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 Formic, Upgrade, and Morningstar. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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The Quaker Supply Chain & Transformation Engineering – Automation Engineer is accountable for executing projects aimed at transforming Quaker packaging operations. This role will also assist in development of the multi-year equipment and capital strategy, development & standardization of manufacturing capabilities, leading continuous improvement efforts. This role leads cross-functional collaboration of internal and external partners, as well as headquarters and field stakeholders.
Responsibilities:- Lead scope development, design recommendations, and vendor selection for Quaker packaging projects.
- Lead continuous improvement and lessons-learned practices.
- Support project execution for new capacity production lines and productivity projects at 4 Quaker facilities and occasionally contract manufacturers.
- Develop, manage, and execute equipment installation and start-up plans while supervising outside contractors and vendors.
- Support development and execution of the multi-year equipment strategy and commercialization for the Quaker fleet across 4 facilities.
- Support and lead cross-functional teams consisting of Headquarters, Operations, Maintenance, R&D, Equipment Vendors, Systems Integrators, External Engineering and Construction Contractors.
- Apply Engineering principles to problem solving and managing unexpected changes.
- Partner with OEMs to continuously improve equipment offerings, upgrades, training, and maintenance initiatives.
- Supports and encourages knowledge development of peers and partners.
- Develop into a subject matter expert (SME) for Quaker’s packaging equipment.
Compensation and Benefits:
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The expected compensation range for this position is between $93,500 - $156,450.
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Location confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
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Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 10% of annual salary paid out annually.
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Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
- In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
- Adequately manage, communicate and mitigate project risks.
- BS in Engineering/Science in a relevant field (e.g. Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering).
- 7+ years of relevant experience
Technical Leadership Skills:
- Scope development
- Drawing review and approval
- Design review leadership
- Development of selection criteria and option evaluation
- Start-Up, Commissioning, & Post-Commission support of equipment and processes
- Vendor bid evaluation
- Strong technical curiosity with a desire to continuously learn.
- Solid understanding of manufacturing plant operations.
- Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects and competing priorities
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate well to project stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross-functional partners
- Manufacturing & equipment development experience is preferred
- Ability to travel up to 40%
Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.
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Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
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 Formic, Upgrade, and Morningstar, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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 86% of automation engineer openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 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 Technology & Software, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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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