Controls Engineers

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

Paid time off

Job summary

Sterling Engineering Inc. in Elgin, IL is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer – Automation to join our Automation Development team.

You’ll own projects from concept through programming, debugging, testing, and factory integration for custom robotic and automation systems in high-volume manufacturing. The role demands designing control systems, programming PLCs and HMIs, validating hardware and software, and collaborating with mechanical engineers to ensure proper machine setup.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of experience in custom automation or machine builds.
• PLC programming experience, Siemens preferred.
• HMI/SCADA experience with WinCC or Ignition.
• Experience with sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, and machine vision.
• Strong knowledge of industrial networking protocols.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Controls/Mechatronics/Automation/Mechanical Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control systems for custom automation and robotics.
• Support rapid prototyping with in-house parts.
• Participate in machine risk assessments and safety compliance.
• Review electrical schematics and support hardware architecture decisions.
• Create design docs, flowcharts, and review software designs.
• Program and configure automation systems (PLC, HMI/SCADA, servos, robotics, machine vision).
• Test and verify wiring and safety circuits.
• Debug and validate software and hardware for performance.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and assembly teams for proper setup.
• Execute acceptance testing and assist installations; travel up to 25–30%.

Skills

Automation experience

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networking

Robotics

Project ownership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLC

Rockwell PLC

WinCC

Ignition

FANUC Robotics

KUKA Robotics

VFDs

Job description

Job Description

Job Description Controls Engineer – Automation

Location: Elgin, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: Up to $160,000 annually (based on experience)

Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to join an Automation Development team focused on designing and building custom automation and robotic equipment for high-volume manufacturing environments. This role is hands‑on and end‑to‑end—you’ll own projects from concept and proof‑of‑principle through programming, debug, testing, and factory integration.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast‑paced, custom machine build environments, enjoys learning new technologies, and takes pride in delivering robust, high‑performing automation solutions.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement control systems for custom automation and robotic equipment
• Support rapid prototyping efforts using in-house fabricated parts
• Participate in machine risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards
• Review electrical schematics and support controls hardware architecture decisions
• Create application design documentation, flowcharts, and participate in software design reviews
• Program and configure automation systems including:
  • PLCs
  • HMIs / SCADA
  • Servo systems
  • Robotics
  • Machine vision systems
• Test and verify electrical wiring (safety circuits, I/O, communications, etc.)
• Debug and validate software and hardware to meet performance and quality requirements
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers and assembly teams to ensure proper machine setup and alignment
• Execute acceptance testing and support equipment installation and integration at manufacturing facilities
• Travel up to 25–30% to support factory installations and system launches

What You’ll Bring

• 1+ years of experience in custom automation or machine build environments
• PLC programming experience:
  • Siemens (preferred)
  • Rockwell Automation (secondary)
• HMI / SCADA experience:
  • WinCC (preferred)
  • Ignition (secondary)
• Experience with controls hardware including sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, machine vision systems, barcode readers, and safety devices
• Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, TCP/IP, etc.)
• Robotics experience:
  • FANUC (preferred)
  • KUKA (secondary)
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience

Why This Role

• Work on custom, one‑of‑a‑kind automation systems—no cookie‑cutter projects
• High ownership and visibility from concept through commissioning
• Collaborative engineering environment with strong technical talent
• Exposure to cutting‑edge automation, robotics, and manufacturing technologies

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary up to $160,000, depending on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and holidays
• Additional benefits and perks discussed during the interview process
• on for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.