Controls Software Engineer

Direct Recruiters Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Recruiters Inc. is seeking candidates in Chicago for a role focused on controls engineering. The ideal candidate will assist with hardware design and PLC/HMI integration, collaborating with cross-functional teams for system operation and customer handoff.

Requirements include 3–5 years of relevant experience, strong PLC knowledge, and electrical troubleshooting skills. This position offers growth opportunities within a fast-growing automation organization backed by global infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, or material handling systems.
• Strong PLC knowledge, preferably Siemens.
• Hands-on mindset with troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with controls hardware design, PLC/HMI integration, troubleshooting.
• Work with Sales, Engineering, Project Management teams for successful operation.
• Develop functional specifications, documentation, SOPs, and testing plans.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems before customer turnover.

Skills

PLC knowledge (Siemens preferred)

Electrical troubleshooting skills

Collaborative mindset

Eager to learn

Job description

Responsibilities

• Assist with controls hardware design, PLC/HMI integration, troubleshooting, commissioning, and onsite system support for customer installations across the U.S. and Canada
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Engineering, Project Management, Integration, and Commissioning teams to ensure successful system operation and customer handoff
• Help develop functional specifications, documentation, SOPs, and testing plans while supporting system optimization and continuous improvement initiatives
• Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems and ensure systems are fully operational before customer turnover

Qualifications

• Ideal candidates will have 3–5 years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, or material handling systems with strong PLC knowledge (Siemens preferred), electrical troubleshooting skills, and a hands-on mindset
• This team is looking for someone eager to learn, collaborative, and capable of growing into increased technical ownership over time within a fast-growing automation organization backed by global infrastructure