Automation Control & Instrumentation Engineer

Job Title: Automation control and instrumentation engineer

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Salary: $100k

This role is part of a global industrial organization with leadership in the development and production of specialty materials, including effect pigments, printing inks, metal powders, and additives for a wide range of industries—such as coatings, plastics, cosmetics, construction materials, and 3D printing.

The organization is committed to fostering innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable development. As an equal opportunity employer, it supports diversity and inclusion at all levels.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Controls, or a related discipline.

• Minimum of 3 years of automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment (preferably chemical, metals, or similar industries).

• Proficiency in PLC programming using Siemens (TIA Portal) and Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms (Studio 5000, RSLogix).

• Expertise in ladder logic and structured text (statement list) programming.

• Practical experience with SCADA systems, including AVEVA Wonderware InTouch, and historian/trending tools.

• Solid understanding of industrial instrumentation for flow, pressure, temperature, and level measurement (e.g., Endress+Hauser, Krohne, Rosemount).

• Familiarity with variable frequency drives (VFDs), motor controls, and drive integration.

• Experience working in hazardous (classified) areas with knowledge of explosion-proof (XP) systems, intrinsically safe equipment, and applicable standards (NEC 500, NFPA 497, ATEX/IECEx).

• Strong grasp of industrial networking and operational technology infrastructure (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP/IP).

• Exposure to firewall configuration, TeamViewer, and remote troubleshooting methodologies.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or comparable electrical drawing software is preferred.

• Working knowledge of NEC, OSHA, and NFPA 70E regulations.

• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and capacity to work under pressure in production settings.

• Prior experience in project management and technical leadership on large-scale projects.

• Willingness to travel up to 50%, including periods of intensive travel during project commissioning phases.

Responsibilities

The Automation Control & Instrumentation Engineer is responsible for leading and supporting automation and controls initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites.

Key duties include:

• Specifying, implementing, and optimizing automated systems and industrial control networks.

• Enhancing safety, reliability, product quality, and production efficiency through automation.

• Collaborating with project managers to execute capital projects and modernization efforts.

• Troubleshooting and resolving controls-related issues in real-time production environments.

• Driving the adoption of advanced automation technologies across manufacturing operations.