Posted August 23, 2026
Automation Engineer (Robotics)
Sterling Engineering Inc.
Northbrook, IL, US
Full Time
Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Automation Engineer (Robotics)
Location: Northbrook, IL
Hire Type: Contract | Through October 31, with potential to extend
Pay Rate: $45.00–$48.00/hour
Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS medical plans, dental/vision plans, 401(k), & ESOP
Work Schedule: 1st Shift | Flexible start time, ideally 7:00–8:00 AM
Hire Type: Contract | Through October 31, with potential to extend
Pay Rate: $45.00–$48.00/hour
Benefits: PTO, paid holidays, BCBS medical plans, dental/vision plans, 401(k), & ESOP
Work Schedule: 1st Shift | Flexible start time, ideally 7:00–8:00 AM
Job Summary:
We are seeking an Automation Engineer to provide hands-on engineering support for robotics, laser equipment, and automated manufacturing systems. This role will help bring new robotic and laser equipment online, troubleshoot and improve existing systems, and support Operations with equipment reliability, quality, and production needs. The ideal candidate has strong practical automation experience and can work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Must-Have Skills:
- Automation & Robotics: Strong hands-on experience with industrial automation, robotics, and controls systems.
- PLC & Controls: Experience with PLC programming, ladder logic, electrical controls, sensors, actuators, and related systems.
- Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose complex equipment and controls issues and perform system testing.
- Manufacturing Engineering: Experience applying automation and engineering solutions in a manufacturing environment.
- Project Management: Ability to manage automation projects and coordinate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and external integrators.
Job Duties:
- Design, program, test, install, and maintain automated manufacturing systems.
- Support the startup, integration, and troubleshooting of robotic and laser equipment.
- Program and integrate robotics, PLCs, ladder logic, pneumatics, sensors, actuators, and vision systems.
- Provide hands-on troubleshooting and technical support for manufacturing equipment.
- Coordinate with external integrators to ensure successful delivery and implementation of automation projects.
- Develop test plans, work instructions, technical documentation, qualification materials, and reports.
- Lead continuous improvement projects focused on yield, quality, cycle time, capacity, and cost reduction.
- Identify manufacturing process improvement opportunities and develop practical automation solutions.
- Support equipment upgrades, repairs, installations, and qualification activities.
- Assess manufacturing capacity and recommend improvements to meet production requirements.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience with automation, electrical controls design, and PLC programming, preferably in manufacturing.
- 3+ years of experience programming and integrating robotics, PLCs, ladder logic, pneumatics, sensors, actuators, and vision systems.
- Understanding of computer programming and software development.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively across Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering.
- Comfortable working hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
- Willingness to support off-shift or weekend troubleshooting, installations, or critical production needs when necessary.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
