Automation Engineer

Thermon; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Thermon is seeking an Automation Engineer to design and field-commission world-class heating and boiler automation solutions. You will own automation systems on client sites, traveling to locations up to 80% of the time and collaborating with customers for reliable, high-performance results.

The role focuses on hands-on automation work in real-world environments, mentoring field staff and delivering precise electrical control designs for boilers and burners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 2 years' PLC programming experience (Siemens and Allen-Bradley).
• 3-5 years electrical engineering experience.
• Ability to read mechanical, electrical and instrumentation drawings.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project, Access, etc.
• AutoCAD proficiency for creating and editing drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical control systems for boilers and burners.
• Assist Field Techs with commissioning on customer sites.
• Prepare schematic wiring diagrams using AutoCAD.
• Develop PLC logic programs for boilers and burners.
• Select components to meet customer specs and codes.
• Mentor and train field service personnel and less experienced designers.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical engineering experience

Reading drawings

AutoCAD

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Job description

In a world where performance is paramount and environments are unforgiving, Thermon stands as a global leader, forging the future of thermal management, power distribution, and environmental controls. We don't just build systems, we engineer resilience, empowering the planet's most critical industries to thrive.

From the relentless demands of chemical plants and maritime operations to the intricate networks of rail and transit and the vital pulse of data centers, our technologies are the silent guardians sustaining infrastructure where failure is not an option. We craft solutions that ensure optimal operation, protecting critical assets and maximizing efficiency in the face of extreme conditions across diverse sectors like food and beverages, mining, pharmaceuticals, renewables, and oil & gas.

We care deeply about the success of our customers, the well-being of our team, and the reliability of every system we design. This drives our unwavering commitment to quality and integrity in everything we do. Through true collaboration, we unite a rich legacy of expertise with a trusted global team, partnering side-by-side with our customers. Together, we don't just meet industrial performance standards-we elevate them.

Wherever the world depends on resilient systems, Thermon is there to ensure critical operations excel and endure.

What is the opportunity?

As Thermon's Automation Engineer, you will use your expertise to produce and field commission world-class heating and boiler solutions for our clients. Reporting to the Manager of Field Services, you'll travel to job sites and take ownership of automation systems, working directly with customers to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions. This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys hands-on automation work, values autonomy, and wants to make a visible, immediate impact on complex systems in real-world environments.

This role will be onsite and requires up to 80% travel to customer sites, including international travel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design electrical control systems and review existing control systems for all product lines, which include industrial boilers, electrode, and electric boilers.
• Assist Field Techs with commissioning products on customer sites.
• Prepare schematic wiring diagrams using the latest AutoCAD software.
• Develop PLC logic programs for use in boilers and burners.
• Select components to meet customer specifications and code requirements.
• Assure compliance of products with applicable (NEC, NFPA, UL, CSA) codes.
• Assist customers and service technicians with troubleshooting control systems and PLC logic both remote and on site. Assist with repairs as needed.
• Write technical documents and instructions for the operation of electrical control systems and PLC logic. These include electrical system descriptions and operating instructions to be used in instruction manuals provided to customers.
• Assist other departments such as marketing in developing new products or options, service by answering inquiries, purchasing by approving alternate sources or deviations, manufacturing by helping to improve process, reduce scrap, and improve productivity.
• Mentor and train field service personnel and less experienced electrical designers and programmers.
• Travel to client sites (~80%), international travel may be needed. Percentage of travel can vary depending on customer requirements.

Employees may be required to perform additional related duties as may be assigned by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent technical background
• 2 years' experience with PLC programming (Siemens and Allen-Bradley)
• 3-5 years electrical engineering experience
• Ability to read all applicable drawings, including mechanical, electrical and instrumentation.
• Must have expertise and proficiency with basic office computer software, e.g. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Power Point, MS Project, Access, etc.
• Proficient with AutoCAD for creating and editing drawings.
• Working knowledge of ASME Pressure Vessel Codes, boilers, heat transfer equipment, or auxiliary boiler room equipment is preferred.
• Boiler industry experience a plus

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Field work on customer sites involving standing, kneeling, working in tight spaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds at times.
• Occasional work exposed to the elements.
• Paid Time Off.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision.
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance.