Controls Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Illinois controls engineer jobs are concentrated in the Chicago metro, with major employers including Rockwell Automation partners, Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar, and Siemens. The state's deep manufacturing base, spanning food processing, medical devices, and industrial automation, creates consistent demand for controls engineers who need visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsCareer Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself
Role Definition
Caterpillar’s Advanced Materials Technology Department is currently seeking a Controls & Automation Engineering Specialist to support heat treat operations, induction processing systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies across multiple facilities. This role blends metallurgical engineering expertise with automation, process control, and manufacturing systems integration to optimize product quality, process capability, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
What You Will Do
PLC, Controls & Automation Systems
- Own troubleshooting, modification, and support of PLC-controlled manufacturing systems in production environments
- Maintain and optimize PLC ladder logic, HMI/SCADA systems (including Wonderware), and controls architecture
- Integrate new equipment, sensors, and systems into existing PLC frameworks
- Diagnose system faults and implement corrective actions to restore uptime
Heat Treat & Induction Equipment
- Provide controls and electrical support for heat treat furnaces, induction systems, and related equipment
- Support commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of furnace cells and automation systems
- Execute control revisions and upgrades for new and existing heat treat technologies
Manufacturing Systems Integration
- Lead integration of automation systems including robotics, MECCO printers, vision systems, and material handling
- Configure communication between PLCs, HMIs, databases, and enterprise systems
- Support recipe management, data collection systems, and plant-level automation architecture
On-Floor Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
- Perform advanced troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems in live production environments
- Provide rapid response support to minimize downtime across multiple facilities
- Deliver both on-site and remote technical support across geographically distributed operations
Energy Monitoring & Digital Systems
- Design, install, and integrate power and gas metering systems into manufacturing equipment
- Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards for energy monitoring and reporting
- Enable data-driven decision making through system integration and reporting tools
Capital Projects & Commissioning
- Support implementation of capital projects including furnace installations, automation upgrades, and new production cells
- Perform equipment commissioning, system validation, and startup support
- Bridge manpower gaps on high-impact projects to ensure successful delivery
Training & Cross-Site Support
- Train maintenance teams on troubleshooting PLC and automation systems to increase plant self-sufficiency
- Provide technical mentorship and knowledge transfer to operations and engineering teams
- Support multiple facilities across the U.S. and Mexico through travel and remote engagement
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering required.
What you must have (skills)
- Controls Engineering: Strong PLC, HMI/SCADA, and industrial automation experience
- Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex production system issues under pressure
- Systems Integration: Experience connecting equipment, PLCs, databases, and enterprise systems
- Manufacturing Engineering: Knowledge of industrial equipment, particularly heat treat and automated systems
- Data & Analytics: Experience with data collection and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
- Project Execution: Ability to support commissioning, upgrades, and capital projects
- Communication: Ability to work across sites, teams, and functions effectively
- Self-Directed Execution: Comfortable operating as a primary or sole controls resource across multiple locations
Additional Information
- This position posting will close on 9/18/2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building AD).
- Domestic relocation is Available
- VISA Sponsorship is Available
- Travel requirements will be less than 10%.
Final details
Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.
Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
- 401(k) savings plans*
- Health Savings Account (HSA)*
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
- Health Lifestyle Programs*
- Employee Assistance Program*
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
- Career Development*
- Incentive bonus*
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
-
Tuition Reimbursement
-
These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.
Posting Dates:
September 11, 2026 - September 18, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Career Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself
Role Definition
Caterpillar’s Advanced Materials Technology Department is currently seeking a Controls & Automation Engineering Specialist to support heat treat operations, induction processing systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies across multiple facilities. This role blends metallurgical engineering expertise with automation, process control, and manufacturing systems integration to optimize product quality, process capability, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
What You Will Do
PLC, Controls & Automation Systems
- Own troubleshooting, modification, and support of PLC-controlled manufacturing systems in production environments
- Maintain and optimize PLC ladder logic, HMI/SCADA systems (including Wonderware), and controls architecture
- Integrate new equipment, sensors, and systems into existing PLC frameworks
- Diagnose system faults and implement corrective actions to restore uptime
Heat Treat & Induction Equipment
- Provide controls and electrical support for heat treat furnaces, induction systems, and related equipment
- Support commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of furnace cells and automation systems
- Execute control revisions and upgrades for new and existing heat treat technologies
Manufacturing Systems Integration
- Lead integration of automation systems including robotics, MECCO printers, vision systems, and material handling
- Configure communication between PLCs, HMIs, databases, and enterprise systems
- Support recipe management, data collection systems, and plant-level automation architecture
On-Floor Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
- Perform advanced troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems in live production environments
- Provide rapid response support to minimize downtime across multiple facilities
- Deliver both on-site and remote technical support across geographically distributed operations
Energy Monitoring & Digital Systems
- Design, install, and integrate power and gas metering systems into manufacturing equipment
- Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards for energy monitoring and reporting
- Enable data-driven decision making through system integration and reporting tools
Capital Projects & Commissioning
- Support implementation of capital projects including furnace installations, automation upgrades, and new production cells
- Perform equipment commissioning, system validation, and startup support
- Bridge manpower gaps on high-impact projects to ensure successful delivery
Training & Cross-Site Support
- Train maintenance teams on troubleshooting PLC and automation systems to increase plant self-sufficiency
- Provide technical mentorship and knowledge transfer to operations and engineering teams
- Support multiple facilities across the U.S. and Mexico through travel and remote engagement
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering required.
What you must have (skills)
- Controls Engineering: Strong PLC, HMI/SCADA, and industrial automation experience
- Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex production system issues under pressure
- Systems Integration: Experience connecting equipment, PLCs, databases, and enterprise systems
- Manufacturing Engineering: Knowledge of industrial equipment, particularly heat treat and automated systems
- Data & Analytics: Experience with data collection and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
- Project Execution: Ability to support commissioning, upgrades, and capital projects
- Communication: Ability to work across sites, teams, and functions effectively
- Self-Directed Execution: Comfortable operating as a primary or sole controls resource across multiple locations
Additional Information
- This position posting will close on 9/18/2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building AD).
- Domestic relocation is Available
- VISA Sponsorship is Available
- Travel requirements will be less than 10%.
Final details
Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.
Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
- 401(k) savings plans*
- Health Savings Account (HSA)*
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
- Health Lifestyle Programs*
- Employee Assistance Program*
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
- Career Development*
- Incentive bonus*
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
-
Tuition Reimbursement
-
These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.
Posting Dates:
September 11, 2026 - September 18, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Controls Engineer Job Roles in Illinois
See all 133+ Controls Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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Search Controls Engineer Jobs in IllinoisControls Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for controls engineers in Illinois?
Illinois employers with a track record of sponsoring controls engineers include Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, Siemens, Kraft Heinz, and various automation integrators based in the Chicago metro and Peoria areas. Large manufacturers and industrial automation firms tend to sponsor H-1B visas most frequently, as controls engineering consistently qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a relevant engineering degree.
Which visa types are most common for controls engineer roles in Illinois?
The H-1B is the most common visa for controls engineers in Illinois, given the role's clear degree requirement in electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify for TN visa status under the USMCA engineer category. Candidates with extraordinary recognition in automation or process control may explore the O-1A, though that pathway requires substantial documented achievements.
Which cities in Illinois have the most controls engineer sponsorship jobs?
Chicago and its suburbs, particularly Downers Grove, Schaumburg, and Lisle, account for the largest share of controls engineer sponsorship jobs in Illinois. Peoria is a secondary hub, driven by Caterpillar's engineering operations. Decatur and Joliet also have relevant manufacturing activity, particularly in food processing and petrochemical sectors where controls expertise is in steady demand.
How to find controls engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, so you can search controls engineer roles in Illinois without sifting through positions that don't support international candidates. The platform surfaces openings from manufacturers, automation integrators, and industrial firms across the Chicago metro and downstate regions, making it more efficient than general-purpose job searches for candidates who need employer sponsorship.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for controls engineers seeking visa sponsorship?
Illinois participates in the federal prevailing wage system, so sponsoring employers must pay controls engineers at least the Department of Labor's determined wage for the relevant location and experience level. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois Institute of Technology produce a steady pipeline of controls-adjacent engineering graduates, meaning some Illinois employers already have established processes for sponsoring international engineers, particularly in the automation and manufacturing sectors.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored controls engineer jobs in Illinois?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.