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Controls Engineer
Posted: 04/06/2026
Job Number: 2129
Pay Rate: $75K - $100K/yr
Work Location: Onsite
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Job Description
Cullerton Group has a new opportunity for a Controls Engineer in Rock Falls, IL. The work will be done on-site. The is a permanent job. Compensation is $75K - $100K base salary based on experience. The position also includes profit sharing and a bonus plan.
Job Description – Controls Engineer
Location: Sterling, IL (Onsite – Monday through Friday)
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Travel: Approximately 25%
Position Overview
We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support the design, development, and commissioning of industrial control systems for weighing, batching, and material handling applications. This role will focus heavily on PLC and HMI programming, system startup, and troubleshooting, both in-house and at customer sites.
This position is ideal for an early-career to intermediate-level engineer with hands-on experience in Rockwell / Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs, who is comfortable working in both a shop and field environment. While familiarity with electrical systems and drawings is important, this role is not heavily focused on electrical design, as dedicated resources support that function.
The Controls Engineer will work closely with project managers, production teams, and customers to ensure systems are delivered, tested, and commissioned successfully.
Key Responsibilities PLC & HMI Development
Qualifications Education & Experience
Soft Skills & Work Style
Work Environment & Requirements
Compensation
Additional Notes
This position has been created to support growing project demands and evolving team structure. The role focuses on hands-on controls engineering work rather than project management responsibilities, offering a strong opportunity for technical growth and development within a collaborative engineering environment.
Location: Sterling, IL (Onsite – Monday through Friday)
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Travel: Approximately 25%
Position Overview
We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support the design, development, and commissioning of industrial control systems for weighing, batching, and material handling applications. This role will focus heavily on PLC and HMI programming, system startup, and troubleshooting, both in-house and at customer sites.
This position is ideal for an early-career to intermediate-level engineer with hands-on experience in Rockwell / Allen Bradley PLCs and HMIs, who is comfortable working in both a shop and field environment. While familiarity with electrical systems and drawings is important, this role is not heavily focused on electrical design, as dedicated resources support that function.
The Controls Engineer will work closely with project managers, production teams, and customers to ensure systems are delivered, tested, and commissioned successfully.
Key Responsibilities PLC & HMI Development
- Develop, program, and test PLC and HMI applications for industrial systems
- Utilize Rockwell / Allen Bradley platforms including Studio 5000, RSLogix, and FactoryTalk
- Perform in-house testing and validation of completed control systems
- Support onsite startup, commissioning, and system integration at customer facilities
- Provide hands-on troubleshooting during installation and operation
- Diagnose and resolve system issues related to PLCs, HMIs, and electrical components
- Provide support to customers both onsite and remotely (phone/email)
- Create and maintain detailed project documentation, including:
- Sequence of operations
- I/O lists and equipment lists
- Operator manuals and instructions
- Assist with approval packages and project deliverables
- Work with production technicians during system assembly and installation
- Coordinate with vendors and customers to gather technical information
- Support updates to production drawings when needed using E-Plan, DraftSight, or AutoCAD
- Stay current with emerging control technologies and industry best practices
- Contribute ideas to improve system performance, efficiency, and reliability
Qualifications Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field preferred
- Entry/Associate level: 2+ years of relevant experience
- Intermediate level (preferred): 3–6+ years of experience in controls engineering or similar role
- Hands-on experience with PLC and HMI programming, including commissioning of control systems
- Strong experience with Rockwell / Allen Bradley platforms:
- PLCs (CompactLogix, ControlLogix)
- HMIs (FactoryTalk ME/SE)
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings
- Familiarity with industrial controls and instrumentation such as:
- Load cells, pressure sensors, level sensors, limit switches, solenoids
- Exposure to CAD tools (E-Plan, DraftSight, AutoCAD) is a plus
- Experience with Ignition or structured text programming is a plus
Soft Skills & Work Style
- Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
Work Environment & Requirements
- Onsite role (no remote or hybrid options)
- Willingness to travel approximately 25% for commissioning and support
- Ability to work additional hours or weekends as needed
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. (no visa sponsorship available)
Compensation
- Entry/Associate Level: $70,000 – $85,000 base salary
- Intermediate Level: $85,000 – $100,000 base salary
- Additional compensation includes:
- Profit sharing / bonus plan
- Travel and service incentive programs
Additional Notes
This position has been created to support growing project demands and evolving team structure. The role focuses on hands-on controls engineering work rather than project management responsibilities, offering a strong opportunity for technical growth and development within a collaborative engineering environment.
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Ready to embark on an exciting career journey in the vibrant Rock Falls, Illinois area? Picture yourself thriving in a community known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and friendly locals eager to welcome new talent. Boasting proximity to the scenic Rock River and the iconic Hennepin Canal Parkway, Rock Falls offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. From exploring art galleries like the Woodlawn Arts Academy to catching a show at the historic Sauk Valley Community College Theatre, this region is brimming with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Come for the job listings, stay for the unforgettable charm and endless possibilities that Rock Falls, Illinois has to offer. Find your dream job today and be a part of this remarkable community!
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