Automation Controls Engineer: PLC/SCADA Upgrades & Optimization

Advantage Technical; Ringwood (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Job summary

Advantage Technical in Ringwood, IL is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to lead control system upgrades and modernization within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will own automation projects, implement PLC/SCADA solutions, and drive improvements that boost plant reliability and production performance.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in electrical engineering, hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA, and demonstrates leadership in cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Controls, or a related field.
• 3+ years of controls or automation engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and industrial control networks.
• Experience in chemical, petrochemical, or process manufacturing preferred.
• Automation project leadership, IT/OT integration, cybersecurity, or vendor coordination preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects, including system upgrades, new production lines, and equipment integrations.
• Design, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial control networks.
• Diagnose automation issues and perform root cause analysis to minimize downtime.
• Support IT/OT network integration and industrial cybersecurity initiatives.
• Identify obsolete control equipment and develop modernization strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement through automation, data analysis, and process optimization.
• Coordinate projects with vendors, contractors, maintenance, engineering, and operations teams.
• Train plant personnel on control systems and automation troubleshooting.

Skills

Automation troubleshooting

IT/OT integration

Data analysis

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Mechatronics/Industrial Controls

Tools

PLCs

HMIs

SCADA

Job description

Advantage Technical in Ringwood, IL is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to lead control system upgrades and modernization within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You will own automation projects, implement PLC/SCADA solutions, and drive improvements that boost plant reliability and production performance.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in electrical engineering, hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA, and demonstrates leadership in cross-functional teams.