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

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

Job DescriptionJob 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.