Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Electrical controls engineer jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand from the state's deep base of industrial manufacturing, food processing, automotive systems, and building automation sectors at every level from entry-level technician to senior systems architect. Chicago, Rockford, and the Quad Cities metro area account for the largest share of openings, where established employers like Caterpillar, Rockwell Automation, and Siemens maintain significant operations. PLC programming, motion control, and SCADA system integration are the specialties Illinois employers request most. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Double Good is a leading fundraising app and best-in-class technology company redefining how youth organizations raise funds for the causes they care about. Teams run short, high-impact fundraisers by selling delicious popcorn through personalized Pop-Up Stores, keeping 50% of every sale. Thousands of schools and teams nationwide use Double Good to raise meaningful funds quickly and easily.
Guided by our mission to create joy, Double Good also supports the Double Good Kids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to spark joy for children with special needs and the people who care for them through inclusive experiences and spaces that foster play, connection, and possibility.
Double Good has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list 19 times and ranked No. 16 on Crain's Chicago Business Fast 50 list in 2026, and it continues to grow while staying focused on impact.
In recent years, Double Good has seen 40% year over year growth, and we're excited about our future! We're excited about the possibility of you joining our mission. We are looking for an Electrical Controls Technician (2nd Shift) to join our growing team.
Location - This is a fully onsite position based at our Burr Ridge, IL facility.
Work Schedule - Second shift, primarily working from 1:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
About the role:
Keep second-shift production and packaging lines running by troubleshooting and repairing electrical and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) control systems alongside Maintenance, and by delivering small controls improvements that reduce downtime.
Scope and Range:
Works with limited day-to-day supervision on 2nd shift as the primary controls resource supporting Maintenance. Troubleshoots and corrects faults independently using schematics, PLC diagnostics, and standard procedures. Escalates program changes, safety-circuit modifications, and complex or recurring problems to Engineering before implementing them.
Works within established lockout/tagout (LOTO), electrical safety, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) procedures. Does not modify safety-rated logic or safety circuits without Engineering approval and revalidation of system. Provides clear shift handoff to 1st shift Maintenance and Engineering.
Responsibilities:
- Support 2nd shift Maintenance: troubleshoot and repair electrical and controls faults on high-speed production and packaging equipment, including control panels, motors, VFDs (variable frequency drives), servo drives, sensors and photo eyes, temperature controllers, heating elements, and communication networks.
- PLC troubleshooting: diagnose faults online in Studio 5000 Logix Designer on Allen-Bradley controllers: trace logic, check I/O status, interpret fault codes, and make program changes.
- Drawings and schematics: read and troubleshoot from electrical schematics; create simple electrical drawings and circuits; mark up and update as-built drawings in AutoCAD Electrical so documentation stays current after repairs and changes.
- Root cause and improvement: convert repeat failures into corrective actions and small improvement projects that reduce downtime, in coordination with Engineering.
- Safe electrical work: perform all work in compliance with LOTO, NFPA 70E, and arc-flash PPE (personal protective equipment) requirements, including work on energized equipment only when permitted by procedure.
- Equipment installation support: assist with wiring, checkout, and startup of new equipment and capital projects as assigned.
- Documentation: record work performed, failure cause, and parts used on work orders in the CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System); submit parts requests; keep PLC program backups and shift notes current.
- Food safety: know and follow GMP and all food safety guidelines, including foreign-material control and sanitary work practices around food-contact equipment.
Other Job Functions:
- Coach 2nd shift maintenance technicians on controls troubleshooting techniques and PLC/HMI (Human-Machine Interface) fault diagnosis.
- Participate in equipment risk assessments, including HRN (Hazard Rating Number) scoring, and help close out resulting actions.
- Support preventive maintenance and reliability activities related to electrical and controls equipment.
- Be available for overtime or call-in support for urgent breakdowns, and weekend project work as business needs require.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Experience & Skills we value:
- Hands-on PLC programming and online troubleshooting experience with Allen-Bradley controllers using Studio 5000 Logix Designer, including ladder logic.
- Ability to create simple electrical control drawings from scratch (such as motor start/stop circuits and interlocks) using correct symbols and wiring conventions.
- Ability to read and troubleshoot from electrical schematics and panel drawings.
- Working knowledge of industrial electrical systems: motors, contactors and starters, relays, VFDs, sensors, and 24 VDC and AC control circuits; proficient with a multimeter and clamp meter.
- Working knowledge of LOTO and electrical safety practices (NFPA 70E).
- Systematic, independent troubleshooting approach; able to work with limited supervision on 2nd shift.
- Clear written and verbal communication, including shift handoff and repair documentation.
- Computer proficiency (laptop-based programming tools, email, CMMS, Excel).
- 3+ years of industrial maintenance or controls troubleshooting experience in a manufacturing environment.
- 2+ years of hands-on Allen-Bradley PLC programming and troubleshooting in RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000.
- High school diploma or GED.
Nice to have and/or you'll learn:
- AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical experience (preferred).
- Allen-Bradley HMI and drive experience: PanelView / FactoryTalk View, PowerFlex VFDs, Kinetix servos.
- Experience with GuardLogix / safety PLCs and safety relays.
- Industrial networking basics: EtherNet/IP, IP addressing, managed switches.
- Exposure to other platforms and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) tools, such as Beckhoff TwinCAT or Ignition (Inductive Automation).
- Experience with a CMMS and with lean or continuous-improvement environments.
- Mechanical aptitude (pneumatics, gearboxes, drive trains) to support Maintenance.
- NFPA 70E electrical safety training or certification.
- 5+ years in industrial electrical maintenance or controls, including AutoCAD Electrical for drawings.
- Food manufacturing, high-speed packaging, or high-volume fulfillment experience.
- Experience supporting new equipment installation and commissioning.
- Associate degree, technical certificate, or electrical apprenticeship in Industrial Electricity, Electrical Technology, Automation / Mechatronics, or Electrical Engineering Technology.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Prolonged Standing & Movement: Ability to stand for extended periods on concrete shop floors and walk frequently between production lines, electrical panels, and shop areas.
Overhead & Panel Work: Frequently reach into panels and above head to inspect, install, or service equipment.
Mobility & Agility: Occasionally bend, stoop, twist, squat, crouch, or balance to access low enclosures, motors, and confined equipment.
Climbing: Safely climb and descend stairs, ladders, and raised platforms to reach elevated equipment.
Infrequent Movements: Crawl or work in low-level/under-equipment positions on a rare-to-occasional basis.
Manual Effort: Push, pull, and maneuver panel doors, carts, and tool bags.
Stationary/Desk Work: Ability to sit occasionally to review drawings, complete documentation, and work on a laptop.
Equal Pay Disclosure(s):
We're on a mission to create more joy in people's lives, and that includes our internal employees. We create a place people love to be a part of, where people can discover and practice their unique skill sets, a place where they can contribute and do their best work. We do this by offering our employees a competitive compensation & benefits plan.
Base Pay range for this position:
- $50.50 per hour plus $0.50 per hour shift differential
The final discretionary compensation that will be offered for this role depends on a variety of factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location.
Work Authorization Requirement:
This position requires current authorization to work in the United States. We do not provide visa sponsorship, including support for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT), STEM OPT extensions, or other temporary work authorization programs.
Benefits:
- Double Good offers competitive benefits for all eligible full time employees including medical, dental and vision coverage with plans that can fit each teammate's needs. We offer immediate vesting in our 401k plan, paid time off, company-paid leaves and other perks including a Popcorn Allowance (yup, free popcorn!).
- Visit the Careers page on our website for more information at https://www.doublegood.com/careers.
Double Good is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, working in compliance with both federal and state laws. We are committed to the concept of Equal Employment opportunity. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, marital status, medical condition, or disability. The EEO is the law and is available here. Right to Work Statement (English and Spanish).
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hiring. Double Good uses Artificial Intelligence tools to help recruiters review and summarize candidates' resumes and qualifications for positions where this notice appears. These tools process information contained in application materials and may assist with candidate evaluation. Double Good personnel make all selection and hiring decisions. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, contact people@doublegood.com.
This employer participates in E‑Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization.
See All 18 Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Electrical Controls Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in electrical controls engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or closely related discipline required
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi systems
- Proficiency with SCADA systems, HMI development, and industrial networking protocols
- Ability to read, interpret, and produce electrical schematics and control panel drawings
- Familiarity with NEC and NFPA 70E electrical safety standards for industrial environments
- Experience with motion control systems, servo drives, and variable frequency drives preferred
Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a electrical controls engineer in Illinois?
Start with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field from an accredited program. Illinois does not require a state license for most private-sector controls engineering roles, but obtaining a Professional Engineer license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation strengthens your candidacy for senior and project-lead positions. Employers across Illinois's manufacturing corridor typically expect demonstrated PLC programming experience, which you can build through co-ops, lab coursework, or entry-level technician roles before moving into full engineering positions.
How much do electrical controls engineers make in Illinois?
Electrical controls engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $107,860 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $75,470 for the lowest 10% to over $164,290 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire electrical controls engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring electrical controls engineers in Illinois right now include enVista, Quantum Solutions, and Flex, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of industrial manufacturers, food and beverage processors, and building automation firms means demand for controls engineers stays consistent across both the Chicago metro and downstate manufacturing communities.
Which Illinois cities have the most electrical controls engineer jobs?
Chicago, Columbia, and Mossville have the most electrical controls engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest volume thanks to its dense base of industrial firms, engineering consultancies, and building automation contractors, while Rockford and the Quad Cities area reflect the region's long-standing machinery and heavy manufacturing industries, where controls engineers are embedded in production floor operations.
Are there remote electrical controls engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Electrical controls engineering is fundamentally hands-on work involving physical panels, factory floors, and on-site commissioning, which limits fully remote arrangements. About 18% of electrical controls engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those postings tend to focus on design, documentation, or PLC code development tasks where physical presence isn't required at every stage of the project.
How can I get hired as a electrical controls engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a controls technician or automation technician role, which large Illinois manufacturers regularly hire for at the associate degree or vocational certificate level. Employers like Caterpillar and mid-size Rockford-area machine builders frequently bring on candidates through apprenticeship partnerships with Illinois community colleges, including programs at Rock Valley College and Illinois Central College. Building a portfolio of PLC ladder logic projects, even from coursework or personal labs, combined with a Certified Controls System Technician credential from ISA, gives candidates a concrete edge when applying without direct industrial experience.
Where can I find and apply to electrical controls engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to electrical controls engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Illinois employers. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
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