponsorship
    Work visa

    Signode

    Roselle, IL
    7 days ago
  • $92.7k - $114k

     ...programs disability and life insurance benefits paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick days and much more.   ***This Engineering role can be filled at the Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level***... 
    Temporary work

    Constellation Energy

    Elgin, IL
    1 hour ago
  •  ...projects from concept to production. Will work closely with other engineers and technical staff. Responsibilities also include providing...  ...Knowledge to read and troubleshoot ladder logic within motion controls. including programming of servo drives (AB). Must have... 
    Work experience placement
    Work at office

    Macpower Digital Assets Edge

    Elgin, IL
    3 days ago
  •  ...Years Education level: Bachelors degree Job function: Engineering Industry: Food & Beverages Description...  ...Knowledge to read and troubleshoot ladder logic within motion controls. including programming of servo drives (AB). Must have design... 
    Temporary work
    Work experience placement
    Work at office

    Connexzia

    Elgin, IL
    19 hours ago
  • $92.7k - $114k

     ...wellbeing programs disability and life insurance benefits paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick days and much more. ***This Engineering role can be filled at the Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level***... 
    Temporary work

    Constellation Energy

    Elgin, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...fit for you. Responsibilities Design electrical metering and control systems for switchboards and switchgear. Generate a Bill of Material...  ...Level Associate Employment Type Full-time Job Function Engineering and Design Industries Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics... 
    Full time

    Ajulia Executive Search

    Elgin, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...Job Description Job Description Salary: Job description Position Title: Electrical Controls Engineer Department: Electrical Controls Report To: Electrical Controls Department Manager Genesis Automation designs and builds custom automated assembly... 
    Permanent employment
    Remote work
    Monday to Friday
    Flexible hours

    Genesis Automation

    Saint Charles, IL
    8 days ago
  • $90k

     ...systems built for the North American market. We are seeking an open-minded, inquisitive, and challenge-driven Automation Controls Engineer to join a dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking engineering team. If you thrive on solving complex technical puzzles, love seeing... 
    Permanent employment
    Temporary work
    Work experience placement
    Flexible hours
    Hoffman Estates, IL
    a month ago
  •  ...Automation Controls Engineer About the Role We're seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to join a growing automation team focused on designing and implementing advanced manufacturing and robotic automation solutions. In this role, you'll work on cutting-edge... 
    Permanent employment
    Flexible hours

    Next Ventures

    Hoffman Estates, IL
    15 hours ago
  • British Engineering Services Group is looking for an Electrical Engineer Surveyor to support customers across Elgin, Inverness or Aberdeen, travelling to sites to inspect electrical installations and assess risks. You will join a dedicated team delivering rigorous quality... 

    Bes-Group

    Elgin, IL
    4 days ago
  • MDAEdge is seeking an experienced engineer who will be responsible for conceptual design, specification, and system hardware design. You will manage projects from concept to production, working closely with engineers and technical staff. The ideal candidate will have extensive... 

    MDAEdge

    Elgin, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...seeking qualified candidates for the position of Electrical Software Engineer in Elgin Illinois. This position Reports to the Engineering...  ...development, implementation, and sustainment of a variety of controls platforms (Allen Bradley, B&R, Horner) for CV-TEK’s equipment... 
    Work experience placement

    Middleby Packaging Solutions LLC

    Elgin, IL
    7 days ago
  •  ...Electrical Engineer HIWIN Corporation is the leader in the innovation and manufacturing of motion control and mechatronic system technology. We are one of the largest producers in the world of linear motion components such as: linear guideways, ballscrews, linear motors... 
    Minimum wage
    Permanent employment
    Temporary work
    Visa sponsorship
    Work visa
    Shift work

    Hiwin

    Huntley, IL
    1 day ago
  •  ...Job Description Title: Electrical Engineer - Motion Control & Automation Location: Huntley Hire Type: Direct Hire Compensation: 95-100K Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, PTO Overview: We're seeking an Electrical Engineer who enjoys solving real... 

    Sterling Engineering

    Huntley, IL
    3 days ago
  • $34 - $44 per hour

     ...Electrical Design Engineer Job Description We are seeking an experienced Electrical Design Engineer. The ideal candidate will...  ...for the design, development, and implementation of industrial control systems. This role involves creating initial concepts, proposals... 
    Contract work
    Temporary work
    Work at office

    Actalent

    Bartlett, IL
    3 days ago
  • $120k - $140k

     ...situational awareness. Breeze hires some of the most talented engineers in the industry, and we are seeking candidates who will bring a...  ...Responsibilities Design and implement an embedded Processor Control Platform. Assist other engineers and designers in electrical design... 
    Contract work
    For subcontractor

    Breeze-Eastern LLC

    Hanover Park, IL
    16 hours ago
  • Electrical Engineer - DMG MORI Additive Solutions Research and Development Reports to: Head of Research and Development Location: 1415 N Cherry Ave, Chicago IL 60642 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm Classification: Exempt Travel: 25% Employment is conditioned... 
    Work at office
    Overseas
    Monday to Friday
    Shift work

    DMG MORI USA

    Hoffman Estates, IL
    1 day ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Controls Engineers. Be the first to apply!