Automation Jobs in Illinois
Automation jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in manufacturing, logistics, food processing, and industrial controls across the state's dense industrial corridor. Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria account for the bulk of openings, with major employers such as Caterpillar, Siemens, and ABB maintaining long-term operations throughout the state. The most sought-after specialties include PLC programming, robotics integration, and industrial controls engineering, at levels from entry-level technician to senior systems engineer. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Why Choose Us?
Our Sustainability Commitment
Compensation: $36.44 to $43.71 an hour - paid weekly
Automation Technician Shift Available: 7:00a-7:00p 2,2,3 Schedule
Job Description:
- Performs basic troubleshooting and maintenance work on automation equipment.
- Performs maintenance, set-up and PM on automation equipment in Thermoforming and Extrusion.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment related processing issues.
- On-call as needed by department and able to be flexible with schedule as needed.
- Must possess the ability to work in tight spaces and on ladders/platforms
- Analytical, problem solving, and strong electrical and PLC programming,technical skills including mechanical.
- Strong skills in customer service, interpersonal, oral communication, written communications, teamwork, judgment, motivation, planning, organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, safety, adaptability, attendance, punctuality, dependability, initiative, innovation.
- HS Diploma or Equivalency, preferred associate’s degree.
- 5 + years automation technician experience within Thermoforming and Extrusion industry.
What You'll Get From Us
Benefits
Community Engagement
Training and Development
Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.
Why Choose Us?
Our Sustainability Commitment
Compensation: $36.44 to $43.71 an hour - paid weekly
Automation Technician Shift Available: 7:00a-7:00p 2,2,3 Schedule
Job Description:
- Performs basic troubleshooting and maintenance work on automation equipment.
- Performs maintenance, set-up and PM on automation equipment in Thermoforming and Extrusion.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment related processing issues.
- On-call as needed by department and able to be flexible with schedule as needed.
- Must possess the ability to work in tight spaces and on ladders/platforms
- Analytical, problem solving, and strong electrical and PLC programming,technical skills including mechanical.
- Strong skills in customer service, interpersonal, oral communication, written communications, teamwork, judgment, motivation, planning, organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, safety, adaptability, attendance, punctuality, dependability, initiative, innovation.
- HS Diploma or Equivalency, preferred associate’s degree.
- 5 + years automation technician experience within Thermoforming and Extrusion industry.
What You'll Get From Us
Benefits
Community Engagement
Training and Development
Novolex is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including but not limited to selection, hiring, promotion, transfer, and compensation to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, handicap or disability, genetics, citizenship status, service member or veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Any individual who, because of his or her disability, needs an accommodation in connection with an aspect of the Company's application process should contact myHRservices@novolex.com.
See All 172+ Automation Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation JobsAutomation Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Siemens11
- CBRE5
- Rivian5
- Flex4
- Wesco3
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- Retail
- Automotive
- Food & Beverage
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation jobs across Illinois.
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi systems
- Associate or bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology, mechatronics, or a related field
- Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI configuration, and industrial networking protocols
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical blueprints
- Experience with robotics platforms such as FANUC, KUKA, or ABB in a manufacturing environment
- Strong troubleshooting skills for automated production lines and control panel systems
Automation Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation in Illinois?
Most automation roles in Illinois require at minimum an associate degree in electrical engineering technology, mechatronics, or industrial automation from a community college or technical school, with many employers preferring a bachelor's degree. Illinois does not issue a single statewide license for automation technicians or engineers, but roles involving electrical work may require coordination with Illinois-licensed master electricians. Certifications such as the PMMI mechatronics certification or ISA Certified Control Systems Technician credential strengthen candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire automations in Illinois?
Illinois automation roles are posted by Siemens, CBRE, and Rivian and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's deep manufacturing base, particularly in the Chicago metro, Rockford, and Peoria corridors, means that automotive suppliers, food and beverage processors, and industrial equipment makers are among the most consistent sources of full-time automation hiring.
Which Illinois cities have the most automation jobs?
Chicago, Buffalo Grove, and Normal lead Illinois for automation openings right now. Chicago's concentration of manufacturing plants, logistics hubs, and industrial engineering firms drives the highest volume, while Rockford's strong aerospace and machining sector and Peoria's ties to Caterpillar and its supplier network keep those metros consistently active for automation roles at all levels.
Are there remote automation jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation work is largely hands-on and site-dependent, so fully remote roles are the exception rather than the rule. About 63% of automation openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions tend to involve controls design, software configuration, or project management rather than on-site commissioning or maintenance.
How can I get hired as a automation in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an automation or mechatronics program at an Illinois community college such as Heartland Community College, Moraine Valley, or College of DuPage, which offer hands-on lab coursework aligned with what local manufacturers expect. Large Illinois manufacturers and integrators often hire graduates as maintenance technicians or controls technician trainees, providing on-the-job PLC and SCADA training. Earning an entry-level ISA or PMMI certification before applying, and targeting roles titled automation technician or controls apprentice, improves hiring odds significantly.
Where can I find and apply to automation jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to automation jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings in one place. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to whichever positions fit.
See All 172+ Automation Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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