Senior Controls Engineer – Lead Automation & Robotics

Sterling Engineering Inc.; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Holiday pay

401k

Job summary

Sterling Engineering Inc. in Elgin, IL seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to lead electrical and controls design for custom automation from concept through client acceptance. You will manage budgets, schedules and ensure timely delivery of projects.

The role requires proficiency with Allen Bradley and Siemens PLCs and HMIs, robot programming, vision systems, and fieldbus networks, plus strong communication with customers. Travel ~25% is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• 10+ years of controls engineering in custom automation.
• Experience with Allen Bradley/Siemens PLCs and HMIs is essential.
• Strong communication and ability to travel to client sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical and controls design for custom automation from concept to client acceptance.
• Write PLC to device software interfaces with validation plans.
• Commission intelligent devices on fieldbus networks and troubleshoot.
• Robot programming across multiple brands (Epson, Adept, Mitsubishi, Fanuc, Staubli, ABB).
• Set up and programming of vision systems (Cognex, Keyence).
• Coordinate precision motion control and participate in design reviews.
• Travel to customer sites for machine installation (approx. 25%).

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robotics programming

Industrial communication

Electrical system design

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

Vision systems (Cognex/Keyence)

Robot brands (ABB/Fanuc/Mitsubishi/Staubli)

Job description

Sterling Engineering Inc. in Elgin, IL seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to lead electrical and controls design for custom automation from concept through client acceptance. You will manage budgets, schedules and ensure timely delivery of projects.

The role requires proficiency with Allen Bradley and Siemens PLCs and HMIs, robot programming, vision systems, and fieldbus networks, plus strong communication with customers. Travel ~25% is expected.