Junior Controls Engineer

Genie Matthews and Associates; 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

Genie Matthews and Associates seeks a Junior Controls Engineer to join our Chicago-area manufacturing client on-site in Bridgeview, IL. You will work hands-on with PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and maintenance of automated packaging, conveyors, and robotic cells.

The ideal candidate has a technical degree or certs in controls, with 1+ years of PLC experience and the ability to read wiring schematics and control drawings. Local candidates encouraged to apply for this on-site role.

Qualifications

• BS, AAS, or technical certification in controls or electrical systems required.
• 1+ years hands-on PLC programming and electrical troubleshooting preferred.
• Ability to read control schematics and electrical drawings.
• Local candidates only.
• Familiarity with VFDs, servos, HMI and industrial networks.
• Mechanical aptitude for repairing pneumatic and electrical components.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electrical and electronic systems on production lines.
• Adjust and troubleshoot PLC programs to resolve equipment issues.
• Read, interpret, and redline wiring schematics and control drawings.
• Install and inspect conduit, raceway, and busbar per electrical codes.
• Terminate connections and repair electrical components using standard tools.
• Collaborate with internal teams and contractors to minimize downtime.
• Carefully tune equipment to maintain operation within tolerances.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Read schematics

HMI interfaces

Industrial networks

VFDs

Servos

Electrical drawings

Education

BS, AAS, or technical cert in controls

Tools

VFDs

Servos

HMI interfaces

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