Robotics Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Robotics Engineer jobs in Illinois are active across advanced manufacturing, automotive systems, and logistics automation, with openings at every level from entry-level controls technicians through senior systems architects. Chicago, the Quad Cities corridor, and the Peoria metro anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like Caterpillar, John Deere, and Abbott Laboratories maintain deep robotics and automation teams. Industrial robotics integration, machine vision, and autonomous mobile robotics are the specialties drawing the most consistent demand across Illinois facilities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Controls, Vision & Robotics Engineer | Elgin, IL
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a motivated and hardworking individual to join our team in Elgin, IL as a Controls, Vision & Robotics Engineer. You will be part of a group of engineers dedicated to high-quality work, value-add solutions, skill development, and career growth. We welcome candidates from the Chicago metro and beyond to apply.
Employees working in Elgin, IL have a short commute from Elgin, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Bartlett, Streamwood, and St. Charles and will enjoy professional growth and community engagement through our regional presence throughout the Upper Midwest.
As a Controls, Vision & Robotics Engineer, you will:
- Design, program, integrate, and troubleshoot advanced robotic, vision, and controls systems within automated manufacturing environments
- Lead implementation of 2D and 3D robotic applications, machine vision inspection systems, motion control platforms, and material handling solutions
- Support system commissioning, startup, debugging, and optimization efforts to improve production efficiency, quality, and reliability
- Collaborate with engineering, operations, and automation teams to deliver high-performance automation solutions from concept through implementation
- Work collaboratively with suppliers and Applied partners
- Contribute to projects that impact communities in Elgin, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Bartlett, Streamwood, and St. Charles and the greater Chicago metro
- Apply your skills in a dynamic environment that values ownership and innovation
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering required
- 6+ years of hands-on experience working with FANUC robotic systems
- Strong experience programming and supporting 2D and 3D robotic applications
- Experience with robotic palletizing and depalletizing systems
- Experience integrating machine vision systems utilizing Cognex In-Sight 3800 Series and/or FANUC 3DV vision technology or similar
- Robotic guidance, inspection, and automation applications
- Strong background programming Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs
- Experience with HMI development, system integration, troubleshooting, and debugging
- Knowledge of Device Level Ring (DLR) industrial networks preferred
- Experience with ArmorKinetix servo controls and advanced motion control applications
- Experience supporting gantry systems, asynchronous motion control, and indexing applications
- Experience with pallet handling systems and tray loading systems
- Knowledge of RFID-based part tracking systems
- Familiarity with manufacturing software platforms including LMS, GRIPP, PS, and Historian
- Experience commissioning and troubleshooting complex automated manufacturing equipment
- Capable of working independently and as a team member
- Strong work ethic and unwavering integrity
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a learning mindset
- Curiosity, problem solving, and analytical thinking
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Desire to work on a variety of projects
ESTIMATED PAY RANGE
Engineer I: $34.62–$40.38/hour
Engineer II: $38.46–$44.23/hour
Engineer III: $43.27–$49.04/hour
Senior Engineer: $46.63–$53.85/hour
Final compensation is based on experience, skills, and alignment with role expectations. Paid overtime may be available.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Applied Engineering is a 100% employee-owned engineering consulting company dedicated to providing exceptional talent and service to manufacturers across the Midwest and beyond. We have won numerous awards, including Best Place to Work and Top Place to Intern.
Innovation, problem solving, integrity, and collaboration are a few things you'll experience and represent while working with Applied. If you appreciate a challenge, variety, and a quicker pace, then we would like to get to know you better.
Our unique company culture blends talent, technology, and flexibility. We offer a career trajectory few others can match, with opportunities to take on roles and assignments aligned with your skills and interests.
In addition, we offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including:
- Competitive salary
- 401K retirement plan
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Continuing Education Support
- Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance options
- Paid overtime
- Flexible work schedule
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please consider joining Applied's team of talented employees in Elgin, IL and the greater Chicago metro.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We regret that we do not offer sponsorship.
Applied Engineering is committed to a diverse workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job ID: 20261108
Award Winning – Employee Owned – Comprehensive Benefits
Relocation Assistance – Ownership Opportunity – Continuing Education Support
See All 14 Robotics Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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Find Robotics Engineer JobsRobotics Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Robotics Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Food & Beverage
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in robotics engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in robotics, mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering from an accredited program
- Hands-on experience programming industrial robots using platforms such as ABB, FANUC, or KUKA
- Proficiency in PLC programming and familiarity with automation communication protocols like EtherNet/IP
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, and electrical diagrams
- Experience with ROS or ROS2 for autonomous or collaborative robot development and testing
- Strong troubleshooting skills for diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and software faults in robotic systems
Robotics Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a robotics engineer in Illinois?
Most robotics engineers in Illinois enter the field with a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, computer, or systems engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Illinois does not require a state-issued professional engineering license for most private-sector robotics roles, though earning a Professional Engineer credential through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation strengthens candidacy for senior or safety-critical positions. Strong candidates combine formal education with hands-on lab work, co-op experience, and certifications in industrial automation platforms.
How much do robotics engineers make in Illinois?
Robotics engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $102,680 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $72,150 for the lowest 10% to over $160,160 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire robotics engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring robotics engineers in Illinois right now include Formic, Rivian, and Caterpillar, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's deep manufacturing base and proximity to major logistics hubs mean demand is distributed across both large OEMs and regional automation integrators throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most robotics engineer jobs?
Normal, Chicago, and Champaign concentrate the most robotics engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago and its suburbs drive volume through industrial manufacturing, food processing automation, and healthcare device companies, while secondary markets like the Quad Cities and Peoria reflect the headquarters presence of heavy equipment manufacturers such as Caterpillar and John Deere that run large in-house robotics and automation engineering teams.
Are there remote robotics engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Robotics engineering is inherently hands-on, with most roles requiring on-site programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting of physical systems. About 0% of robotics engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to concentrate in simulation, software development, and machine learning for robotics rather than integration or field work.
How can I get hired as a robotics engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op or internship with an Illinois manufacturer, which companies like Caterpillar and Rockwell Automation run specifically for engineering students without full-time experience. Candidates transitioning from adjacent roles such as controls technician, automation technician, or mechanical design drafter often move into junior robotics engineer positions at mid-size integrators across the Chicago suburbs and Rockford corridor. Building a project portfolio using ROS and a documented FANUC or ABB simulation project adds tangible evidence of competency for entry-level applicants.
Where can I find and apply to robotics engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to robotics engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 14 Robotics Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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