Junior Controls Engineer

Key People; Bridgeview (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

1st shift with overtime

Work-life balance

Long-term career potential

Job summary

Key People in Bridgeview, IL is seeking a Junior Controls Engineer to support maintenance of automated production lines. This hands-on role focuses on PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and controls maintenance in a highly automated facility near Chicago.

You will read schematics, tune VFDs/servos, adjust HMIs, and collaborate with contractors. Local candidates with technical education and PLC experience are preferred; on-site, first-shift, with potential overtime. Join our team today.

Qualifications

• BS, AAS, or technical certification in controls or related field.
• 1+ years of hands-on PLC programming and electrical troubleshooting experience.
• Ability to read and interpret control schematics and electrical drawings.
• Local candidates only.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain electrical/electronic systems on production lines.
• Adjust and troubleshoot PLC programs to fix equipment issues.
• Read, interpret, and redline wiring schematics and control drawings.
• Tune VFDs/servos and operate HMIs for parameter changes.
• Install and inspect electrical conduit and raceways per electrical codes.
• Work with internal teams and external contractors.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical troubleshooting

HMI interfaces

Schematic reading

VFDs/servos

Education

Controls/electrical tech degree

Tools

PLC programming tools

Electrical testing equipment

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