Junior Controls Engineer

Food Management Search; Bridgeview (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost medical, dental, and vision

Job summary

Food Management Search, Inc. is assisting a national manufacturer in the Chicago area who is adding a Junior Controls Engineer to its maintenance team at a highly automated facility in Bridgeview, IL.

The role centers on PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and controls maintenance on robotic, automated conveyors, and packaging systems. Ideal candidates have technical education with PLC and electrical experience; strong schematics and HMI proficiency are valued.

Qualifications

• Requires BS/AAS or technical cert in controls or related field.
• 1+ years PLC programming and electrical troubleshooting experience preferred.
• Strong reading of control schematics/electrical drawings.
• Local candidates only.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electrical and electronic 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 and pneumatic components.
• Electrically tune and troubleshoot equipment to maintain proper operation within tolerances.
• Inspect operating components to identify issues before downtime.
• Assemble, align, and install equipment as needed.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external contractors.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

Control schematics reading

Mechanical aptitude

Education

BS / AAS in controls or related

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