Senior Controls Engineer

Cognify Global · Elk Grove Village, IL

Level: Senior
Team: Controls
Travel: 30%
Degree: Required
Experience asked: 5+ years
Industry: Industrial
Posted: 21 days ago

The role in 30 seconds

A senior controls role at Cognify Global (industrial) in Elk Grove Village, IL. Develop, test, and optimize PLC and HMI applications for automated machines and integrated systems.

They ask for: 5+ years · degree required
Tools it names: PLC, Automation, SolidWorks, AutoCAD
Day to day: about 30% travel

Read from the posting. The full description is below.

How this role compares

Against 28 other live controls postings in Illinois.

Base pay: Not listed in this posting
Experience asked: Typical (5+ years)

Skills these teams ask for most

✓ Automation 79%
✓ PLC 72%
Root cause 41%
Robotics 38%
Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 34%
Team leadership 21%

✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.

Stands out: this posting asks for SolidWorks, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.

It asks for 5+ years. If you're close, apply anyway: requirements are a wish list. Talk to someone on the team first.

At a glance

Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.

How to get in at this plant

Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.

1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Cognify Global
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- The posting says about 30% travel. Between which sites?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.

Full description from Cognify GlobalAs posted on their careers site.Show

Primary Duties

◆Design and document electrical control systems and panel layouts aligned with industry and safety standards.
◆Specify and implement field devices, sensors, actuators, and related automation hardware components.
◆Develop, test, and optimize PLC and HMI applications for automated machines and integrated systems.
◆Create wiring diagrams, bills of materials, and technical documentation for production and installation.
◆Coordinate closely with mechanical engineering to ensure seamless integration of electrical and mechanical subsystems.
◆Provide on‑site and remote troubleshooting, startup assistance, and commissioning support as needed (travel approximately 25–30%).
◆Support and mentor junior engineers and technicians on controls design and programming best practices.
◆Participate in continuous improvement of design standards, workflows, and engineering documentation.

Requirements

✓Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
✓Minimum of 5 years of experience developing PLC and HMI solutions for automated systems.
✓Strong knowledge of Rockwell Automation platforms (Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View); familiarity with Ignition or FT Optix is advantageous.
✓Skilled in creating and interpreting electrical schematics; AutoCAD proficiency required, SolidWorks Electrical familiarity preferred.
✓Experience with motion control and servo systems, including configuration and tuning.
✓Understanding of industrial wiring, controls hardware, and system integration principles.
✓Practical knowledge of sensors, pneumatics, and vision systems used in automation environments.
✓Excellent diagnostic, communication, and project coordination skills.
✓Proven ability to manage multiple projects and work both independently and collaboratively.

Desired Experience

✓Exposure to electrical schematic software such as AutoCAD LT or SolidWorks Electrical.
✓Prior experience in machinery design, integration, or industrial automation system development.

Show full description ↓

This range is provided by Cognify Global. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$100,000.00/yr - $130,000.00/yr

Head of West Coast - Automation & Control

Senior Controls Engineer – Electrical & Automation

Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to take ownership of the design, programming, and deployment of automation control systems for advanced machinery and equipment. This role involves creating efficient electrical control architectures, developing PLC and HMI software, and ensuring reliable motion control performance. The right individual will combine strong technical expertise with a practical, hands‑on approach to automation challenges.

Seniority level

•Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

•Full‑time

Industries

•Automation Machinery Manufacturing