Lead Controls Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Elk Grove Village (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Controls Engineer to drive projects in aircraft manufacturing automation. This role involves leading a team of engineers to design and implement advanced electrical and automation systems while ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will have the opportunity to work on large automated systems, collaborate with clients, and provide engineering expertise to support sales projects. The company offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for international travel, making it an exciting place to advance your career in a dynamic field.

Benefits

401(k) company match

100% paid healthcare premiums

Plan & group life insurance

Three weeks Paid Time Off (PTO)

Tuition reimbursement program

International travel opportunities

Qualifications

• 3+ years in industrial automation with strong leadership skills.
• Expertise in electrical design and safety guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain PLC, CNC, and HMI software systems.
• Commission and debug automation systems for clients.

Skills

Leadership in engineering projects

Electrical design practices

Machine/motion control

Electrical safety guidelines

PLC programming (IEC61131)

Communication skills

Problem analysis and diagnosis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

Siemens Step 7 / TIA Portal

EPLAN

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Job Title: Lead Controls Engineer
Position available in: Elk Grove Village, IL
Job Type: Full time

Broetje Automation is the world’s leading expert & OEM in aircraft manufacturing automation and robotics, working with the top names in our industry. Worldwide locations include: Germany, USA, France, United Kingdom, China, and Japan. US locations include: Charleston (SC), Savannah (GA), Wichita (KS), and Seattle (WA).

Education & experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical or Computer Engineering.
• 3+ years of experience in the industrial automation industry.

Qualifications:

• Ability to lead electrical and controls engineers through project completion while staying within budget and schedule.
• Strong fundamental understanding of electrical design practices, machine/motion control.
• Experience designing electrical cabinets and layouts, including circuit design.
• Knowledge of electrical safety guidelines.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of electrical safety guidelines.
• Familiar with ISO 13849-1 and IEC 62061 safety of machinery standards.
• Experience designing for large automated systems from initial concept through installation and customer buy off.
• Familiarity with IEC61131 (PLC programming).
• Strong communication skills & ability to interact with teams, clients, and vendors.
• Ability to analyze and diagnose problems in automated equipment.
• Siemens Step 7 / TIA Portal PLC programming experience.
• Knowledge of EPLAN (or AutoCAD Electrical) for creating electrical drawings.
• Experience in assembling electrical cabinets.

Job responsibilities:

• Design, develop, implement, and maintain PLC, CNC, and HMI software systems.
• Commission and debug automation and machine systems.
• Provide electrical and controls concepts for the design of new equipment & systems.
• Create and maintain control drawings and BOMs.
• Work with Supply Chain Management to source parts.
• Provide electrical and controls engineering expertise for sales projects & support the sales team.
• Develop training procedures and documentation for projects.
• Occasional travel to customer sites for machine commissioning.
• Train customer’s staff & new technicians in machine operation as needed.

Compensation/Benefits:

• Base Salary Range: $105,000 - $125,000
• 401(k) company match
• 100% paid healthcare premiums (medical, dental, vision)
• Plan & group life insurance program
• Three weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) plus twelve paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement program
• International travel opportunities (Germany)