Factory Automation Engineer
John Deere · East Moline, IL
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $87k–$130k
- Degree
- Required (or equivalent experience)
- Experience asked
- 18+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 27 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at John Deere (industrial) in East Moline, IL. Deere & Company reserves the right to suspend, amend, modify, or terminate the Plan(s) in any manner at any time, includi.
- They ask for
- 18+ years · degree required (or equivalent experience)
- Tools it names
- PLC, Automation, Tooling, SAP, MES
- Base pay
- $87k–$130k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $87k–$127k. This one lists $87k–$130k.
Median of the low and high ends of 25 live postings that list pay, out of 37 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 36 other live controls postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- In line with similar roles
- Experience asked
- More than usual (18+ vs 5+)
Typical $89k–$127k, from 24 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 76%
- ✓ PLC 73%
- Robotics 43%
- Root cause 30%
- Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 27%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for SAP, MES, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with 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 John Deere
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.
This plant: John Deere in East Moline
2 other open roles at this site.
- OFP Quality Engineer - Weld · Quality
- Lead Quality Engineer · Quality · Manager
Full description from John DeereAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
As a Factory Automation Engineer for John Deere Harvester located in East Moline , IL , you will support shop floor automation systems and deliver automation projects that improve manufacturing performance, equipment uptime, data visibility, and operator experience. This role will include meaningful support and project work related to Ignition-based applications, while also leveraging broader controls, PLC, HMI, MES/SCADA, SQL, electrical design, networking, and troubleshooting skills.
- ◆Provide responsive shop floor support for manufacturing issues impacting equipment uptime, production flow, data collection, and operator interfaces across automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, MES/SCADA tools, SQL databases, and Ignition applications
- ◆Develop, update, and support electrical systems, prints, PLC programs, human-machine interfaces, production reporting tools, and shop floor application screens used to connect machines, tooling, operators, and manufacturing data
- ◆Execute automation and Ignition-related project work from concept through implementation, including
requirements
gathering, design, development, testing, deployment, documentation, and handoff to operations or support teams.
- ✓Support integration of shop floor machines, tooling, and devices with site MES/SCADA platforms, Ignition applications, SQL databases, industrial networks, cybersecurity standards, and PLC-based control systems.
- ✓Ability to work variable shifts, over time and weekends based on business needs
VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
Education
Ideally you will have a degree or equivalent related work experience in the following:
- ✓Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Mechatronics, Computer Science) or equivalent work experience.
What You'll Get
At John Deere, you are empowered to create a career that will take you to where you want to go while working in an inclusive team environment. Here, you'll enjoy the freedom to explore new projects, the support to think outside the box and the advanced tools and technology that foster innovation and achievement. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive reward package to help you get started on your new career path, including:
- ✓Flexible work arrangements
- ✓Highly competitive base pay
- ✓Savings & Retirement benefits (401K and Defined Contribution)
- ✓Healthcare benefits with a generous company contribution in the Health Savings Account
- ✓Adoption assistance
- ✓Employee Assistance Programs
- ✓Tuition assistance
- ✓Fitness subsidies and on-site gyms at specific Deere locations
- ✓Charitable contribution match
- ✓Employee Purchase Plan & numerous discount programs for personal use
- ✓Vacation and Holiday Pay
$86,892.00 - $130,332.00 + Benefits
Follow this link to learn more about our Total Rewards Package https://bit.ly/3XCd8fL
Must be 18 years of age or older to apply
The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all
responsibilities
and
qualifications
detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum
requirements
necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines.
The terms of the applicable benefit plans, and all company actions administering or interpreting these plans, continue to control. Deere & Company reserves the right to suspend, amend, modify, or terminate the Plan(s) in any manner at any time, includi
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
There are over 7 billion people on this planet. And by 2050, there will be 2 billion more... many moving into urban centers at an unprecedented rate. Making sure there is enough food, fiber and infrastructure for our rapidly growing world is what we're all about at John Deere. And it's why we're investing in our people and our technology like never before! Here the world's brightest minds are tackling the world's biggest challenges. If you believe one person can make the world a better place, we'll put you to work. RIGHT NOW.
Primary Location: United States (US) - Illinois - East Moline
Function: Factory Engineering (CA)
Title: Factory Automation Engineer - 125005
Onsite/Remote: Onsite Position
Your
What Skills You Need
- •Background in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Computer, etc.).
- •Working knowledge of automation support and troubleshooting, including PLCs, HMIs, computer programming concepts, SQL, MES/SCADA systems, and shop floor application platforms.
- •Knowledge of electrical design and the codes, common practices, and engineering tools required.
- •Knowledge of MES/SCADA concepts such as production dashboards, process control, process scheduling, data collection, mistake proofing, device connectivity, and integration with tools such as Ignition Vision/Perspective, SAP-MES, AMES, or JDAAT.
- •Project management capability with demonstrated communication, teamwork, prioritization, and problem-solving skills to manage multiple concurrent automation, controls, application support, and shop floor improvement projects
What Makes You Stand Out
- •2 or more years of experience in an engineering role such as ME, QE, FA, etc
- •Experience with engineering tools, systems, databases, reporting tools, or shop floor application platforms; experience with Ignition or similar SCADA/application platforms is a plus.
- •2 or more years of experience in electrical design and the use of electrical drafting software.
- •2 or more years of experience in PLC and/or PC programming, including integration between control systems, databases, and shop floor applications.
- •Experience supporting or managing moderate to complex automation, controls, MES/SCADA, production reporting, or shop floor application projects.
- •Exposure to Ignition Vision Client, Ignition Perspective, or similar application development platforms, including screen design, tag/database integration, troubleshooting, deployment, or production support.