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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Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
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Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.
CDM Smith is seeking a Automation and Controls Engineer to join a great team of motivated Automation professionals in Chicago, Illinois! You will be responsible for designing and programming control systems for our Water/Wastewater and Industrial clients. This role involves performing condition assessments on existing systems; developing upgrade plans; writing detailed specifications; creating detailed design drawings; and writing comprehensive control descriptions to ensure safe and efficient system operation.
The successful candidate will be enthusiastic about building client relationships, mentoring junior level staff and delivering quality technical products on time and on budget. CDM Smith has been a leader in providing Automation design and programming services for over 30 years. Join us!
As a key member of the Chicago Automation team, you will contribute to CDM Smith’s mission by:
- Developing solutions for automation projects with senior level oversight and guidance.
- Programming, testing, and commissioning of SCADA systems which includes some, if not all of the following software: PLC packages (Rockwell Studio 5000 and Schneider Electric Unity), HMI packages (GE iFix, Rockwell FactoryTalk, and AVEVA InTouch for System Platform).
- Configuring SCADA servers, workstations, networks, and wireless communication systems (i.e. cellular, radio, Wi-Fi).
- Developing SCADA reports using Dream Reports, XL Reporter, or Hach WIMS.
- Performing field acceptance testing (FATs) and field inspections to ensure contractor conformance with contract requirements for control systems.
- Creating basic to moderately complex instrumentation and control system designs by developing Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), control system architectures network diagrams, logical communications diagrams, specifications, and process control descriptions (for use in control system programming).
- Preparing control system preliminary design reports (PDRs).
- Reviewing basic to moderately complex level shop drawings consisting of control system components, instrumentation and panel wiring diagrams.
- Providing responses to contractor requests for information (RFIs) under limited supervision.
- Independently develops basic to highly complex Operations & Maintenance manuals for PLC and HMI programming.
- Preparing Automation specific project budgets and construction cost estimates.
- Preparing written scopes of work and project approaches in support of proposals and client presentations under senior supervision.
- Traveling to project sites for client meetings, supporting on-call/as-needed contracts, and start-up of control systems within the region.
- Performing other duties as required.
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- Expert knowledge of instrumentation, controls and related systems designs. PLC and HMI experience required.
- Excellent communication skills – both oral and written.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft office suite of programs.
- Working knowledge of industrial networks and Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity solutions.
- Experience with 3D and 4D CAD drafting.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, or in Engineering Technology or related discipline.
- Professional engineering (PE) license.
- 7 years of related experience.
Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
- Experience with Water/Wastewater I&C projects.
- Experience within an Engineering and/or construction firm.
- Experience leading teams.
See All 109+ 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
- Technology & Software
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
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 Rivian, Sargent & Lundy, and Jobot, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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, Normal, 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 37% of controls engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 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.
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