Junior Controls Engineer

Software Placement Group, SPG; Bridgeview (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Job summary

Software Placement Group is seeking a Junior Controls Engineer for a Chicago-area manufacturing site in Bridgeview, IL. This on-site, first-shift role focuses on maintaining automated production equipment, troubleshooting PLCs, and supporting electrical and control systems.

You will read schematics, tune VFDs/servos, work with HMIs, and coordinate with internal teams and contractors. Local candidates with a technical background and hands-on PLC experience are encouraged to apply for long-term

Qualifications

• BS or AAS in controls, electrical systems, or related field.
• Ability to read control schematics and electrical drawings.
• Experience with VFDs, servos, HMI interfaces, and industrial networks.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Electrical schematics

HMI interfaces

Industrial networks

Education

BS in controls/electrical engineering

AAS in related field

Tools

HMI interfaces

Industrial communications networks

Job description

Location: Bridgeview, IL (On-site) | Schedule: Full-time, 1st Shift, Local Candidates Only | Compensation: $40.00–$45.00/hour

Overview

A national manufacturer with multiple production facilities across North America is seeking a Junior Controls Engineer to join the maintenance team at a highly automated Chicago-area facility. The site runs robotic cells, automated conveyors, and complex packaging systems, and this role is central to keeping that equipment running reliably.

What you'll do

• 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

Required qualifications

• BS, AAS, or technical certifications in controls, electrical systems, or a related field
• 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

Preferred qualifications

• 1+ years of hands-on PLC programming and electrical troubleshooting experience preferred
• Candidates with strong technical education and limited field experience will also be considered

Compensation and benefits

• $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

Why this role

This is a hands-on opportunity to work on PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and controls maintenance within a stable, well-established operation offering long-term career potential.