Automation Jobs in Chicago, IL
Automation jobs in Chicago are in strong demand, concentrated in the Near West Side industrial corridor, River North, and the broader Chicagoland manufacturing belt, across sectors including advanced manufacturing, logistics, food processing, and automotive. Employers hiring right now include Siemens, JPMorganChase, and Zekelman Industries. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Automation JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 182+ Automation jobs
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Cresco Labs is one of the largest public, vertically integrated, multistate operators in the cannabis industry. Our portfolio of in-house cultivated and manufactured brands features some of the highest quality, most awarded and most popular cannabis products in America. With dozens of locations nationwide, our owned and operated Sunnyside® dispensaries provide a welcoming, positive, judgement-free place to shop for anyone at any point on their cannabis journey.
Founded in 2013, Cresco Labs' mission is to normalize and professionalize cannabis through our passionate employees. As stewards of the cannabis industry, our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of our fellow colleagues, consumers, customers, and communities alike. With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development, our SEEDTM initiative ensures that our company reflects the communities in which we serve, ensuring equal opportunity for all to have the knowledge and resources to work in and own businesses in cannabis.
At Cresco Labs, we aim to revolutionize and lead the nation's cannabis industry with a focus on quality and consistency of product, and to bring legitimacy to the industry with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
If you're interested in joining our mission, click the below links to join our team today!
MISSION STATEMENT
At Cresco, we aim to lead the nation's cannabis industry with a focus on regulatory compliance, product consistency, and customer satisfaction. Our operations bring legitimacy to the cannabis industry by acting with the highest level of integrity, strictly adhering to regulations, and promoting the clinical efficacy of cannabis. As Cresco grows, we will operate with the same level of professionalism and precision in each new market we move in to.
JOB SUMMARY
The Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting automation and control systems across Cresco Labs' manufacturing, packaging and other areas. This role focuses on improving equipment reliability, throughput, and data visibility across lab and production environments, while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
This position plays a key role in scaling operations by integrating new equipment, standardizing control systems across sites, and driving automation initiatives that enhance efficiency, consistency, and traceability.
This is a technical, people-leadership role with multiple direct and indirect reporting relationships.
CORE JOB DUTIES
- Design, program, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems
- Develop and support control systems for:
- Extraction and post-processing equipment (hydrocarbon, ethanol, solventless)
- Distillation, refinement, and formulation systems
- Automated packaging lines (filling, capping, labeling, cartoning)
- BAS and Environmental control systems.
- Troubleshoot controls, instrumentation, and system integration issues to minimize downtime
- Lead integration of new manufacturing and lab equipment into site-wide control architectures
- Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure equipment meets performance and compliance requirements
- Drive standardization of controls platforms, architectures, and naming conventions across multiple Cresco facilities
- Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and startup activities
- Implement and maintain data collection systems for production metrics (OEE, OOE, throughput, downtime, yield)
- Support development of dashboards and reporting tools for real-time operational visibility
- Analyze system data to identify bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Develop and maintain technical documentation (control narratives, IO lists, P&IDs, SOPs)
- Support validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ where applicable) in regulated environments
- Lead or support automation scope for capital projects, expansions, and line upgrades
- Develop technical specifications and coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, and vendors
- Manage controls-related timelines, budgets, and deliverables
- Support multi-site rollout of standardized automation solutions
- Ability to travel as needed to sites across the U.S. (50% or more).
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SKILLS
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in industrial automation within manufacturing or process environments
- Hands-on PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation and/or other)
- Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk, Ignition, or similar)
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC)
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
- Experience with automated packaging systems (filling, labeling, vision inspection)
- Experience developing, reviewing, redlining, and approving electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic schematics.
- Advanced MS Office skills.
- CAD Modeling (e.g., AutoCAD / SolidWorks) preferred.
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical guidelines (GMP, GDP, ASTM).
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, quantitative, writing, and communication skills.
BENEFITS
Cresco Labs is proud to offer eligible employees a robust offering of benefits including, major medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(K)-match program, FSA/HSA programs, LTD/STD options, life insurance and AD&D. We also offer eligible employees paid holidays and paid time off. Other rewards may include annual discretionary bonuses, stock options as well as participation in our employee discount program. Benefits eligibility for permanent positions may vary by full-time or part-time roles, location, or position.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 21 years of age or older to apply
- Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
- The company does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship for this role or any other position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for current or future sponsorship at any time.
Cresco Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") Notice to Applicants:
Please read the California Employee Privacy Notice ("CA Privacy Notice") regarding Sunnyside* and its affiliate Cresco Labs' policies pertaining to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. This CA Privacy Notice supplements the information contained in the Sunnyside* Privacy Policy and applies to California resident employees and job applicants. Applicants with disabilities may access this notice in an alternative format by contacting CCPAnotice@crescolabs.com
Reporting a Scam:
Cresco Labs is aware of fictitious employment offers being circulated from various sources. Many of these schemes consist of an alleged offer of employment with Cresco Labs with the intention of gaining personal information, including payment and/or banking information. Be aware that fraudulent job offers and correspondence may appear legitimate: they may feature a Cresco Labs logo, they may appear to originate from an official-looking email address or web site, or they may be sent by individuals purporting to represent Cresco Labs or an entity which includes the word Cresco Labs in its name.
Please note that Cresco Labs does not ask for payment or personal banking information as a condition of employment. Any personal information is requested for payroll or state badging purposes only. Applications can be securely submitted through our career's pages.
We are working diligently to block this from happening. Beware if an offer of employment looks too good to be true. Never divulge personal and banking information or send money if you are unsure of the authenticity of an email or other communication in the name of Cresco Labs.
If you are in doubt, please contact us at Report-a-spam@crescolabs.com with questions.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Cresco Labs is one of the largest public, vertically integrated, multistate operators in the cannabis industry. Our portfolio of in-house cultivated and manufactured brands features some of the highest quality, most awarded and most popular cannabis products in America. With dozens of locations nationwide, our owned and operated Sunnyside® dispensaries provide a welcoming, positive, judgement-free place to shop for anyone at any point on their cannabis journey.
Founded in 2013, Cresco Labs' mission is to normalize and professionalize cannabis through our passionate employees. As stewards of the cannabis industry, our teams are constantly focused on supporting the needs of our fellow colleagues, consumers, customers, and communities alike. With a focus on Social Equity and Educational Development, our SEEDTM initiative ensures that our company reflects the communities in which we serve, ensuring equal opportunity for all to have the knowledge and resources to work in and own businesses in cannabis.
At Cresco Labs, we aim to revolutionize and lead the nation's cannabis industry with a focus on quality and consistency of product, and to bring legitimacy to the industry with the highest level of integrity and professionalism.
If you're interested in joining our mission, click the below links to join our team today!
MISSION STATEMENT
At Cresco, we aim to lead the nation's cannabis industry with a focus on regulatory compliance, product consistency, and customer satisfaction. Our operations bring legitimacy to the cannabis industry by acting with the highest level of integrity, strictly adhering to regulations, and promoting the clinical efficacy of cannabis. As Cresco grows, we will operate with the same level of professionalism and precision in each new market we move in to.
JOB SUMMARY
The Automation & Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting automation and control systems across Cresco Labs' manufacturing, packaging and other areas. This role focuses on improving equipment reliability, throughput, and data visibility across lab and production environments, while ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
This position plays a key role in scaling operations by integrating new equipment, standardizing control systems across sites, and driving automation initiatives that enhance efficiency, consistency, and traceability.
This is a technical, people-leadership role with multiple direct and indirect reporting relationships.
CORE JOB DUTIES
- Design, program, and maintain PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems
- Develop and support control systems for:
- Extraction and post-processing equipment (hydrocarbon, ethanol, solventless)
- Distillation, refinement, and formulation systems
- Automated packaging lines (filling, capping, labeling, cartoning)
- BAS and Environmental control systems.
- Troubleshoot controls, instrumentation, and system integration issues to minimize downtime
- Lead integration of new manufacturing and lab equipment into site-wide control architectures
- Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Quality teams to ensure equipment meets performance and compliance requirements
- Drive standardization of controls platforms, architectures, and naming conventions across multiple Cresco facilities
- Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and startup activities
- Implement and maintain data collection systems for production metrics (OEE, OOE, throughput, downtime, yield)
- Support development of dashboards and reporting tools for real-time operational visibility
- Analyze system data to identify bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement initiatives
- Develop and maintain technical documentation (control narratives, IO lists, P&IDs, SOPs)
- Support validation activities (IQ/OQ/PQ where applicable) in regulated environments
- Lead or support automation scope for capital projects, expansions, and line upgrades
- Develop technical specifications and coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, and vendors
- Manage controls-related timelines, budgets, and deliverables
- Support multi-site rollout of standardized automation solutions
- Ability to travel as needed to sites across the U.S. (50% or more).
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND SKILLS
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
- 7+ years of experience in industrial automation within manufacturing or process environments
- Hands-on PLC programming experience (Allen-Bradley, Rockwell Automation and/or other)
- Experience with HMI/SCADA systems (FactoryTalk, Ignition, or similar)
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, OPC)
- Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills
- Experience with automated packaging systems (filling, labeling, vision inspection)
- Experience developing, reviewing, redlining, and approving electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic schematics.
- Advanced MS Office skills.
- CAD Modeling (e.g., AutoCAD / SolidWorks) preferred.
- Knowledge of pharmaceutical guidelines (GMP, GDP, ASTM).
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, quantitative, writing, and communication skills.
BENEFITS
Cresco Labs is proud to offer eligible employees a robust offering of benefits including, major medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(K)-match program, FSA/HSA programs, LTD/STD options, life insurance and AD&D. We also offer eligible employees paid holidays and paid time off. Other rewards may include annual discretionary bonuses, stock options as well as participation in our employee discount program. Benefits eligibility for permanent positions may vary by full-time or part-time roles, location, or position.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must be 21 years of age or older to apply
- Must comply with all legal or company regulations for working in the industry
- The company does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship for this role or any other position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without the need for current or future sponsorship at any time.
Cresco Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") Notice to Applicants:
Please read the California Employee Privacy Notice ("CA Privacy Notice") regarding Sunnyside* and its affiliate Cresco Labs' policies pertaining to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. This CA Privacy Notice supplements the information contained in the Sunnyside* Privacy Policy and applies to California resident employees and job applicants. Applicants with disabilities may access this notice in an alternative format by contacting CCPAnotice@crescolabs.com
Reporting a Scam:
Cresco Labs is aware of fictitious employment offers being circulated from various sources. Many of these schemes consist of an alleged offer of employment with Cresco Labs with the intention of gaining personal information, including payment and/or banking information. Be aware that fraudulent job offers and correspondence may appear legitimate: they may feature a Cresco Labs logo, they may appear to originate from an official-looking email address or web site, or they may be sent by individuals purporting to represent Cresco Labs or an entity which includes the word Cresco Labs in its name.
Please note that Cresco Labs does not ask for payment or personal banking information as a condition of employment. Any personal information is requested for payroll or state badging purposes only. Applications can be securely submitted through our career's pages.
We are working diligently to block this from happening. Beware if an offer of employment looks too good to be true. Never divulge personal and banking information or send money if you are unsure of the authenticity of an email or other communication in the name of Cresco Labs.
If you are in doubt, please contact us at Report-a-spam@crescolabs.com with questions.
See All 182+ Automation Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation JobsAutomation Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- Siemens15
- JPMorganChase7
- Zekelman Industries7
- Aon4
- FIS4
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Food & Beverage
- Law & Legal Services
- Technology & Software
Automation Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a automation job in Chicago?
The clearest path is targeting Chicago's dense manufacturing and logistics base, where automation roles cluster in the Near West Side, Elk Grove Village industrial park, and along the I-55 corridor. Employers in food and beverage processing, automotive supply, and distribution center operations hire consistently. Hands-on experience with PLCs, SCADA systems, or robotics integration stands out most in this market, and certifications from local community colleges like Olive-Harvey add credibility.
Which companies hire automations in Chicago?
Companies currently hiring automations in Chicago include Siemens, JPMorganChase, and Zekelman Industries, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's mix of large manufacturers, third-party logistics operators, and food production facilities creates steady, year-round openings across a range of automation specialties.
Are there remote automation jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though it depends heavily on the role. Hands-on automation work involving physical equipment, robotics, or on-site commissioning is rarely remote, while roles focused on programming, systems integration, or process design can offer flexibility. About 76% of automation openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026. Software-side and controls engineering roles in Chicago's tech-forward employers are most likely to offer hybrid arrangements.
How can I get a automation job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a technician or maintenance associate role at one of Chicago's manufacturing facilities or distribution centers, where on-the-job exposure to automated systems is built into the work. Employers in Elk Grove Village and the Calumet industrial area regularly hire entry-level candidates who complete certificate programs in industrial automation or mechatronics at institutions like Truman College or Harper College. Building PLC basics through online coursework before applying sharpens your candidacy.
Which industries hire the most automations in Chicago?
Most automation openings in Chicago sit in Retail, Food & Beverage, and Law & Legal Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's position as a major logistics hub and its deep manufacturing heritage in food production, metals, and automotive supply keep demand for automation professionals consistently high across those sectors.
Related Jobs in Illinois
See All 182+ Automation Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Jobs