Controls Engineer
Pinnacle Partners · Peru, IL
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $70k–$85k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Pinnacle Partners (industrial) in Peru, IL. Program, edit, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC control systems supporting manufacturing equipment and boiler systems.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Automation, Welding, AutoCAD
- Base pay
- $70k–$85k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $87k–$133k. This one lists $70k–$85k.
Median of the low and high ends of 19 live postings that list pay, out of 30 controls engineer openings in Illinois, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Illinois plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 29 other live controls postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- About 30% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Typical $89k–$134k, from 18 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 77%
- ✓ PLC 70%
- Root cause 40%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 37%
- Robotics 37%
- Team leadership 20%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
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 Pinnacle Partners
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?
- 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 Pinnacle PartnersAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆Program, edit, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC control systems supporting manufacturing equipment and boiler systems
- ◆Develop and modify HMI interfaces for machine operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting
- ◆Design electrical control panels, wiring diagrams, and schematics using AutoCAD 2D
- ◆Troubleshoot and repair control system issues involving PLCs, VFDs, servos, pneumatic systems, and hydraulic systems
- ◆Support boiler control systems used to safely operate, sequence, and monitor industrial boiler equipment
- ◆Debug electrical hardware and control logic issues during production and testing activities
- ◆Assist with integration, startup, and troubleshooting of controls and automation systems
- ◆Provide technical support to internal stakeholders including production, engineering, customer service, and sales teams
- ◆Support manufacturing operations across fabrication, welding, tube bending, painting, finishing, and assembly departments
- ◆Utilize Schneider, Modicon, Siemens, and Allen Bradley PLC platforms
- ◆Review existing electrical drawings, CAD files, and programming documentation to support new and existing projects
- ◆Participate in testing, validation, and commissioning activities for custom-built systems
- ◆Interface with customers and third-party installers when technical support is required
- ◆Support project execution and ensure controls-related tasks remain on schedule
- ◆Serve as a technical resource for troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives
Required Skills (Must Have)
- ✓Associate degree or higher in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related STEM field (flexible for strong experience)
- ✓3-5 years of experience in a Controls Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Automation Engineer, or similar role
- ✓Experience programming, editing, and troubleshooting PLC systems
- ✓Ability to learn and work with Schneider and Siemens PLC platforms (Allen Bradley experience is acceptable)
- ✓Experience creating or modifying electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel drawings using CAD software
- ✓Working knowledge of servo drives, VFDs, pneumatic systems, and hydraulic systems
- ✓Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- ✓Ability to work independently while supporting cross-functional teams
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Job Description
Title: Controls Engineer
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Comp: $70,000-$85,000
Location: Peru, IN
Our client is seeking immediate assistance in identifying a candidate for a Controls Engineer direct hire position. This individual will play a key role in supporting the design, programming, troubleshooting, and integration of control systems used in both manufacturing equipment and custom boiler systems within a highly collaborative engineering environment.
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
- +Experience wiring control panels
- +Hands-on equipment assembly or machine build experience
- +Job shop manufacturing experience
- +Experience performing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and equipment commissioning
- +Experience working in laboratory or testing environments
- +Project management experience
- +Experience supporting ASME-certified products or industrial equipment
- +Experience integrating controls systems with custom machinery and manufacturing processes
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