Job Description

Controls Engineer

Location: Greater Chicago Area
Position Type: Full-Time | Onsite with Travel (~25%)
Industry: Industrial Machinery / OEM Manufacturing

Position Overview

A leading industrial equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the Greater Chicago area is seeking a Controls Engineer to join their engineering team. This role is responsible for owning projects from initial concept through commissioning and start-up, working across both office and field environments.

You will play a key role in designing, programming, and delivering complete control systems for complex industrial machinery, ensuring high performance, reliability, and adherence to industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage controls projects from kickoff through commissioning and final startup
• Design electrical control systems and define overall system architecture
• Specify components in accordance with industry standards and project requirements
• Lead and oversee drafting/design teams for schematic and layout development
• Supervise panel fabrication within an onsite manufacturing facility
• Develop and implement PLC and HMI programs
• Configure and program VFDs and servo motion control systems
• Perform system testing, simulation, and validation
• Commission and start up equipment at customer sites
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical and controls issues in the field
• Travel overnight as required (~25%)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Mechanical Engineering (BSME), or related technical discipline
• 5+ years of hands-on controls engineering experience, including:
  • Electrical schematic design
  • PLC programming
  • HMI development
  • VFD setup and parameterization
  • I/O configuration and checkout
  • PID loop setup and tuning
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting ability
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
• High attention to detail with a focus on quality execution
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel

Technical Skills & Experience

• PLC/HMI Platforms:
  • Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000, FactoryTalk SE/ME)
  • Siemens (TIA Portal, WinCC)
  • Wonderware, Ignition
• Hardware & Systems:
  • Allen-Bradley ControlLogix
  • PowerFlex VFDs
  • Kinetix Motion Systems
  • Siemens G120 & S120 Drives
  • Distributed I/O (Allen-Bradley & Siemens)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-speed motion control systems
• PLC-based safety system design and programming
• Advanced VFD control (coordination, registration)
• Experience with cascading or nested PID loop tuning
• Ability to develop and interpret P&IDs
• Familiarity with UL 508A and SCCR standards
• Prior experience mentoring or leading junior engineers