Automation Controls Engineer

Emmerick Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in chemical manufacturing is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to oversee control and monitoring systems across air separation units. This role requires expertise in PLC troubleshooting and a solid understanding of process control systems. You will be responsible for preventative and corrective maintenance, collaborating with engineers and management to solve complex technical challenges. Join a stable company that values technical talent, offers competitive salaries, and provides comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and retirement plans. If you're ready to tackle technical puzzles in a supportive environment, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k) with matching

Pension

Stable work environment

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in a similar role.
• Knowledge of control system architecture and P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Manage control and monitoring systems at air separation units.
• Perform maintenance and troubleshoot PLC-based systems.

Skills

PLC Troubleshooting

Process Control Systems

Batch Chemical Production

Technical Problem Solving

Collaboration

Education

AS or BS in Engineering

Tools

Allen Bradley

Siemens PCS7/Step 7

Modicon

Wonderware

iFIX

Job description

This range is provided by Emmerick Group. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$100,000.00/yr - $120,000.00/yr

Location: Chicago, IL

Sector: Chemical Manufacturing

Travel: ~10–20% | US-wide support

Schedule: Normal hours + occasional “when things break” moments

We’re working with one of the world’s global chemical manufacturing and engineering companies with billions in revenue and a global footprint.

They’re looking for an Automation Controls Engineer — someone who gets process control systems, doesn’t flinch at the idea of PLCs, and someone who can troubleshoot.

Here’s what you’ll actually do:

• Be the go-to person for control and monitoring systems at air separation units across the U.S.
• Own preventative and corrective maintenance of PLC-based systems.
• Troubleshoot control hardware, software, instrumentation — and help others do the same.
• Collaborate with field engineers, management, and technical teams without losing patience.

What you’ll need:

• 3–5 years’ experience in a similar role (or solid equivalent).
• An AS or BS in Engineering, or enough experience to make up for one.
• Knowledge of batch chemical production, P&IDs, schematics, and control system architecture.
• Comfortable with Allen Bradley, Siemens PCS7/Step 7, Modicon, Wonderware, iFIX, and networking.
• Not afraid of a bit of travel.
• Know your way around air separation units.
• Can explain the difference between a symptom and a root cause (without a PowerPoint).
• Actually enjoy solving tough technical puzzles.

What’s in it for you?

• Good salary for little experience
• Proper benefits: health, dental, life, 401(k) with matching, pension.
• A stable company that invests in tech and their people
• A team that respects technical talent and lets engineers actually engineer.

Sound like something you could do? Apply now.

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Chemical Manufacturing