Controls Engineer in Elgin

Job DescriptionJob Description

Title:  Controls Engineer
Location:  Elgin, IL
Hire Type:  Contract to direct hire
Compensation:  $45/hr to $65/hr based on experience
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Summary:
We are seeking a Controls Engineer with 5+ years of experience designing, programming, and commissioning automated machinery. The ideal candidate will have Allen Bradley PLC experience and a background in custom automation, machine building, or systems integration. This is a hands-on engineering role supporting the development, programming, debugging, and commissioning of complex automated equipment. 
Responsibilities:

• Design, program, debug, and commission controls systems for custom automated equipment.
• Develop and modify Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI programs.
• Support electrical controls design, panel layouts, I/O development, and machine sequencing.
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, servo, motion, robotics, and other automation-related issues.
• Participate in machine build, integration, debug, FAT, SAT, and customer commissioning activities.
• Work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure seamless machine integration.
• Interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and machine specifications.
• Develop and maintain controls documentation, standards, and programming practices.
• Ensure equipment meets customer specifications, safety requirements, and applicable controls standards.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to less-experienced controls engineers and technicians.
• Travel as needed for customer installations and commissioning.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of controls engineering experience in custom automation, machine building, systems integration, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Extensive Allen Bradley PLC programming experience.
• Experience with Allen Bradley HMIs, motion/servo controls, and industrial automation.
• Ability to troubleshoot and commission complex automated machinery.
• Strong understanding of electrical controls, machine sequencing, and industrial automation.
• Experience with GM controls standards is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field is .
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, onsite engineering environment.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to , , , , , , , , , protected veteran status, or genetic information.