What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineers position at Sterling Engineering?
Controls Engineer - Automation
Location: Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Up to $160,000 annually (based on experience)
Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to join an Automation Development team focused on designing and building custom automation and robotic equipment for high-volume manufacturing environments. This role is hands-on and end-to-end—you’ll own projects from concept and proof-of-principle through programming, debug, testing, and factory integration.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, custom machine build environments, enjoys learning new technologies, and takes pride in delivering robust, high-performing automation solutions.
What You’ll Do
Location: Elgin, IL
Job Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Up to $160,000 annually (based on experience)
Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated Controls Engineer to join an Automation Development team focused on designing and building custom automation and robotic equipment for high-volume manufacturing environments. This role is hands-on and end-to-end—you’ll own projects from concept and proof-of-principle through programming, debug, testing, and factory integration.
This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced, custom machine build environments, enjoys learning new technologies, and takes pride in delivering robust, high-performing automation solutions.
What You’ll Do
- Design and implement control systems for custom automation and robotic equipment
- Support rapid prototyping efforts using in-house fabricated parts
- Participate in machine risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards
- Review electrical schematics and support controls hardware architecture decisions
- Create application design documentation, flowcharts, and participate in software design reviews
- Program and configure automation systems including:
- PLCs
- HMIs / SCADA
- Servo systems
- Robotics
- Machine vision systems
- Test and verify electrical wiring (safety circuits, I/O, communications, etc.)
- Debug and validate software and hardware to meet performance and quality requirements
- Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers and assembly teams to ensure proper machine setup and alignment
- Execute acceptance testing and support equipment installation and integration at manufacturing facilities
- Travel up to 25-30% to support factory installations and system launches
- 1 years of experience in custom automation or machine build environments
- PLC programming experience
- Siemens (preferred)
- Rockwell Automation (secondary)
- HMI / SCADA experience
- WinCC (preferred)
- Ignition (secondary)
- Experience with controls hardware including sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, machine vision systems, barcode readers, and safety devices
- Strong understanding of industrial networking protocols (Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, TCP/IP, etc.)
- Robotics experience
- FANUC (preferred)
- KUKA (secondary)
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience
- Work on custom, one-of-a-kind automation systems—no cookie-cutter projects
- High ownership and visibility from concept through commissioning
- Collaborative engineering environment with strong technical talent
- Exposure to cutting-edge automation, robotics, and manufacturing technologies
- Base salary up to $160,000, depending on experience
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, and holidays
- Additional benefits and perks discussed during the interview process
- on for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.