Control Engineer

Sterling Engineering; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

PTO

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is hiring for a contract-to-hire position focused on automation and control systems. The role involves hands-on work with PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, vision components, and related devices in a manufacturing environment.

You will collaborate with experienced engineers, gain exposure to cross-functional projects, and contribute to maintaining documentation and project coordination. A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent experience is required, with 1–5 years in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent professional experience.
• 1-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment working with controls systems.
• Knowledge of Ignition, Digital Factory, FactoryTalk, or AutoCAD Electrical is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Support development and modification of control systems while following established engineering processes.
• Gain hands-on familiarity with controls hardware including PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, vision components, and related devices.
• Assist with tracking project milestones, maintaining documentation, and supporting project coordination.
• Troubleshoot basic production control issues using defined methods and guidance.
• Support automation and system integration efforts.

Skills

Controls systems

Manufacturing environment experience

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PLC

HMI

Motion controllers

Vision components

Industrial networking

Ignition

Digital Factory

FactoryTalk

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Hire Type: Contract to Hire (longevity desired)

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO, and more!

Innovation & Technical Growth

Join a highly stable, industry-leading team investing in advanced automation, control systems, and evolving technologies. This is an excellent role for engineers who enjoy solving technical challenges, improving systems, and working with HMIs, PLCs, motion systems, robotics, and industrial networking.

Work side-by-side with experienced engineers who are committed to teaching, mentoring, and helping you build strong foundational and advanced skills. You'll have the freedom to ask questions, explore ideas, and continuously grow your capabilities.

Gain exposure to cross-functional projects, production environments, and new technologies—positioning you for future advancement within engineering, automation, or leadership paths.

What You'll Do:

• Support development and modification of control systems while following established engineering processes
• Gain hands-on familiarity with controls hardware including PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, vision components, and related devices
• Assist with tracking project milestones, maintaining documentation, and supporting project coordination
• Troubleshoot basic production control issues using defined methods and guidance
• Support automation and system integration efforts

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent professional experience
• 1-5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment working with controls systems
• Knowledge of any of the following would be helpful: Ignition, Digital Factory, FactoryTalk, AutoCAD Electrical

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.