Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Controls Engineer jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in industrial automation, food and beverage manufacturing, automotive systems, and packaging machinery, at levels from entry-level PLC programmer through senior automation engineer. Chicago, Rockford, and the Quad Cities metro anchor most of the hiring, with established employers like Rockwell Automation, Abbott Laboratories, and Caterpillar maintaining a consistent presence across the state. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois listings are PLC and HMI programming, motion control, and process automation for discrete and continuous manufacturing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This role supports and collaborates with a cross-functional team. Assisting in diagnosing machine failures and implementing improvements by optimizing automatic equipment to ensure consistent process efficiency.
- Diagnose and resolve automation failures.
- Design and implement strategies that improve software programs, electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems reliability.
- Lead system -level initiatives, hardware, software, upgrades.
- Maintain a spare part of the equipment.
- Analyze system data, identifying opportunities for improvement in equipment efficiency.
- Mentor the Engineering team and Maintenance technicians in troubleshooting common failure modes.
- Maintain system documentation, including procedures, maintenance logs, and setup records.
- Serve as a technical expert for complex technical issues.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, internal quality requirements, and industry regulations.
- Collaborate with vendors to improve parts availability.
- 5 Years of experience in manufacturing automation.
- Proficiency in programming PLC’s (Siemens and AB), Fanuc robots, and servo control systems.
- Hands-on experience diagnosing mechanical, electrical, pneumatics and control failures.
- Extensive knowledge of reading machinery schematics.
- Strong problem-solving skills with automatic equipment.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating cross-functionally.
- Programming C++ experience is a plus.
SALARY RANGE: $100,000-$115,000 Annually
This role supports and collaborates with a cross-functional team. Assisting in diagnosing machine failures and implementing improvements by optimizing automatic equipment to ensure consistent process efficiency.
- Diagnose and resolve automation failures.
- Design and implement strategies that improve software programs, electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems reliability.
- Lead system -level initiatives, hardware, software, upgrades.
- Maintain a spare part of the equipment.
- Analyze system data, identifying opportunities for improvement in equipment efficiency.
- Mentor the Engineering team and Maintenance technicians in troubleshooting common failure modes.
- Maintain system documentation, including procedures, maintenance logs, and setup records.
- Serve as a technical expert for complex technical issues.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, internal quality requirements, and industry regulations.
- Collaborate with vendors to improve parts availability.
- 5 Years of experience in manufacturing automation.
- Proficiency in programming PLC’s (Siemens and AB), Fanuc robots, and servo control systems.
- Hands-on experience diagnosing mechanical, electrical, pneumatics and control failures.
- Extensive knowledge of reading machinery schematics.
- Strong problem-solving skills with automatic equipment.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating cross-functionally.
- Programming C++ experience is a plus.
SALARY RANGE: $100,000-$115,000 Annually
See All 93 Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services10
- Energy7
- Manufacturing7
- Technology & Software3
- Construction & Real Estate3
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or closely related field required
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi controllers
- Proficiency with HMI development tools and SCADA system configuration and maintenance
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts, and instrumentation diagrams
- Experience with industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, Profibus, or DeviceNet
- Familiarity with machine safety standards and functional safety practices such as NFPA 79
Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Illinois?
Most controls engineers in Illinois start with a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering from a program accredited by ABET. Illinois does not require a state-issued license specifically for controls engineers in most industrial roles, though a Professional Engineer license issued through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation can strengthen advancement into senior or consulting positions. Employers typically expect hands-on PLC programming experience, which candidates build through internships, co-ops, or technical coursework.
How much do controls engineers make in Illinois?
Controls engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $100,540 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $73,780 for the lowest 10% to over $155,650 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring controls engineers in Illinois right now include Sargent & Lundy, Jobot, and Abbott, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's strong manufacturing base, anchored by food processing, automotive components, and industrial equipment, means demand is spread across both large corporations and mid-size original equipment manufacturers throughout the Chicago metro and northern Illinois corridors.
Which Illinois cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Chicago, Oak Brook, and Manteno have the most controls engineer openings in Illinois right now. Chicago and its northwest suburbs concentrate the most postings due to the density of manufacturing facilities, engineering firms, and industrial automation integrators, while Rockford's long-standing base of machine tool and aerospace component manufacturers sustains a steady pipeline of controls roles outside the metro area.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is largely hands-on work involving on-site commissioning, equipment troubleshooting, and direct integration with production machinery, which limits full-time remote arrangements. About 34% of controls engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve off-line PLC code development, system design, or project engineering tasks that do not require a daily plant presence.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a junior automation or associate controls engineer role at a systems integrator or mid-size manufacturer in the Chicago metro or northern Illinois, where employers routinely hire new graduates willing to learn on specific platforms. Companies like Rockwell Automation and Abbott have structured early-career engineering programs, and many Illinois packaging and food processing facilities hire entry-level technicians or field service engineers as a stepping stone. Building a portfolio of PLC projects in simulation software and pursuing an Allen-Bradley or Siemens certification before applying gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, preferred location, and industry, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 93 Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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