Automation Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Automation Engineer jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in advanced manufacturing, food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, and industrial systems integration across a market that ranges from entry-level controls technicians to senior systems architects. The heaviest hiring activity clusters in Chicago, Rockford, and the Quad Cities corridor, where established employers like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Kraft Heinz maintain significant engineering operations. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois include PLC programming, SCADA systems, and robotics integration for automotive and packaging lines. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This role supports and collaborates with a cross-functional team. Assisting in diagnosing machine failures and implementing improvements by optimizing automatic equipment to ensure consistent process efficiency.
- Diagnose and resolve automation failures.
- Design and implement strategies that improve software programs, electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems reliability.
- Lead system -level initiatives, hardware, software, upgrades.
- Maintain a spare part of the equipment.
- Analyze system data, identifying opportunities for improvement in equipment efficiency.
- Mentor the Engineering team and Maintenance technicians in troubleshooting common failure modes.
- Maintain system documentation, including procedures, maintenance logs, and setup records.
- Serve as a technical expert for complex technical issues.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, internal quality requirements, and industry regulations.
- Collaborate with vendors to improve parts availability.
- 5 Years of experience in manufacturing automation.
- Proficiency in programming PLC’s (Siemens and AB), Fanuc robots, and servo control systems.
- Hands-on experience diagnosing mechanical, electrical, pneumatics and control failures.
- Extensive knowledge of reading machinery schematics.
- Strong problem-solving skills with automatic equipment.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating cross-functionally.
- Programming C++ experience is a plus.
SALARY RANGE: $100,000-$115,000 Annually
This role supports and collaborates with a cross-functional team. Assisting in diagnosing machine failures and implementing improvements by optimizing automatic equipment to ensure consistent process efficiency.
- Diagnose and resolve automation failures.
- Design and implement strategies that improve software programs, electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems reliability.
- Lead system -level initiatives, hardware, software, upgrades.
- Maintain a spare part of the equipment.
- Analyze system data, identifying opportunities for improvement in equipment efficiency.
- Mentor the Engineering team and Maintenance technicians in troubleshooting common failure modes.
- Maintain system documentation, including procedures, maintenance logs, and setup records.
- Serve as a technical expert for complex technical issues.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, internal quality requirements, and industry regulations.
- Collaborate with vendors to improve parts availability.
- 5 Years of experience in manufacturing automation.
- Proficiency in programming PLC’s (Siemens and AB), Fanuc robots, and servo control systems.
- Hands-on experience diagnosing mechanical, electrical, pneumatics and control failures.
- Extensive knowledge of reading machinery schematics.
- Strong problem-solving skills with automatic equipment.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating cross-functionally.
- Programming C++ experience is a plus.
SALARY RANGE: $100,000-$115,000 Annually
See All 98 Automation Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- ProAutomated11
- CBRE3
- Sargent & Lundy3
- JLL2
- AbbVie2
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Automotive
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from an accredited institution
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs from Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and HMI configuration in industrial environments
- Familiarity with robot programming and integration for manufacturing or packaging lines
- Understanding of industrial networking protocols such as EtherNet/IP and Profibus
- Experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics and control panel drawings
Automation Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation engineer in Illinois?
Most automation engineer positions in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related controls discipline. Illinois does not issue a separate state license specifically for automation engineers, though engineers who stamp designs for public projects must hold an Illinois Professional Engineer license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Most employers prioritize hands-on PLC and SCADA experience alongside the degree, and certifications from vendors like Rockwell Automation or Siemens strengthen candidacy considerably.
How much do automation engineers make in Illinois?
Automation engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $111,930 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $58,920 for the lowest 10% to over $168,770 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring automation engineers in Illinois right now include ProAutomated, CBRE, and Sargent & Lundy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's deep manufacturing base, particularly in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and heavy equipment, means that large integrated facilities and their systems-integration contractors generate consistent openings year-round.
Which Illinois cities have the most automation engineer jobs?
Chicago, Elgin, and Kankakee account for the largest share of automation engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago and its northwest suburbs anchor demand through corporate engineering centers and dense manufacturing, while Rockford's long-standing machine tool and aerospace parts industry and the Quad Cities' heavy equipment and agricultural machinery plants drive hiring in those markets.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline, and most Illinois roles require on-site work to commission equipment, troubleshoot live systems, and support production floors. About 50% of automation engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to cover design, documentation, or project management tasks rather than commissioning or maintenance work.
How can I get hired as a automation engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an associate or co-op role at an Illinois manufacturer or systems integrator while completing or immediately after completing an engineering degree. Large Illinois employers like Caterpillar and Abbott run structured new-graduate engineering programs that rotate candidates through controls and automation functions. Community college graduates with a two-year electronics or mechatronics degree often enter as controls technicians and transition into engineering roles within a few years. Building a PLC lab portfolio using Allen-Bradley simulation software and earning a vendor certification before applying gives candidates a concrete advantage over degree-only applicants.
Where can I find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to automation engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 98 Automation Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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