Junior Controls Engineer

Essenti Talent; Bridgeview (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost medical, dental, and vision

1st shift schedule with overtime

Family-oriented culture

Long-term career potential

Job summary

Essenti Talent in Bridgeview, IL is seeking a Junior Controls Engineer to join a highly automated Chicago-area facility. The role focuses on PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and controls maintenance for production lines, conveyors, packaging systems, and robotics.

You will work hands-on on PLCs, read schematics, tune VFDs/servos, and collaborate with maintenance teams and contractors. Local candidates with technical education and PLC experience gain priority; on-site, first shift

Qualifications

• BS, AAS, or technical certifications in controls or related field.
• 1+ years of hands-on PLC programming and electrical troubleshooting experience.
• Strong ability to read and interpret control schematics and electrical drawings.
• Familiarity with VFDs, servos, HMI interfaces, and industrial networks.
• Mechanical aptitude with experience repairing pneumatic and electrical components.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electrical systems across production equipment, 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 components using standard tools.
• Electrically tune and troubleshoot equipment to maintain proper operation.
• Inspect operating components to identify issues before downtime.
• Assemble, align, and install equipment as needed.
• Work with internal teams and external contractors.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Reading wiring schematics

VFDs/servos

HMI interfaces

Industrial networks

Mechanical aptitude

Education

BS / AAS in controls or related field

Technical certifications

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