Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL
Controls Engineer jobs in Chicago are in strong demand, concentrated in the Near West Side, Fulton Market, and the industrial corridors of the Chicago metro, across manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and building automation. Employers hiring right now include Sargent & Lundy, AMPED I, and Burns & McDonnell. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 104+ Controls Engineer jobs
- This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering.
- You will work on project teams with other I&C engineers involved in the design of new power plants, modifications to existing power generation facilities, plant controls betterment, and new upstream and midstream oil and gas facilities.
- You will support the design of process control systems and the preparation of specifications for the procurement of I&C equipment and related installation services.
- You will be involved in the development of P&IDs, I/O lists, control panel designs, cause & effect matrices, control narratives, network architecture, cable schedules, and location plans.
- You will participate in Process Hazard Analysis and Design Reviews.
- There is the potential for travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.
- Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
- Develop your career via peer-learning by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice."
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
Qualifications:We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
- A BS or MS degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and a strong academic background in analog and digital control systems is required.
- Ability to apply I&C engineering principles to project design deliverables and technical problem solving.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications, with emphasis on MS Excel and Access.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working effectively in a collaborative team environment.
- Exceptional work habits.
- Resourceful and enthusiastic attitude.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
- Related engineering internship or co-op work experience.
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- This position will offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering.
- You will work on project teams with other I&C engineers involved in the design of new power plants, modifications to existing power generation facilities, plant controls betterment, and new upstream and midstream oil and gas facilities.
- You will support the design of process control systems and the preparation of specifications for the procurement of I&C equipment and related installation services.
- You will be involved in the development of P&IDs, I/O lists, control panel designs, cause & effect matrices, control narratives, network architecture, cable schedules, and location plans.
- You will participate in Process Hazard Analysis and Design Reviews.
- There is the potential for travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs.
- Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
- Develop your career via peer-learning by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice."
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
Qualifications:We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
- A BS or MS degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and a strong academic background in analog and digital control systems is required.
- Ability to apply I&C engineering principles to project design deliverables and technical problem solving.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications, with emphasis on MS Excel and Access.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working effectively in a collaborative team environment.
- Exceptional work habits.
- Resourceful and enthusiastic attitude.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
- Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
- Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models.
- Related engineering internship or co-op work experience.
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
See All 104+ Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy23
- AMPED I14
- Burns & McDonnell14
- Amazon9
- RWE5
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services14
- Construction & Real Estate9
- Energy5
Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a controls engineer job in Chicago?
Target Chicago's dense manufacturing corridor on the Near West Side and the food and beverage processing facilities in the southwest suburbs, where demand for controls engineers is highest. Familiarity with Rockwell, Siemens, or Allen-Bradley PLCs gives candidates a clear edge with local industrial employers. Applying directly to plant-level roles at packaging, automotive parts, and utilities firms tends to move faster than going through corporate pipelines in this market.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Chicago?
Employers hiring controls engineers in Chicago right now include Sargent & Lundy, AMPED I, and Burns & McDonnell, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's hiring mix leans heavily toward large industrial manufacturers, utilities, and systems integrators that support the region's extensive processing and infrastructure base.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though remote options are limited given how hands-on controls engineering work typically is. About 82% of controls engineer openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with most remote-eligible positions focusing on programming, system design, or project management rather than on-site commissioning or troubleshooting.
How can I get a controls engineer job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through a junior controls or automation technician role at a systems integrator or mid-size manufacturer in the southwest or northwest suburbs. Many Chicago-area integrators hire associate engineers who shadow senior staff on local facility projects, which builds PLC and HMI experience fast. A capstone project involving ladder logic or SCADA, or an internship with a Chicago industrial firm, strengthens a first application considerably.
Which industries hire the most controls engineers in Chicago?
Chicago controls engineer roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Construction & Real Estate, and Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Chicago's position as a major freight, food processing, and industrial hub means those sectors generate a consistent pipeline of controls engineering openings across both the city and its surrounding metro counties.
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See All 104+ Controls Engineer Jobs in Chicago
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