Controls Engineer I

Autokiniton; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) with company match

14 paid holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

AUTOKINITON’s Chicago plant seeks a Controls Engineer I to maintain PLC-based control systems for manufacturing automation and instrumentation. You will coordinate resources, lead electrical projects, and support continuous improvement across operations.

With a bachelor’s in electrical/automation engineering (master’s preferred), you will work with Siemens/Allen-Bradley PLCs, ABB/FANUC robots, and Lean processes to drive reliability and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, controls or automation engineering; Master’s degree is a plus.
• Experience with PLC hardware and Ladder Logic programming.
• Lean Manufacturing experience and strong problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain PLC based control systems for manufacturing automation and instrumentation.
• Coordinate resources to find root cause and fixes, break down problems into verifiable items.
• Guides design, develops and tests electrical control methods, materials, processes and results.
• Lead projects and assist skilled trades in electrical disciplines.
• Support operations in electrical/controls troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical aptitude

Mechanical aptitude

Lean Manufacturing

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, controls or automation engineering

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

ABB Robots

FANUC Robots

Job description

Controls Engineer I

We are AUTOKINITON (pronounced auto-ken-i- TAHN )

AUTOKINITON delivers operational excellence, high-quality execution, and customer service. We offer 100% vertical integration capabilities such as end-to-end engineering, manufacturing, and in-house logistics.

We’re proud of our Tier 1 supplier legacy for manufacturing propulsion-agnostic, structural automotive components, and assemblies around the globe.

To help us drive excellence, you’ll get to:

• Support the Company’s mission, vision, values, and goals in performance of daily activities.


• Maintain PLC based control systems for manufacturing automation and instrumentation.


• Coordinate resources to find root cause and fixes, manage and breakdown problems into items that can be validated.


• Guides design, develops and tests electrical control methods, materials, processes and results.


• Lead projects and assist skilled trades in electrical disciplines.


• Support operations in electrical/controls troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities.

This full-time salary role is a part of our Engineering Team and reports to the Engineering Manager.

Required experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, controls or automation engineering. Master's Degree is a plus. Open for equivalent years of experience.


• Electrical background (electrician or technician) preferred.


• Working knowledge of PLC hardware and Ladder Logic programming.


• Working knowledge of PLC/CNC (Siemens/Allen-Bradley), ABB and FANUC Robots.


• Lean Manufacturing experience


• Excellent "hands on" electrical/mechanical aptitude


• Experience working with electrical/controls circuitry and schematics.


• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills


• Ability to read and write in English and to perform mathematical calculations.

Working conditions:

• We’ll provide position-specific details including physical and focused efforts, working environment and conditions, and reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Where you’ll be:

This position is located at our AUTOKINITON Plant in Chicago, IL., offering many community events, resources, programs, and recreational opportunities for you and your family.

Community features:

• Navy Pier


• Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and Lakefront


• Historical Architecture and Museums

Why you’ll enjoy working here:

• Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and 14 paid holidays, including a bridge holiday in December.


• Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.


• Growth Opportunities: Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.


• Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates - from entry-level to senior-level - with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.

AUTOKINITON Promotes a dynamic and collaborative work environment for everyone.

AUTOKINITON is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. AUTOKINITON makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.