Controls Engineer - Contract

Davies Engineering Group; Kendall Township (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Davies Engineering Group is seeking a seasoned Controls Engineer for a contract role based in Yorkville, IL. You will design, program, and commission industrial control systems with a primary focus on Rockwell Automation platforms for a Chicago-area manufacturing client.

The role begins as a contract engagement with potential conversion to full-time based on performance and business needs. You will collaborate with DEG controls engineers on project teams and interact with clients to deliver

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of industrial automation experience designing, programming, and commissioning industrial control systems.
• ABET-accredited engineering degree preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• FE completion is preferred, not required.
• Experience working on the owner's side of capital projects — reviewing integrator deliverables, witnessing FAT/SAT, and coordinating plant stakeholders — is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
• Demonstrated ability to manage automation projects, including scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Represent the owner's interests on automation scope: review integrator designs, code, and submittals for conformance with plant standards and functional requirements.
• Witness and document FAT/SAT, I/O checkout, and functional testing; track punch lists to closure.
• Coordinate between plant operations, maintenance, corporate engineering, and integrators; manage automation-related changes and RFIs.
• Identify and pursue automation opportunities with existing and prospective clients in the Chicago region.
• Build and maintain client relationships; prepare proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates with DEG leadership.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, and deliverables from proposal through closeout; coordinate construction and commissioning schedules; communicate status to clients.

Skills

Project management

Client communication

Team coordination

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree (Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical)

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Rockwell Automation

Job description

At Davies Engineering Group, we don’t just solve engineering challenges—we push boundaries, rethink solutions, and deliver real impact for our clients. Our team thrives on tackling complex projects, blending technical expertise with innovative thinking to create tailored solutions that drive long-term success.

We believe in hiring the best and giving them the opportunities to grow. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a recent graduate, DEG offers an environment where hard work is valued, curiosity is encouraged, and professional growth is a priority. At DEG, a career is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to do meaningful work, collaborate with a talented team, and contribute to something bigger.

Join Our Team

Davies Engineering Group is always looking for talented engineers and designers to join our growing team – whether a new or upcoming graduate, or an experienced engineer.

Davies Engineering Group’s Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a well-developed 3 year program that gains our engineers discipline specific skills in all of the key areas of our business as well as cross-discipline training, project development, construction administration, and other key skill sets.

If you’re passionate about tackling complex challenges, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and working in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Areas of Expertise We Look For:

We welcome resumes from candidates for our Cincinnati, Fort Worth, and Elizabethtown offices with experience, or interest, in:

• Central Utility Plant Design/Engineering
• Electrical Design/Engineering
• Mechanical & HVAC Design/Engineering
• Process Design/Engineering
• Construction Management & Field Services

Location: Yorkville, IL

Job Id:109

# of Openings:1

Overview

Davies Engineering Group is seeking a Controls Engineer for a contract role based at our client site in Yorkville, IL. The candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of industrial automation experience and will design, program, and commission industrial control systems for a variety of industrial facility projects. The candidate will step immediately into an active owner's engineer assignment at a Chicago-area manufacturing plant, representing the owner on automation scope for a capital project program.

The successful candidate will provide controls system design and programming services with a primary focus on Rockwell Automation hardware and software platforms.

This position begins as a contract engagement. Conversion to full-time employment is based first on demonstrated technical performance and client confidence on the current assignment, and second on progress developing additional work in the Chicago market.

What you'll do

The selected candidate will work with DEG controls engineers as part of project-specific teams. The candidate will manage assigned projects, coordinate the work of other controls engineers as needed, and represent DEG with clients and prospects in the Chicago region.

• Represent the owner's interests on automation scope: review integrator designs, code, and submittals for conformance with plant standards and functional requirements.
• Witness and document FAT/SAT, I/O checkout, and functional testing; track punch lists to closure.
• Coordinate between plant operations, maintenance, corporate engineering, and integrators; manage automation-related changes and RFIs.

Sales & Business Development

• Identify and pursue automation opportunities with existing and prospective clients in the Chicago region.
• Build and maintain client relationships.
• Prepare proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates in coordination with DEG leadership.

Project Management

• Manage project budgets, schedules, and deliverables from proposal through closeout.
• Coordinate construction and commissioning schedules with clients, contractors, and DEG staff in other offices.
• Communicate project status and scope changes to clients and management.
• Meet with clients to define scope, assess existing conditions, and establish equipment preferences.
• Develop control system designs: platform selection, panel layouts, wiring and schematic diagrams, and specifications using AutoCAD.
• Program PLCs and HMIs from sequences of operation and functional requirements; develop failure mode matrices.
• Perform startup and commissioning: I/O checkout, program and functional testing, troubleshooting, and operator training.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of industrial automation experience designing, programming, and commissioning industrial control systems.
• ABET-accredited engineering degree (electrical, mechanical, or chemical) preferred; equivalent experience and demonstrated technical competence will be considered.
• FE completion is preferred, not required.
• Experience working on the owner's side of capital projects — reviewing integrator deliverables, witnessing FAT/SAT, and coordinating plant stakeholders — is strongly preferred.
• Exposure to industrial electrical power systems is preferred.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
• Demonstrated ability to manage automation projects, including scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables.
• Experience developing client relationships and generating new work through proposals and estimates is strongly preferred.

Design and Programming Experience

Required

• Working knowledge of pumps, fans, and mechanical process systems

Preferred

• In-depth proficiency in at least one of: FactoryTalk View, Inductive Automation Ignition, or AVEVA System Platform
• Batch management, packaging/robotics, or MSSQL database experience

The ideal candidate will possess excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. Frequent interaction with clients, suppliers, contractors, and project team members is required. The ability to work independently, research technical and code-related issues, and develop practical engineering solutions is essential. Above all, a strong desire to learn, take ownership, and succeed is essential.

Why Davies?

Davies Engineering Group is named after the late Gary Davies, an engineer who inspired others to dream bigger, work harder, and do what's right - even if it's not easy. DEG represents the continued growth and evolution of our engineering team, and we show up for our people with the same mindset. Davies is continuing to move forward, and we'd love for you to be a part of it.