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Controls & Automation EngineerUnilever · Chicago, IL
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Unilever

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Controls & Automation Engineer

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🗓️ Posted 2026-09-23 Chicago, IL Hybrid Engineering
💰 Salary Not shared 📊 Market NA

About the Company

JOB PURPOSE The Controls & Automation Project Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, commissioning, and continuous improvement of automation, controls, and digital manufacturing systems. This role leads capital projects and technical initiatives that improve safety, reliability, quality, productivity, and operating costs across manufacturing operations. The engineer serves as the technical lead for PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial network, instrumentation, robotics, and digital factory systems while partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and external vendors to deliver projects on time and within budget. This role aligns with industry best practices for automation, cyber security, process control, and project management.

Responsibilities

  • ● Automation & Controls Leadership
  • ● Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, VFD, servo, and motion control systems.
  • ● Develop automation standards and control philosophies for manufacturing processes.
  • ● Lead commissioning, startup, FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ, and validation activities for new equipment and systems.
  • ● Support factory automation infrastructure including industrial networking, remote access, and control system architecture.
  • ● Improve process performance through advanced controls and automation technologies.
  • ● Capital Project Management
  • ● Manage automation and controls projects from concept through startup and handover.
  • ● Develop equipment specifications, URS documents, project scopes, and technical standards.
  • ● Create project schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
  • ● Coordinate contractors, system integrators, OEMs, and internal stakeholders.
  • ● Deliver projects safely, OTIF (On Time In Full), and within approved budgets.
  • ● Process Improvement & Reliability
  • ● Identify opportunities to improve OEE, waste, throughput, energy consumption, and labor efficiency through automation.
  • ● Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for major equipment failures.
  • ● Optimize machine performance using data analytics and process monitoring tools.
  • ● Support reliability initiatives and predictive maintenance programs.
  • ● Digital Manufacturing & Industry 4.0
  • ● Support implementation of digital factory technologies and smart manufacturing initiatives.
  • ● Develop dashboards, reporting tools, and automated performance monitoring systems.

Requirements

  • ● acturing environments.
  • ● Demonstrated experience managing automation-related capital projects.
  • ● Provide 24/7 on-call support for critical production issues that cannot be resolved by the on-shift team.
  • ● Technical Skills
  • ● PLC Programming (Rockwell, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
  • ● HMI/SCADA systems
  • ● Industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus)
  • ● Instrumentation and process control
  • ● Electrical troubleshooting
  • ● VFDs, motor controls, and MCC systems
  • ● Project management and contractor coordination
  • ● FactoryTalk View
  • ● FactoryTalk Batch
  • ● FactoryTalk AssetCentre
  • ● Robotics and vision inspection systems
  • ● SQL databases and reporting tools
  • ● Power BI, PowerApps, or automation dashboard development
  • ● ISA, PMP, TÜV, or related certifications
  • ● Key Competencies
  • ● Safety Leadership

Benefits

  • ● Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but is not limited to, health insurance (including prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage), retirement savings benefits, life insurance and disability benefits, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous voluntary benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
  • ● At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do . We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee.
  • ● Unilever is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities.
  • ● For more information on your federal rights, please see Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
  • ● Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests, which may include drug screening, background check, credit check and DMV check.
  • ● If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at [email protected] . Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application statuses. The Protected Veterans or Individuals with Disabilities AAP narratives are available for inspection by any employee or applicant for employment Monday through Friday during normal business hours at establishment.