Junior Controls Engineer

Meritas Advisory Group, LLC; Bridgeview (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost medical, dental, and vision

Long-term career potential

Job summary

Meritas Advisory Group, LLC is seeking a Junior Controls Engineer for an on-site role in Bridgeview, IL. The position focuses on PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and maintenance of automated equipment in a highly automated facility.

The role emphasizes hands-on work with PLCs, electrical panels, and wiring, with a schedule of 1st shift and local candidate preference. On-site work supports conveyors, robotics, and packaging systems.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree or cert in controls or electrical systems.
• Prior PLC programming and electrical troubleshooting in manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to read control schematics and electrical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electrical/electronic systems on production lines and robotics.
• Adjust and troubleshoot PLC programs to diagnose issues.
• Read and redline wiring schematics and control drawings.
• Modify machine parameters via HMI, VFDs, and servos.
• Install and inspect conduits, raceways, and busbars per codes.
• Pull wires, terminate connections, and repair components.
• Tune equipment to meet tolerances and maintain operation.
• Inspect components to prevent downtime.
• Assemble, align, and install equipment as needed.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Control schematics interpretation

HMI interfaces

VFDs/Servos operation

Education

BS in controls/electrical systems or related

Tools

Electrical diagrams

Industrial networks

Job description

Junior Controls Engineer
Location: Bridgeview, IL (On-site)
Pay: $40.00–$45.00/hour
Schedule: 1st Shift | Local Candidates Only

Overview

A national manufacturer operating multiple production facilities across North America is adding a controls-focused engineer to its maintenance team at a highly automated Chicago-area facility. The operation runs robotic, automated conveyors, and complex packaging systems and this role sits at the center of keeping all of it running.

This is a hands-on technical position focused on PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and controls maintenance. The company will consider candidates with strong technical education and limited hands-on experience, but proven PLC and electrical experience in a manufacturing environment will be prioritized.

What the Job Involves

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electrical and electronic systems across production equipment, automated conveyors, packaging lines, and robotic cells
• Adjust and troubleshoot PLC programs to diagnose and resolve equipment issues
• Read, interpret, and redline wiring schematics and control system drawings
• Adjust parameters in machines, VFDs, and servos using built-in HMI interfaces
• Install and inspect electrical conduit, raceway, and busbar systems per electrical codes
• Pull wire, terminate connections, and repair electrical and pneumatic components using standard tools and procedures
• Electrically tune and troubleshoot equipment to maintain proper operation within expected tolerances
• Inspect operating components to identify issues before they result in downtime
• Assemble, align, and install equipment as needed
• Work professionally alongside internal teams and external contractors

What They Need

• BS, AAS, or technical certifications in controls, electrical systems, or a related field is required
• Prefer 1+ years of hands-on PLC programming and electrical troubleshooting experience
• Candidates with strong technical education and limited field experience will also be considered
• Ability to read and interpret control schematics and electrical drawings
• Familiarity with VFDs, servos, HMI interfaces, and industrial communications networks
• Mechanical aptitude with experience repairing pneumatic and electrical components
• Local candidates only

What's on the Table

• $40.00–$45.00/hour based on experience
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Consistent 1st shift schedule with optional overtime
• Family-oriented culture with a genuine focus on work-life balance
• Stable, well-established operation with long-term career potential