Systems Project Engineer

Storm Search; Illinois; On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing industrial automation firm in Illinois is seeking a Controls Project Engineer to manage projects from concept to startup. This hands-on role requires experience in PLC and HMI programming, along with strong troubleshooting abilities across electrical and mechanical systems. The engineer will collaborate closely with customers and internal teams, ensuring project success from quotation through commissioning. Ideal candidates will possess a BSEE or related degree and be comfortable in a flexible work environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to independently manage projects from concept to startup.
• Experience with PLC and HMI programming in a manufacturing or automation environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, controls, and mechanical interfaces.
• Experience developing BOMs, proposals, and technical docs.
• Ability to work directly with customers and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage industrial automation projects from quotation through commissioning.
• Develop control system designs, schematics, and documentation.
• Program PLCs, HMIs, motor drives, and servo systems.
• Program PLCs, HMIs, motor drives, and servo systems.
• Produce CAD drawings using AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Support shop build, purchasing, and quality teams during panel fabrication.
• Coordinate directly with customers and vendors throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform field startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and occasional wiring support.
• Maintain accurate project documentation and transmittal records.

Skills

Project management

PLC programming

HMI programming

Troubleshooting skills

Customer interaction

Customer interaction

Education

BSEE or related engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Location: Just Southwest of O'Hare International Airport (On-site)

Travel: ~15–20% (domestic + occasional international)

About the Opportunity

A growing, family-owned industrial automation and systems integration company is seeking a Controls Project Engineer to join its small, highly autonomous engineering team.

This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys owning projects end-to-end — from quotation through design, programming, build support, and field startup — and prefers a hands-on environment with broad technical exposure.

Engineers here are trusted to manage the full lifecycle of their work and collaborate directly with customers, vendors, shop personnel, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage industrial automation projects from quotation through commissioning
• Develop control system designs, schematics, and documentation
• Create accurate Bills of Materials and engineered proposals
• Program PLCs, HMIs, motor drives, and servo systems
• Produce CAD drawings using AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical
• Support shop build, purchasing, and quality teams during panel fabrication
• Coordinate directly with customers and vendors throughout the project lifecycle
• Perform field startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and occasional wiring support
• Maintain accurate project documentation and transmittal records

Required Experience

• Ability to independently manage projects from concept to startup
• Experience with PLC and HMI programming in a manufacturing or automation environment
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, controls, and mechanical interfaces
• Experience developing BOMs, proposals, and technical documentation
• Ability to work directly with customers and internal stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with control panel design and system integration projects
• Familiarity with NEC and UL 508A standards
• Background working in custom automation, OEM equipment, or systems integration
• BSEE or related engineering degree (experience may substitute)
• High autonomy and ownership of work
• Direct interaction with leadership and customers
• Flexible start times within a standard weekday schedule