Electrical Controls Engineer

CV-TEK, RapidVisionPak & MIDERA Food Processing; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

CV-TEK in Elgin, IL seeks an Electrical Controls Engineer to design and program control systems for advanced packaging machinery. You will develop electrical schematics, panel layouts, and documentation while implementing PLC/HMI software for Allen-Bradley and related platforms.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams on startup, testing, and commissioning, traveling about 15-20% as needed to support customers and project milestones.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering, or related field (required).
• 3+ years of controls engineering experience in OEM/automation environments.
• Experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs; Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Experience creating electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Knowledge of servo systems, motion control, VFDs, sensors, and industrial automation hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical control systems for automated machinery.
• Create electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and wiring documentation.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs and HMIs for Allen-Bradley and other platforms.
• Develop software using Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Support machine startup, testing, and commissioning.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, service, and customers.
• Contribute to future automation and AI technology projects.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

SolidWorks Electrical

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Build the Future of Packaging Automation.

At CV-TEK, we're not just building machines, we're developing the next generation of intelligent packaging technology. We're seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to join our Elgin, Illinois headquarters and play a key role in designing, programming, commissioning, and supporting advanced packaging systems utilizing Allen-Bradley, B&R, and Horner controls platforms. You'll work alongside experienced engineers on innovative automation projects while helping shape future AI-driven machine technologies. For over 35 years, CV-TEK has been a trusted technology leader in the food packaging industry. If you're looking for a role where your ideas matter, your work is visible, and your engineering expertise directly impacts product innovation, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Design electrical control systems for automated machinery.
• Create electrical schematics, control panel layouts, and wiring documentation.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs and HMIs for Allen-Bradley and other industrial automation platforms.
• Develop software using Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Support machine startup, testing, and commissioning.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, service, and customers.
• Contribute to future automation and AI technology projects.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work on advanced automation and packaging equipment.
• Hands‑on involvement from concept through commissioning.
• Exposure to cutting‑edge technologies and machine innovation.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Collaborative engineering environment with opportunities for growth.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of controls engineering experience in an OEM, automation, machinery, or capital equipment environment.
• Experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
• Experience with Ladder Logic and Structured Text programming.
• Experience creating electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Working knowledge of servo systems, motion control, VFDs, sensors, and industrial automation hardware.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and software issues independently.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to travel approximately 15-20%.

Preferred

• Experience in packaging machinery, food processing, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Experience with Rockwell Studio 5000.
• Experience with SolidWorks Electrical, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar software.
• Experience with machine vision systems.
• Exposure to AI, machine learning, or advanced automation technologies.
• Experience supporting machine commissioning and customer installations.