Controls Engineer

voestalpine Railway Systems Nortrak

Controls Engineer supporting and optimizing industrial automation systems at voestalpine Railway Systems. Ensure equipment reliability and collaborate with production and engineering teams in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeChicago Heights • Illinois • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $80,000 - $100,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize manufacturing processes and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PLC ProgrammingHMI DevelopmentTroubleshooting SkillsIndustrial AutomationElectrical Schematics Interpretation

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

PLC PlatformsSCADA SystemsIndustrial NetworksControl DevicesVFDsMotion ControlMachine Safety SystemsTechnical DocumentationAnalytical SkillsProblem-Solving Skills

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationTeamworkAdaptabilityAnalytical Thinking

Industry Keywords

Manufacturing EngineeringAutomation EnvironmentContinuous ImprovementCommissioningCapital Project Support

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support, maintain, and improve industrial automation systems within our manufacturing operations.
Ensure equipment reliability, optimizing production performance, and supporting new and existing automation technologies across the facility.
Comply with and enforce all Nortrak safety policies and regulations.
Design, program, troubleshoot, and support PLC-based control systems.
Develop, modify, and maintain HMI and control system interfaces.
Diagnose and resolve electrical, automation, and control-related issues.
Support commissioning, startup, and optimization of manufacturing equipment.
Ensure control systems comply with safety, environmental, and quality standards.
Create and maintain technical documentation, schematics, and control narratives.
Collaborate with maintenance, production, and engineering teams to reduce downtime.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and automation upgrades.
Work with production and maintenance personnel, vendors, and other Nortrak plant personnel in a team-oriented environment.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree in a manufacturing related engineering field or equivalent experience.
3+ years of experience in an industrial manufacturing or automation environment.
Experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens preferred).
Knowledge of industrial networks, sensors, drives, and control devices.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Occasional off-shift or on-call support may be required.
Experience with HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial communication protocols (preferred).
Knowledge of VFDs, motion control, and machine safety systems (preferred).
Experience supporting heavy industrial or manufacturing equipment (preferred).
Exposure to commissioning and capital project support (preferred).

Benefits

Comp & perks

A supportive, family oriented Nortrak Blue culture
We provide an environment where Health and Safety is our #1 priority.
Career development opportunities and competitive pay progression
Competitive medical, dental & vision benefits
Company paid life and disability insurance.
Paid holidays and vacation.
Retirement plan with matching contributions
Tuition Assistance Program
Wellness Program
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Recognition Programs