Automation Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Automation Specialist jobs in Illinois are among the most active in the Midwest, concentrated in manufacturing, food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical production, and utilities, with demand at every level from entry-level controls technician through senior systems engineer. The heaviest hiring clusters in Chicago, Rockford, and the Decatur-Peoria industrial corridor, where large employers like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Kraft Heinz maintain deep operations and ongoing automation programs. PLC programming, SCADA integration, and robotics commissioning are the specialties drawing the most consistent demand from Illinois employers. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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As a Senior Specialist – Industrial Automation, you will be responsible for providing pre or post-sales support and expertise to assist the Sales team in their sales efforts of industrial automation products, systems and services. You will use your specialized product knowledge to deliver presentations and product demonstrations to customers and sales representatives and will have a continuing role in customer support to address questions or issues in the usage of the products. You will also assist in the creation and execution of business plans.
Responsibilities:
- Makes sales calls, researches customer needs and develops product and application information, demonstrating technology solutions for customers.
- Expertise in industrial automation products; acts as domain expert internally and externally.
- Provides pre/post automation sales support for sales teams and customers.
- Assists Sales Representatives in finding new sales opportunities by teaching and guiding.
- Responsible for opportunity generation and target account planning.
- Executes business plans and assists in creation of plans.
- Participates in ongoing training to maintain technical competency in product and complementary product areas.
- Advises Purchasing and Inside Sales on product, suggested inventory, parts, delivery and price levels.
- Understands market conditions, competitive forces, and identifies areas for growth.
- Understands industry trends and technical developments that affect target markets.
- Administers and implements marketing, promotion programs, and product launches from product businesses.
- Maintains excellent relationships with vendor product managers and other selling resources.
Qualifications:
- High School Degree or Equivalent required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- 3+ years technical experience using automation products.
- Strong computer skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- 4 years preferred automation sales.
- 5+ years preferred technical experience using automation products
- Ability to travel up to 25%
For eligible positions, compensation may include participation in a bonus or sales incentive plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan documents. For certain sales roles, Wesco also offers a commission structure that provides additional compensation based on sales results, as defined by the applicable commission plan.
In addition, Wesco offers a benefits program for eligible employees, which may include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and retirement savings plans. Additional details about benefits are available here .
Our Company’s greatest asset is our people. Wesco is committed to fostering a workplace where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. We promote a culture that is grounded in teamwork and respect. With a workforce of over 20,000 people worldwide, we embrace the unique perspectives each person brings. Through comprehensive benefits and active community engagement, we create an environment where every team member has the opportunity to thrive.
Learn more about Working at Wesco here and apply online today!
Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Wesco is a publicly traded (NYSE: WCC) FORTUNE 500® company.
Wesco International, Inc., including its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Wesco”) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law. US applicants only, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Los Angeles Unincorporated County Candidates Only: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.
As a Senior Specialist – Industrial Automation, you will be responsible for providing pre or post-sales support and expertise to assist the Sales team in their sales efforts of industrial automation products, systems and services. You will use your specialized product knowledge to deliver presentations and product demonstrations to customers and sales representatives and will have a continuing role in customer support to address questions or issues in the usage of the products. You will also assist in the creation and execution of business plans.
Responsibilities:
- Makes sales calls, researches customer needs and develops product and application information, demonstrating technology solutions for customers.
- Expertise in industrial automation products; acts as domain expert internally and externally.
- Provides pre/post automation sales support for sales teams and customers.
- Assists Sales Representatives in finding new sales opportunities by teaching and guiding.
- Responsible for opportunity generation and target account planning.
- Executes business plans and assists in creation of plans.
- Participates in ongoing training to maintain technical competency in product and complementary product areas.
- Advises Purchasing and Inside Sales on product, suggested inventory, parts, delivery and price levels.
- Understands market conditions, competitive forces, and identifies areas for growth.
- Understands industry trends and technical developments that affect target markets.
- Administers and implements marketing, promotion programs, and product launches from product businesses.
- Maintains excellent relationships with vendor product managers and other selling resources.
Qualifications:
- High School Degree or Equivalent required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred
- 3+ years technical experience using automation products.
- Strong computer skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- 4 years preferred automation sales.
- 5+ years preferred technical experience using automation products
- Ability to travel up to 25%
For eligible positions, compensation may include participation in a bonus or sales incentive plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plan documents. For certain sales roles, Wesco also offers a commission structure that provides additional compensation based on sales results, as defined by the applicable commission plan.
In addition, Wesco offers a benefits program for eligible employees, which may include paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and retirement savings plans. Additional details about benefits are available here .
Our Company’s greatest asset is our people. Wesco is committed to fostering a workplace where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to succeed. We promote a culture that is grounded in teamwork and respect. With a workforce of over 20,000 people worldwide, we embrace the unique perspectives each person brings. Through comprehensive benefits and active community engagement, we create an environment where every team member has the opportunity to thrive.
Learn more about Working at Wesco here and apply online today!
Founded in 1922 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Wesco is a publicly traded (NYSE: WCC) FORTUNE 500® company.
Wesco International, Inc., including its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Wesco”) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or other characteristics protected by law. US applicants only, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Los Angeles Unincorporated County Candidates Only: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.
See All 12 Automation Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Specialist JobsAutomation Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Medical Devices
- Banking & Financial Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and industrial HMI configuration and maintenance
- Familiarity with robotics integration, servo systems, and motion control applications
- Understanding of process safety standards and industrial network protocols like Ethernet/IP
- Strong troubleshooting skills for automated production lines in manufacturing environments
Automation Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an automation specialist in Illinois?
Most automation specialists in Illinois enter the field through a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or industrial technology, though associate degrees combined with strong hands-on PLC experience are accepted at many manufacturers. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for the automation specialist role itself, but electricians working on control panels may need an Illinois electrical license through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Earning vendor certifications from Rockwell Automation or Siemens strengthens a candidacy significantly with Illinois employers.
Which companies hire automation specialists in Illinois?
Employers hiring automation specialists in Illinois right now include Wesco, Rate, and AbbVie, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's deep manufacturing base, from food processing in Decatur to pharmaceutical packaging in the Chicago suburbs, means large industrial employers keep consistent automation headcount year-round.
Which Illinois cities have the most automation specialist jobs?
Chicago, Aurora, and Mettawa have the most automation specialist openings in Illinois. Chicago drives volume through its concentration of corporate engineering headquarters and large distribution and packaging facilities, while Rockford's long-standing precision manufacturing sector and the Peoria-Decatur corridor's heavy industrial and agricultural equipment producers sustain steady demand outside the metro.
Are there remote automation specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 67% of automation specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most automation work. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely are PLC program development, SCADA screen design, and documentation review, while commissioning, installation, and on-site troubleshooting require a physical presence.
How can I get hired as an automation specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an associate degree or technical certificate in industrial automation or electrical technology from a community college like Triton College or Heartland Community College, which feeds directly into technician apprenticeships at Illinois manufacturers. Large employers such as Caterpillar and Abbott run structured technician development programs that accept candidates without full work histories. Moving laterally from a maintenance technician or electrical apprentice role is common, and earning a Rockwell Automation certification before applying gives a new candidate a concrete, verifiable edge.
Where can I find and apply to automation specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to automation specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers actively hiring. Search the listings for roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 12 Automation Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Specialist Jobs