Automation Engineer I
Plexus · Buffalo Grove, IL
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Base pay
- $71k–$106k
- Degree
- Preferred
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 21 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Plexus (industrial) in Buffalo Grove, IL. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
- They ask for
- degree preferred
- Tools it names
- Value stream mapping, SPC, Automation
- Base pay
- $71k–$106k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 9, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Illinois: typical posted base $95k–$126k. This one lists $71k–$106k.
Median of the low and high ends of 26 live postings that list pay, out of 38 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 37 other live controls postings in Illinois.
- Base pay
- About 20% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Not stated
Typical $95k–$126k, from 25 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Automation 87%
- PLC 79%
- Robotics 50%
- Root cause 26%
- AutoCAD 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Value stream mapping, SPC, 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 Plexus
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: Plexus in Buffalo Grove
6 other open roles at this site.
- Process Engineer · Process
- Global Supplier Quality Engineer Senior · Quality · Senior
- Supplier Quality Engineer · Quality
- Automation Engineer II · Controls
- Digital Manufacturing Operations Engineer I · Production
- Quality Engineer Sr. · Quality
Full description from PlexusAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
requirements
& specifications as it applies to their role.
- ✓Successfully executes
responsibilities
in adherence to Plexus' manufacturing processes
- ◆Produces comprehensive project documentation based on the needs of the project and in accordance with the quality and change management procedures and guidelines, as it applies to their role.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s Degree with 1 or more years of related experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience will be considered.
Other
Qualifications
- ✓Intermediate Computer Skills
- ✓Intermediate Decision Making, Problem Solving Skills
- ✓Intermediate Verbal and Written Communications Skills
- ✓Strong Analytical and statistical analysis Skills; Statistical Process Control Software Skills
- ✓Proactive and ability to work in a Cross-Discipline team environment
- ✓Understand Structured Design
- ✓Ability to develop good working relationships with team members and customers
- ✓Lab tool/ test/measurement equipment experience preferred
This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not intended to capture every possible assignment the incumbent could be asked to perform.
Some offers of employment are contingent upon successfully passing a drug screen and/or background check.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
About us: At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. Driven by a passion for excellence, we partner with leading Aerospace/Defense, Healthcare/Life Sciences and Industrial companies to design, manufacture and service some of the world’s most transformative products, including advanced surgical systems, diagnostic instruments, healthcare imaging equipment, mission critical aerospace systems, and electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. Visit Plexus.com to learn more about our unwavering commitment to our vision.
When we invest in our people, we invest in building a better world.
With a vision rooted in the wellbeing and inclusive engagement of our team members, our customers, their end users and our communities, people are the heart of what we do and who we are. It is our values that unite us and guide us in everything that we do, including how we operate, behave and interact to foster a workplace where every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Our values include: Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence and Creating Customer Success.
As a team member, you will engage in impactful work through global collaboration and the use of emerging technologies, join an inclusive culture where every team member is valued and working toward a greater purpose, and be empowered to reach your full potential through various development programs designed to accelerate your growth.
Plexus offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support team members' wellbeing, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, retirement savings, and opportunities for professional development. We also prioritize work-life balance and offer a variety of perks to enhance the team member experience. For more information, visit our US benefits website at usbenefits.plexus.com . Our commitment to pay range transparency fosters an equitable workplace, where everyone can feel valued. The annual compensation range for this position is stated below. The salary offered within this range will be based upon the geographic location, work experience, education, licensure
Key Job Accountabilities
- •Develops manufacturing solutions/ provide services that are high-quality, cost-appropriate, and satisfy the customer's requirements.
- •Utilizes appropriate tools and equipment to perform necessary work including creation, analysis, and verification.
- •Demonstrates a clear, discipline-specific understanding of the full Plexus manufacturing processes/ product