Automation Controls Engineer

Next Ventures; Hoffman Estates (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Ventures in Illinois is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to design and implement advanced manufacturing and robotic automation systems. You will work with cross-functional teams to deliver turnkey solutions across diverse production environments.

The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, PLC/HMI programming, CNC and vision systems, and collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Experience with industrial automation, robotics, or manufacturing automation systems.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and control system design experience.
• Hands-on PLCs and HMIs programming experience (Allen‑Bradley preferred).
• Experience programming industrial robots (Fanuc preferred).
• Experience with machine vision systems (Cognex/Keyence/Fanuc iRVision).
• Familiarity with EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, or similar protocols.
• Knowledge of safety circuits, relays and controllers.
• Strong troubleshooting and documentation skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation control systems for machine tending and industrial automation cells.
• Integrate CNC tools, robotics, vision systems, inspection equipment and other peripherals.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, robots, and vision systems.
• Perform wiring, integration, testing, and commissioning of automation equipment.
• Conduct FAT and support startup at customer sites.
• Create schematics, documentation, and design specifications.
• Provide customer training and post-installation support.
• Collaborate with engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support continuous improvement and new automation technologies.

Skills

Industrial automation

Robotics

PLC/HMI programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Technical documentation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs

Fanuc robotics

Cognex/Keyence Vision systems

EtherNet/IP / Profinet protocols

Job description

Automation Controls Engineer

We’re seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to join a growing automation team focused on designing and implementing advanced manufacturing and robotic automation solutions. In this role, you’ll work on cutting‑edge automation systems, collaborating with cross‑functional engineering teams to deliver turnkey solutions for customers across a variety of manufacturing environments.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys hands‑on work, solving complex automation challenges, and working with robotics, PLCs, vision systems, and CNC equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation control systems for machine tending and industrial automation cells.
• Integrate CNC machine tools, industrial robots, vision systems, inspection equipment, washers, and other automation peripherals.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, industrial robots, and machine vision systems.
• Perform electrical wiring, system integration, testing, and commissioning of automation equipment.
• Conduct factory acceptance testing (FAT) and support system startup and commissioning at customer sites.
• Create electrical schematics, technical documentation, and design specifications.
• Provide customer training and post‑installation technical support.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of new automation technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with industrial automation, robotics, or manufacturing automation systems.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and control system design experience.
• Hands‑on experience programming PLCs and HMIs (Allen‑Bradley/Rockwell preferred).
• Experience programming industrial robots (Fanuc preferred).
• Experience working with machine vision systems such as Cognex, Keyence, or Fanuc iRVision.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, or similar.
• Knowledge of machine safety circuits, safety relays, and safety controllers.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and technical documentation skills.
• Ability to travel up to approximately 30%.

Nice to Have

• CNC machine tool integration experience.
• Experience commissioning automated manufacturing cells.
• Knowledge of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS).
• Experience with industrial networking and fieldbus technologies.
• Exposure to advanced robotics, vision‑guided automation, and smart manufacturing solutions.

What You’ll Work With

• Industrial robotics
• PLC/HMI programming
• Machine vision systems
• CNC machine integration
• Industrial networking
• Electrical controls
• Manufacturing automation
• Factory acceptance testing (FAT)
• Customer commissioning and startup support