Controls Engineer - Contract

Controls Engineer - Contract
Yorkville, IL

Overview

Davies Engineering Group is seeking a Controls Engineer for a contract role based at our client site in Yorkville, IL. The candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of industrial automation experience and will design, program, and commission industrial control systems for a variety of industrial facility projects. The candidate will step immediately into an active owner's engineer assignment at a Chicago-area manufacturing plant, representing the owner on automation scope for a capital project program.

The successful candidate will provide controls system design and programming services with a primary focus on Rockwell Automation hardware and software platforms.

This position begins as a contract engagement. Conversion to full-time employment is based first on demonstrated technical performance and client confidence on the current assignment, and second on progress developing additional work in the Chicago market.

What you'll do:

The selected candidate will work with DEG controls engineers as part of project-specific teams. The candidate will manage assigned projects, coordinate the work of other controls engineers as needed, and represent DEG with clients and prospects in the Chicago region.

Owner's Engineer — Current Assignment

• Represent the owner's interests on automation scope: review integrator designs, code, and submittals for conformance with plant standards and functional requirements.
• Witness and document FAT/SAT, I/O checkout, and functional testing; track punch lists to closure.
• Coordinate between plant operations, maintenance, corporate engineering, and integrators; manage automation-related changes and RFIs.

Sales & Business Development

• Identify and pursue automation opportunities with existing and prospective clients in the Chicago region.
• Build and maintain client relationships.
• Prepare proposals, scopes of work, and cost estimates in coordination with DEG leadership.

Project Management

• Manage project budgets, schedules, and deliverables from proposal through closeout.
• Coordinate construction and commissioning schedules with clients, contractors, and DEG staff in other offices.
• Communicate project status and scope changes to clients and management.

Controls Engineering

• Meet with clients to define scope, assess existing conditions, and establish equipment preferences.
• Develop control system designs: platform selection, panel layouts, wiring and schematic diagrams, and specifications using AutoCAD.
• Program PLCs and HMIs from sequences of operation and functional requirements; develop failure mode matrices.
• Perform startup and commissioning: I/O checkout, program and functional testing, troubleshooting, and operator training.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of industrial automation experience designing, programming, and commissioning industrial control systems.
• ABET-accredited engineering degree (electrical, mechanical, or chemical) preferred; equivalent experience and demonstrated technical competence will be considered.
• FE completion is preferred, not required.
• Experience working on the owner's side of capital projects — reviewing integrator deliverables, witnessing FAT/SAT, and coordinating plant stakeholders — is strongly preferred.
• Exposure to industrial electrical power systems is preferred.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
• Demonstrated ability to manage automation projects, including scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables.
• Able to work on-site at a client manufacturing plant approximately 50% of the time.
• Experience developing client relationships and generating new work through proposals and estimates is strongly preferred.

Design and Programming Experience:

Required

• Allen-Bradley Logix 500/5000 PLC development
• HMI/SCADA development
• Control panel design, instrumentation selection, and wiring diagrams
• Working knowledge of pumps, fans, and mechanical process systems

Preferred

• In-depth proficiency in at least one of: FactoryTalk View, Inductive Automation Ignition, or AVEVA System Platform
• Batch management, packaging/robotics, or MSSQL database experience

The ideal candidate will possess excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills. Frequent interaction with clients, suppliers, contractors, and project team members is required. The ability to work independently, research technical and code-related issues, and develop practical engineering solutions is essential. Above all, a strong desire to learn, take ownership, and succeed is essential.

Why Davies?

Davies Engineering Group is named after the late Gary Davies, an engineer who inspired others to dream bigger, work harder, and do what's right - even if it's not easy. DEG represents the continued growth and evolution of our engineering team, and we show up for our people with the same mindset. Davies is continuing to move forward, and we'd love for you to be a part of it.