Industrial Automation Controls Engineer (Robotics & Motion)

Matrix Design, LLC; Bartlett (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Matrix Design, LLC in Bartlett, IL is seeking a results-driven controls engineer to design, program, and implement PLC and HMI solutions for automated manufacturing. You’ll integrate robots, motion platforms, and safety controllers to meet performance and uptime targets.

Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software teams, document everything from schematics to change logs, and participate in risk assessments and on-site commissioning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics or related field.
• 5+ years leading controls engineering for automation and robotics.
• Experience delivering PLC, HMI and robotic systems from concept to commissioning.
• Knowledge of safety standards and risk assessments (ANSI/NFPA/ISO).
• Experience programming safety controllers or safety-rated PLCs.
• PE license or vendor certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and implement control systems for automated manufacturing (PLC and HMI).
• Integrate industrial robots and motion platforms into custom solutions.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, robot programming, and software teams to meet targets.
• Commission systems on site and troubleshoot during build, install, and startup.
• Verify safety and quality compliance and perform risk assessments.
• Create documentation: redlined electrical schematics, panel/layout drawings, user guides, and change logs.
• Contribute to project planning with effort, schedule, and cost estimates.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial robotics

Motion control

Electrical schematics

Industrial networking

Troubleshooting

Communication & organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering / Mechatronics

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Siemens

Job description

Imagine your morning starts by refining PLC logic for a high-speed cell, then moving to the floor to bring a six-axis robot, a safety PLC, and coordinated servo axes to life. After lunch, you iterate on HMI screens for operator clarity, redline a schematic for a late‑breaking change, and close the day with a multi‑disciplinary huddle ensuring everything ships on time and to standard. If that rhythm sounds exciting, you’ll feel at home at Matrix Design.

Why Matrix Design

We Believe Great Outcomes Come From Great People. Our Purpose Is Reflected In Three Commitments—Developing Great People, Building a Great Company, And Delivering Great Results—and Lived Daily Through Our Six Core Values

• We Can Do That!
• We Do It Right!
• We Do What We Say
• We Do It Better Next Time!
• We Do It Together!
• We Do It for a Greater Purpose

We put the Right Person in the Right Seat so complex, cross‑industry automation challenges are met with creativity, perseverance, and teamwork.

What you’ll own

• Design, program, and implement control systems for automated manufacturing, including PLC and HMI development.
• Integrate industrial robots and motion platforms (servos, VFDs, coordinated motion) into custom solutions.
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, robot programming, and software teams to achieve performance, quality, and uptime targets.
• Commission systems on site; troubleshoot and debug controls during build, install, and startup.
• Verify compliance to safety and quality standards and complete risk assessments.
• Create and maintain detailed documentation: redlined electrical schematics, panel/layout drawings, user guides, and change logs.
• Contribute to project planning with estimates for effort, schedule, and cost.

How you operate

• Ideal team player mindset: humble (elevates others), hungry (self‑driven and proactive), and smart (emotionally intelligent and pragmatic).

Skills you’ll use

• PLC programming proficiency (e.g., Allen‑Bradley, Siemens) and HMI development.
• Hands‑on experience with industrial robots (e.g., FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa).
• Strong command of motion control, VFDs, and servo drives.
• Ability to read, critique, and contribute to electrical schematic design.
• Fluency in industrial networking and protocols (e.g., Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet).
• Structured troubleshooting and problem‑solving under time constraints.
• Clear communicator with strong organizational habits and attention to detail.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related discipline.
• 5+ years leading controls engineering efforts focused on automation and robotics.
• Proven experience delivering PLC, HMI, and robotic systems from concept through commissioning.
• Knowledge of safety standards and risk assessments (e.g., ANSI, NFPA, ISO).
• Experience programming safety controllers or safety‑rated PLCs.
• Demonstrated skill troubleshooting industrial electrical control systems.
• PE license or vendor certifications (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens) are a plus.

Travel

Up to 40% for installation, commissioning, and support.

The posted salary range represents an estimate for this role. The final offer will be determined based on several factors, including the candidate’s specific skills, professional experience, and relevant certifications.