Junior Controls Engineer — PLC & Automation (On-site)

Sterling St James LLC; Bridgeview (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Low-cost medical, dental, and vision

Consistent 1st shift schedule with OT

Family-oriented culture with work-life

Long-term career potential

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC is seeking a Junior Controls Engineer for our Chicago-area facility in Bridgeview, IL. This on-site role focuses on PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and controls maintenance to keep automated production lines running.

The ideal candidate has a technical degree and some hands-on PLC experience; strong reading of schematics, VFDs, servos, and HMI interfaces. Local candidates only, 1st shift, with pay $40–$45/hr and benefits.

Qualifications

• BS, AAS, or technical certifications in controls, electrical systems, or a related field.
• 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.
• Local candidates only.

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

Schematic interpretation

Education

BS / AAS or technical certifications in controls or electrical systems

Tools

VFDs

Servos

HMI interfaces

Industrial networks

Job description

Sterling St James LLC is seeking a Junior Controls Engineer for our Chicago-area facility in Bridgeview, IL. This on-site role focuses on PLC programming, electrical troubleshooting, and controls maintenance to keep automated production lines running.

The ideal candidate has a technical degree and some hands-on PLC experience; strong reading of schematics, VFDs, servos, and HMI interfaces. Local candidates only, 1st shift, with pay $40–$45/hr and benefits.