Industrial Controls Engineer

Advantage Technical; Illinois; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantage Technical is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join a leading manufacturing organization. In this role you will design, optimize, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networks to maximize equipment reliability and uptime.

You will lead automation projects, support IT/OT integration, and drive continuous improvement through data analysis, system upgrades, and modernization strategies across production lines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Controls, Mechatronics or related field.
• 4+ years of controls or automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, industrial control systems and automation troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Design, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial control networks.
• Diagnose and resolve automation issues to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Support IT/OT network integration and industrial cybersecurity initiatives.
• Lead automation projects, including system upgrades, new production lines, and equipment integrations.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement through process optimization, data analysis, and automation enhancements.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, maintenance, and operations teams to ensure successful project execution.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Controls, Mechatronics

Tools

PLCs

SCADA

HMIs

Industrial control systems

Automation troubleshooting

Job description

ONLY US CITIZENS OR GREEN CARD HOLDERS WILL BE CONSIDERED

Join a leading manufacturing organization and play a key role in optimizing operations through innovative industrial control systems and automation.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Controls, Mechatronics, or a related field.

What You’ll Do

• Design, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial control networks.
• Diagnose and resolve automation issues to maximize equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Support IT/OT network integration and industrial cybersecurity initiatives.
• Lead automation projects, including system upgrades, new production lines, and equipment integrations.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement through process optimization, data analysis, and automation enhancements.
• Manage control system lifecycle planning, identify obsolete equipment, and recommend modernization strategies.
• Coordinate with vendors, contractors, maintenance, and operations teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Train plant personnel on new systems, troubleshooting, and automation best practices.

Qualifications

Required

• 4+ years of controls or automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, industrial control systems, and automation troubleshooting.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred

• Experience in the chemical, petrochemical, or process manufacturing industry.
• Experience leading automation or capital improvement projects.
• Vendor management and system integrator coordination experience.