Automation Technician Jobs in Illinois
Automation Technician jobs in Illinois are in steady demand, with the state's deep manufacturing base, food processing industry, and expanding pharmaceutical and logistics sectors driving consistent openings at every level from entry-level maintenance through senior controls specialists. Chicago, Rockford, and the Joliet-Elgin corridor are the busiest hiring markets, where companies like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Illinois Tool Works maintain large facilities and ongoing automation staffing needs. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois are PLC programming, robotics integration, and process controls. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Automation Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 48+ Automation Technician jobs











Job Description:
Automation Maintenance Technician 2nd shift - Hanover Park, IL
At Pentair, you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice, helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our 9,000 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions.
We have an opportunity for an Automation Maintenance Technician to join our Hanover Park, IL team. You will be responsible for adapting to and integrating new robotic and automation technologies, troubleshooting advanced machinery, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams to ensure smooth equipment installation and performance. With a focus on continuous improvement and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, the Automation Technician contributes to achieving operational goals while actively participating in Lean activities such as Gemba walks and Kaizen initiatives.
You will:
- Support manufacturing production lines with technical expertise to ensure the operations team achieves business objectives.
- Provide guidance to operators, cell leads, and Production Manager regarding projects, process improvements and issues with the line.
- Trouble shooting various equipment such as robotics, conveyors, coaters, labelers, and presses.
- Working and adapting to new automation and robotic equipment coming in and being installed within the facility.
- Working with both the maintenance and engineering teams to ensure proper installation and running of robotics and automation equipment.
- Maintain Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and participate in continuous improvement activities, as well as Gemba walks and Kaizen circles.
- Growth potential and learning new skills sets as new equipment is brought in for the manufacturing process.
- Identifies root causes and develops strategies for eliminating re-occurring downtime.
Key Qualifications:
- 5+ years of maintenance experience in an automated manufacturing environment
- Ability to utilize electrical testing devices, such as digital multi-meter or oscilloscope
- Experience with electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic/mechanical blueprints and schematics
- Ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and plumbing equipment
- Experience in robotics programming, troubleshooting, and diagnostics
- Be able to identify root causes and make proactive recommendations for improved operation
- Basic working knowledge of PLC programming and ladder logic.
- Have strong English communication skills (speak, read, and write). Proficiency in Spanish a plus.
- The physical requirements: Be able to lift frequently 20-40 pounds and infrequently 55-60 pounds, as well as regularly bend and reach. Be able to stand for long periods of time, walk, sit, bend, lift and reach with hands and arms.
Position hours/shifts:
- 2nd shift: 2:00 pm – 10:00pm, Monday – Friday
Compensation:
The hourly pay for this role is: $35.00 - $40.00/hr. DOE. Opportunity for a rate increase after you are proficient in certain skills and have fulfilled training. Actual pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, and experience.
Benefits:
As part of our comprehensive benefits packages, Pentair provides the following benefits plans and programs to eligible employees:
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick time
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Up to 5% 401K match starting day one of employment
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Caregiver leave
- Prescription drug insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
#INDHP
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day.
See All 48 Automation Technician Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Technician JobsAutomation Technician Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Technician Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in automation technician jobs across Illinois.
- Associate degree or technical diploma in industrial automation, electronics, or a related field
- Hands-on experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi
- Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI configuration, and process control instrumentation
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and technical manuals
- Competency in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic automated systems
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred for manufacturing and industrial site work
Automation Technician Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a automation technician in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a state-issued license specifically for automation technicians, so the typical path starts with an associate degree or technical certificate in industrial automation, mechatronics, or electrical technology from a community college such as Moraine Valley, Prairie State, or Rock Valley College. Employers look for hands-on PLC and robotics training, and vendor certifications from Rockwell Automation or Siemens strengthen a candidacy considerably in the Illinois manufacturing market.
How much do automation technicians make in Illinois?
Automation technicians in Illinois earn a median of about $79,400 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $63,780 for the lowest 10% to over $98,160 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire automation technicians in Illinois?
Employers hiring automation technicians in Illinois right now include Siemens, Nemera, and Novolex, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's dense manufacturing and food processing sectors mean openings appear regularly at both large multinationals and regional industrial facilities outside of Chicago.
Which Illinois cities have the most automation technician jobs?
Chicago, Romeoville, and Joliet have the most automation technician openings in Illinois. Chicago anchors the market through its concentration of pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, and logistics companies, while the Rockford and Elgin-Joliet corridors generate steady demand from heavy equipment manufacturers and large industrial distribution centers that rely on automated systems.
Are there remote automation technician jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Automation technician work is fundamentally hands-on and tied to physical equipment on plant floors, so most roles require an on-site presence. About 17% of automation technician openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically cover controls engineering support, remote monitoring, or technical documentation rather than direct equipment maintenance.
How can I get hired as a automation technician in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an apprenticeship or entry-level maintenance technician role through Illinois's manufacturing sector, where companies like Caterpillar and Illinois Tool Works hire associates with technical training but limited field time. Community college programs at Moraine Valley or Heartland Community College include industry externships that lead to direct placement. Candidates who hold a CompTIA or Rockwell Automation certification and can demonstrate PLC lab experience have a clear edge over those with coursework alone.
Where can I find and apply to automation technician jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to automation technician jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across the state's manufacturing, pharmaceutical, food processing, and logistics sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 48 Automation Technician Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Automation Technician Jobs