Demo

Controls/Electrical Engineer

Sterling Engineering
Crystal Lake, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 7/8/2026 CLOSED ON 8/8/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls/Electrical Engineer position at Sterling Engineering?

Title: Controls Engineer

Location: Crystal Lake, Illinois

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Shift : 1st shift

Compensation:$90-115k

Benefits: Medical,Dental, 401k

Design, Program, and Commission Advanced Industrial Automation Systems

We're seeking a Controls Engineer to join a growing engineering team responsible for developing and supporting custom industrial equipment used in demanding manufacturing environments. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex automation projects from concept through commissioning while collaborating with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and customers. If you enjoy PLC programming, troubleshooting automation systems, commissioning equipment, and solving real-world engineering challenges, this is an excellent opportunity to make a direct impact on innovative machinery and process equipment.

What You'll Do

  • Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, VFD, and industrial control systems for custom equipment and automated machinery.
  • Develop electrical schematics, control system architectures, and automation solutions that meet customer and project requirements.
  • Commission, test, and debug equipment both in-house and at customer facilities.
  • Collaborate with mechanical engineers, manufacturing teams, and customers throughout the project lifecycle.

What We're Looking For

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
  • Experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs and HMIs, preferably Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens platforms.
  • Strong understanding of industrial automation, motion control, VFDs, servo systems, sensors, and industrial networking.
  • Ability to diagnose complex electrical and controls issues while supporting machine startup and commissioning activities.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience working for an OEM, machine builder, systems integrator, or custom automation company.
  • Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet, or DeviceNet.
  • Experience with motion control, servo systems, robotics, or process automation.
  • Ability to read and develop electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or similar design software.

Why This Opportunity?

  • Work on custom-designed equipment instead of repetitive plant maintenance projects.
  • Be involved in the complete machine lifecycle from design through commissioning.
  • Collaborate with a highly skilled engineering team on technically challenging projects.
  • Join a stable, growing organization with opportunities for long-term career advancement and technical development.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Salary.com Estimation for Controls/Electrical Engineer in Crystal Lake, IL
$162,657 to $201,340
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Controls/Electrical Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Controls/Electrical Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$90,267 - $107,792
Income Estimation: 
$125,799 - $152,617
Income Estimation: 
$110,220 - $132,692
Income Estimation: 
$111,195 - $140,107
Income Estimation: 
$126,558 - $144,904
Income Estimation: 
$177,126 - $242,319
Income Estimation: 
$179,484 - $249,183
This job has expired.
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Sterling Engineering

  • Sterling Engineering Corinne, UT
  • Sterling Engineering is partnering with a leading manufacturing company to hire a Maintenance Automation Technician for their B Shift operation in Corinne,... more
  • 20 Days Ago

  • Sterling Engineering Lafayette, LA
  • Field Service Technician $34-$39 /hr (Based on Experience) 85% Travel with your region | All Travel Expenses Paid Company Credit Card Love robotics, automa... more
  • 20 Days Ago

  • Sterling Engineering Orangeburg, SC
  • Job Title: Equipment Maintenance Technician Location: Orangeburg, SC Shift: 1st shift, M-F 5a till 1:30p OR 2nd shift, M-F 2p till 10:30p - No Weekends Pay... more
  • 20 Days Ago

  • Sterling Engineering Charleston, SC
  • Job Title: Customer Experience Specialist Location: Charleston, SC (onsite) Hire Type: 6 month contract-to-hire Target Pay Rate: $18.00 - $24.00/hour Work ... more
  • 20 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Controls/Electrical Engineer jobs in the Crystal Lake, IL area that may be a better fit.

  • assaabloy Kenosha, WI
  • Electrical Controls Engineer with High Performance Door experience needed on-site in Kenosha, WI. OPERATIONS Interfacing with customers and distributors, e... more
  • 25 Days Ago

  • ASSA ABLOY Kenosha, WI
  • Electrical Controls Engineer with High Performance Door experience needed on-site in Kenosha, WI. OPERATIONS Interfacing with customers and distributors, e... more
  • 22 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!