Senior Automation Engineer

North Chicago, IL 60064

Employment Type: Contract to Perm Job Category: Controls Engineering Job Number: MC575777529 Compensation: $55.00 / hour

Job Description

Job Title:  Senior Automation Controls Engineer
Location:  North Chicago, IL
Hire Type:  Contract-to-Hire, Onsite
Target Pay Rate:  $55.00/hour (W2, with full employee benefits)

Overview:
As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k) w/match, and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.

Job Summary:
The Senior Automation Engineer supports manufacturing operations by ensuring compliance with GMP and safety guidelines. Responsibilities include change control, deviation investigation, routine and off-hours support, leading non-routine activities, delivering engineering projects, and recommending control strategies.

Job Duties:
  • Provide technical support for control system platforms and Operational Technology (OT) process information systems.
  • Apply GMP documentation practices, following regulations such as 21 CFR Part 11.
  • Lead modernization and upgrade projects for control systems.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide data analysis for process improvements.
  • Design and implement automation changes, lead deviation investigations, and support system activities.
  • Ensure a safe work environment and compliance with EHS goals.
  • Deliver new process units and provide project management.
  • Maintain lifecycle plans for automation systems and recommend new technologies.
  • Collaborate across departments to support manufacturing and improve data collection and equipment performance.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years in engineering or operational roles.
  • Expertise in process control and Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC/HMI/SCADA programming.
  • Experience in validation documentation, control system modernization, and project management.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Preferred: Experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with various PLCs, SCADA systems, industrial networks, and virtualization platforms.
  • Should be comfortable working in a plant environment and capable of managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Meet Your Recruiter

Mike Schmitz
Technical Recruiter

Mike Schmitz is an esteemed Recruiting Team Leader specializing in the Life Sciences Division. With an impressive tenure of over 12 years at Sterling and a remarkable 16-year career in the recruiting arena, Mike has cemented his reputation as a trailblazer in talent acquisition.

As a Recruiting Team Leader, Mike's understanding of the intricacies within the Life Sciences Division is unparalleled. His expertise positions him as a strategic partner in bridging the gap between talented professionals and opportunities that align with their aspirations.

With a career spanning 16 years, Mike's journey in the recruitment landscape has been defined by his dedication to facilitating more fulfilling careers for skilled professionals. His ability to understand everyone’s unique strengths and match them with roles that foster growth and satisfaction marks him as a true advocate for professional development.

Mike's advice to candidates reflects his commitment to helping them excel: approach every job interview with positivity and authenticity. He firmly believes that a positive attitude and an engaging personality are pivotal in creating lasting impressions. Mike emphasizes that while technical qualifications are crucial, the ability to connect with interviewers and present oneself effectively is equally valuable to prospective employers.

As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you’ve got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now. 

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About North Chicago, IL

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore job opportunities in and around North Chicago, Illinois, where growth knows no bounds. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, this vibrant area offers a blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Home to iconic landmarks like Navy Pier and the Art Institute of Chicago, plus renowned theater venues like the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and iconic sports teams like the Cubs and Bulls, North Chicago boasts a rich cultural tapestry. Indulge in the local deep-dish pizza or take a stroll through Millennium Park; this region truly has something for everyone. Join us in discovering the endless possibilities for personal and professional growth in North Chicago - where careers flourish and dreams take flight.