Automation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL
Automation engineer jobs in Chicago draw heavily from the city's manufacturing, food processing, and industrial automation sectors, with roles concentrated in the Near West Side, Goose Island, and the Calumet industrial corridor. Employers actively hiring include Sargent & Lundy, Formic, and Cognizant. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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- Under direct supervision, creates basic instrumentation, controls and related systems designs using 3D and 4D drafting programs.
- Reviews simple component level shop drawings.
- Creates basic human-machine interface (HMI) designs, programmable logic controllers (PLC), reports, etc.
- Performs other duties as required.
- Assists with testing and startup of instrumentation, controls and related systems.
See All 99 Automation Engineer Jobs in Chicago
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Find Automation Engineer JobsAutomation Engineer Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy11

- Formic7

- Cognizant7

- Aon4

- JLL4

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services11
- Energy7
- Technology & Software7
- Construction & Real Estate4
Automation Engineer Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an automation engineer job in Chicago?
Focus your search on Chicago's manufacturing belt, the food and beverage processing companies along the North Branch corridor, and the industrial automation firms clustered around Goose Island and the Near West Side. Candidates who know PLC programming, SCADA systems, or robotics integration stand out in this market. Building familiarity with the specific automation platforms common in Chicago's heavy manufacturing and packaged goods industries sharpens your edge considerably.
Which companies hire automation engineers in Chicago?
Companies currently hiring automation engineers in Chicago include Sargent & Lundy, Formic, and Cognizant, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Chicago's hiring mix is broad, covering Fortune 500 manufacturers, specialty food and beverage producers, industrial systems integrators, and utilities with large infrastructure automation programs.
Are there remote automation engineer jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though automation engineering skews toward on-site work given hands-on equipment, commissioning, and plant-floor responsibilities. About 78% of automation engineer openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be design, programming, or project engineering roles rather than commissioning or maintenance positions.
How can I get an automation engineer job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through systems integrator firms and mid-size manufacturers who hire controls technicians or junior automation technicians and promote from within. Entry-level roles in PLC programming support, machine operator to technician pipelines at food processing plants, and co-op programs at Chicago-area industrial companies are genuine starting points. A strong foundation in ladder logic, hands-on lab projects, or an associate degree in controls technology makes a real difference with local employers.
Which industries hire the most automation engineers in Chicago?
Chicago automation engineer roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Energy, and Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Chicago's deep manufacturing heritage, combined with its role as a logistics and food processing hub, keeps sustained demand for automation talent across both legacy industrial employers and newer systems integration firms.
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