Controls Automation Engineer / Project Manager

In-Finite Search Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus opportunities

Travel incentives and per diem packages

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Generous PTO including vacation and holidays

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

Job summary

A leading automation company in Chicago is seeking a Controls Automation Engineer / Project Manager to lead building automation and controls projects. The ideal candidate will manage designs, project execution, and customer relationships, ensuring all projects are delivered on schedule and within budget. Candidates should hold a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and possess 3–5 years of relevant experience in controls engineering or project leadership. Join our growing team to drive innovative building automation solutions.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in controls engineering or project leadership.
• Experience with PLC or building automation platforms is essential.
• Understanding of HVAC systems and building automation control strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls and building automation projects from start to finish.
• Provide technical leadership to engineering teams.
• Manage project schedules, resources, and financial performance.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project coordination

Communication skills

Hands-on controls engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Rockwell Automation

AVEVA

Ignition

Distech

Niagara N4

Job description

We are seeking a Controls Automation Engineer / Project Manager to lead building automation and industrial controls projects from design through commissioning. This role combines hands-on controls engineering with project leadership, managing system design, project execution, and customer coordination.

You will work closely with engineering teams and customers to deliver high-quality building automation and HVAC control systems while ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget.

What You’ll Do

• Lead controls and building automation projects from start to finish
• Provide technical leadership to engineering teams (2–5 engineers)
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers and lead project meetings
• Manage project schedules, resources, and financial performance
• Design control systems including instrumentation selection and panel layouts
• Configure PLC, DDC, or DCS systems and develop HMI interfaces
• Perform system testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting
• Support onsite startup, loop checks, calibration, and customer training

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (or equivalent experience)
• 3–5+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or project leadership
• Experience with PLC or building automation platforms such as Rockwell Automation (FactoryTalk / Studio 5000), AVEVA, Ignition, Distech or Niagara N4
• Understanding of HVAC systems, P&IDs, and building automation control strategies
• Strong leadership, communication, and project coordination skills

Preferred experience with technologies such as SQL, scripting languages (Python/VBA), Kepware OPC, ThinManager, or VMware.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $90,000 – $125,000 depending on experience
• Performance bonus opportunities
• Travel incentives and per diem packages
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous PTO including vacation and holidays
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

📩Interested? Apply today or connect with us to learn more about joining our growing building automation team.