Controls Engineer – Custom Automation & Robotics

Sterling Engineering Inc.; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 144,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k)

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Sterling Engineering Inc. in Elgin, IL is seeking a Controls Engineer – Automation to own end-to-end projects from concept through programming, debugging and factory integration.

You will design control systems for custom automation and robotics, program PLCs and HMIs/SCADA, test wiring, and collaborate with mechanical engineers to ensure proper machine setup. This full-time role requires travel of up to 25–30% for installations and launches; compensation is up to $160,000 annually based on

Qualifications

• Experience designing control systems for custom automation or robotics.
• Hands-on programming, debugging, and factory integration of systems.
• Strong understanding of electrical wiring, sensors, servo systems, and safety devices.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control systems for custom automation and robotic equipment.
• Program and configure automation systems including PLCs, HMIs/SCADA, servo systems, robotics, and machine vision.
• Test and verify electrical wiring and safety circuits; collaborate with mechanical engineers and assembly teams.
• Provide acceptance testing and support equipment installation and integration at manufacturing facilities.
• Travel up to 25–30% to support factory installations and system launches.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI / SCADA

Industrial networking

Robotics

Electrical systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell Automation

WinCC

Ignition

Job description

Sterling Engineering Inc. in Elgin, IL is seeking a Controls Engineer – Automation to own end-to-end projects from concept through programming, debugging and factory integration.

You will design control systems for custom automation and robotics, program PLCs and HMIs/SCADA, test wiring, and collaborate with mechanical engineers to ensure proper machine setup. This full-time role requires travel of up to 25–30% for installations and launches; compensation is up to $160,000 annually based on