Senior Automation Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Senior Automation Specialist jobs in Illinois are among the most active in the Midwest, concentrated in advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and industrial controls. Most hiring centers on the Chicago metropolitan area, Rockford, and Peoria, where employers such as Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Baxter International maintain deep engineering workforces. Candidates with expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, and robotics integration are consistently in highest demand across these sectors. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 31+ Senior Automation Specialist jobs
Senior Automation Engineer
CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.
Job Summary
At CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS), Safety is our top priority! We maintain a safety-first culture in which CBRE employees return home in the same condition in which they reported to work. We’re looking for a skilled and forward-thinking ES Systems Sr Eng / Senior Automation Engineers (SAE) to join our growing team as we work to service one of the world’s largest online retailers.
We offer competitive pay, a robust benefits package, wellness programs, and a workplace environment that embraces diversity. Come join our global network of professionals supporting client operations across CBRE. Looking for growth and career advancement? Upon completing six months of successful service, associates may explore career advancement opportunities within the organization!
Read on to learn more!
About the Role
In this vital leadership role, the ideal candidate will proactively support operations on the customer’s technical problems related to their automated material handling equipment (MHE).
Your expertise will be utilized in the optimization and execution of the preventive maintenance process, with a focus on maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance of equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, SCADA devices and programs.
You will provide our client with expert-level support based on the technical problems related to their MHE systems.
What You’ll Do
‒ Promote a safe working environment by complying with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agency, and company directives related to system operations and work safety.
‒ Provide support with Material Handling Equipment (MHE) systems optimization and project implementation. Proactively and effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders including, but not limited to, leadership, operations and the maintenance team on technical issues and project timelines and production impacts.
‒ Manage the controls-related budget for the site.
‒ Conduct failure analysis and incident review processes, implement process improvements and/or retraining to avoid future incidents.
‒ Engineer process solutions and reliability improvement from concept to network implementation.
‒ Coordinate technical resources to support commissioning, training, installation, and operational performance qualifications for new and existing facilities.
‒ Monitor upkeep of material handling equipment (MHE), control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, AS-Interface, Profibus, labeling and parcel sortation system, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
‒ Assist with skill assessments of automation engineers as well as readiness audits and technical drills for sites supported.
‒ Cultivate positive working relationships with our Client and the Operations Maintenance team members.
‒ Apply advanced knowledge to seek and develop new, better methods for accomplishing both individual and department objectives.
‒ Showcase expertise in Controls / Automation Engineering and in-depth knowledge of other job disciplines within the organization function.
‒ Coach others to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in most or all areas within the function.
What You’ll Need
‒ Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
‒ Bachelor's Degree preferred with 3-5 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, a combination of experience and education may be considered.
‒ Experience in at least two engineering design cycles including specification, component selection and programming.
‒ 5+ years of experience with programming HMI components.
‒ 5+ years of experience with Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) programs.
‒ 5+ years of experience with robotics system components and controls.
‒ 3+ years of experience with SCADA systems.
‒ Excellent communication, presentation, and analytical skills and the ability to solve advanced problems in complex situations.
‒ Ability to exercise judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information and make recommendations in support of the client and company.
‒ Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite experience (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
‒ Ability to travel up to 10% of the time to various sites within your assigned region.
‒ Ability to be available and work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.
‒ Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
Preferred Qualifications
‒ Experience with crafting automated alarms, reports, metrics for plant management, and HMI for operational equipment configuration/settings.
‒ 4+ years Allen Bradley PLC programming experience using RSLogix 5000 and RSLinx experience with at least two full cycles of PLC ladder logic code design, development and testing.
‒ Willingness to take a new perspective on existing solutions.
‒ In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
‒ Organizational skills with an advanced inquisitive mindset.
‒ Sophisticated math skills. Ability to calculate mildly complex figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.
‒ Project management and development methodology experience.
CBRE Employee Benefits
‒ Comprehensive medical, dental, vision
‒ Disability benefit program
‒ 401k company matching
‒ Paid time off and holidays
‒ Company paid life insurance
‒ Pet insurance
‒ Paid parental leave
Why CBRE?
We invest in our employees’ development. The core of our strategy is the view that development happens through three key activities: on-the-job learning, coaching and formal training. We provide employees with resources that support them in developing skills to enhance performance in their current role as well as for future roles.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE has a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@cbre.com or via telephone at +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.) and +1 866 388 4346 (Canada).
Senior Automation Engineer
CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.
Job Summary
At CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS), Safety is our top priority! We maintain a safety-first culture in which CBRE employees return home in the same condition in which they reported to work. We’re looking for a skilled and forward-thinking ES Systems Sr Eng / Senior Automation Engineers (SAE) to join our growing team as we work to service one of the world’s largest online retailers.
We offer competitive pay, a robust benefits package, wellness programs, and a workplace environment that embraces diversity. Come join our global network of professionals supporting client operations across CBRE. Looking for growth and career advancement? Upon completing six months of successful service, associates may explore career advancement opportunities within the organization!
Read on to learn more!
About the Role
In this vital leadership role, the ideal candidate will proactively support operations on the customer’s technical problems related to their automated material handling equipment (MHE).
Your expertise will be utilized in the optimization and execution of the preventive maintenance process, with a focus on maximizing equipment reliability and operational performance of equipment such as conveyors, sortation systems, scanners, cameras, print and apply systems, SCADA devices and programs.
You will provide our client with expert-level support based on the technical problems related to their MHE systems.
What You’ll Do
‒ Promote a safe working environment by complying with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agency, and company directives related to system operations and work safety.
‒ Provide support with Material Handling Equipment (MHE) systems optimization and project implementation. Proactively and effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders including, but not limited to, leadership, operations and the maintenance team on technical issues and project timelines and production impacts.
‒ Manage the controls-related budget for the site.
‒ Conduct failure analysis and incident review processes, implement process improvements and/or retraining to avoid future incidents.
‒ Engineer process solutions and reliability improvement from concept to network implementation.
‒ Coordinate technical resources to support commissioning, training, installation, and operational performance qualifications for new and existing facilities.
‒ Monitor upkeep of material handling equipment (MHE), control systems, including PLC/PC controllers and industrial networks such as Ethernet, ControlNet, DeviceNet, AS-Interface, Profibus, labeling and parcel sortation system, motor control systems, servo drives, frequency drives, and electrical distribution systems.
‒ Assist with skill assessments of automation engineers as well as readiness audits and technical drills for sites supported.
‒ Cultivate positive working relationships with our Client and the Operations Maintenance team members.
‒ Apply advanced knowledge to seek and develop new, better methods for accomplishing both individual and department objectives.
‒ Showcase expertise in Controls / Automation Engineering and in-depth knowledge of other job disciplines within the organization function.
‒ Coach others to develop in-depth knowledge and expertise in most or all areas within the function.
What You’ll Need
‒ Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
‒ Bachelor's Degree preferred with 3-5 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, a combination of experience and education may be considered.
‒ Experience in at least two engineering design cycles including specification, component selection and programming.
‒ 5+ years of experience with programming HMI components.
‒ 5+ years of experience with Programmable Logic Controls (PLC) programs.
‒ 5+ years of experience with robotics system components and controls.
‒ 3+ years of experience with SCADA systems.
‒ Excellent communication, presentation, and analytical skills and the ability to solve advanced problems in complex situations.
‒ Ability to exercise judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information and make recommendations in support of the client and company.
‒ Intermediate Microsoft Office Suite experience (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.)
‒ Ability to travel up to 10% of the time to various sites within your assigned region.
‒ Ability to be available and work a flexible schedule/shift/work area, including weekends, nights, and/or holidays.
‒ Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
Preferred Qualifications
‒ Experience with crafting automated alarms, reports, metrics for plant management, and HMI for operational equipment configuration/settings.
‒ 4+ years Allen Bradley PLC programming experience using RSLogix 5000 and RSLinx experience with at least two full cycles of PLC ladder logic code design, development and testing.
‒ Willingness to take a new perspective on existing solutions.
‒ In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
‒ Organizational skills with an advanced inquisitive mindset.
‒ Sophisticated math skills. Ability to calculate mildly complex figures such as percentages, fractions, and other financial-related calculations.
‒ Project management and development methodology experience.
CBRE Employee Benefits
‒ Comprehensive medical, dental, vision
‒ Disability benefit program
‒ 401k company matching
‒ Paid time off and holidays
‒ Company paid life insurance
‒ Pet insurance
‒ Paid parental leave
Why CBRE?
We invest in our employees’ development. The core of our strategy is the view that development happens through three key activities: on-the-job learning, coaching and formal training. We provide employees with resources that support them in developing skills to enhance performance in their current role as well as for future roles.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE has a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@cbre.com or via telephone at +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.) and +1 866 388 4346 (Canada).
See All 31 Senior Automation Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsSenior Automation Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Senior Automation Specialist 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
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in senior automation specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Five or more years of hands-on PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms
- Demonstrated experience designing and commissioning automated manufacturing or process control systems
- Proficiency with SCADA, HMI development, and industrial networking protocols such as Ethernet/IP
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related technical field
- Experience leading cross-functional project teams from concept through validation and production handoff
- Familiarity with FDA, GMP, or ISO compliance requirements common in Illinois pharmaceutical and food manufacturing facilities
Senior Automation Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a senior automation specialist in Illinois?
Most Illinois employers expect a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering combined with substantial hands-on controls experience. Illinois does not require a state-issued license specifically for automation specialists, but candidates who hold a Professional Engineer license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation carry a clear advantage for project-leadership roles. Practical PLC, robotics, and SCADA experience built in manufacturing or process industries is the most direct path to senior-level positions in the state.
Which companies hire senior automation specialists in Illinois?
Illinois senior automation specialist roles are posted by Rivian, Wesco, and AbbVie and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers, food and beverage processors, and heavy equipment makers means sustained, consistent demand rather than seasonal spikes.
Which Illinois cities have the most senior automation specialist jobs?
Chicago, Normal, and Rolling Meadows account for the largest share of senior automation specialist openings in Illinois. Chicago and its suburbs drive volume through a dense cluster of life sciences companies, consumer goods manufacturers, and logistics automation firms, while Peoria's demand reflects Caterpillar's large engineering presence and the surrounding industrial supply chain that supports it.
Are there remote senior automation specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Senior automation specialist work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring on-site commissioning, equipment troubleshooting, and factory-floor collaboration that cannot be done remotely. About 60% of senior automation specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions typically involve the design, programming review, or project management phases rather than physical installation and validation work.
How can I get hired as a senior automation specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a controls or automation technician role at an Illinois manufacturer, where hands-on PLC and wiring experience builds quickly. Large Illinois employers such as Caterpillar and Abbott run structured co-op and new-graduate engineering programs that feed into automation teams. Earning a Certified Automation Professional designation or completing coursework through an Illinois community college technical program strengthens a resume when direct experience is limited. Lateral moves from field service technician or electrical engineering associate roles are also a common bridge into automation.
Where can I find and apply to senior automation specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to senior automation specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and related industries. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 31 Senior Automation Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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