Controls and Automation Engineering careers play a central role in manufacturing across Central Illinois, particularly in environments built around custom equipment and integrated automation. As manufacturers continue investing in robotics, motion control, and advanced control systems, demand is growing for engineers who can design, program, and support complex automation.
This guide outlines what Controls and Automation Engineering work looks like when it’s based in Central Illinois — the roles involved, the skills employers value, and how system integrators like Versatech™ shape the regional job landscape.
Versatech™, a Pasco Systems Corp brand, is based in Effingham, IL, serving manufacturers across all of North America.
Controls and Automation Engineering Careers in Effingham, IL
Controls and Automation Engineering careers in Effingham are rooted in custom industrial automation. Systems are engineered to fit specific customer processes and often combine robotics, motion control, vision, inspection and material handling into fully integrated solutions.
Engineers work closely with mechanical and electrical teams to bring equipment to life on the factory floor. The work is hands-on, project-driven and tied directly to real production environments.
What does an Controls and Automation Engineer do?
Controls and Automation Engineers at Versatech™ design, program and commission custom industrial automation systems. The role spans PLC and HMI programming, robot integration, system sequencing and startup support.
Rather than maintaining a single production line long-term, engineers work on new system builds, supporting projects from integration through testing and commissioning. Much of the work happens during system debug and startup, where software, electrical systems and mechanical motion come together.
Responsibilities of a Controls and Automation Engineer
Controls and Automation Engineers are responsible for how automated systems behave once power is applied. Day-to-day responsibilities typically include:
- Programming PLC and HMI controls for automation systems
- Integrating robots, motion components, and vision systems
- Reading and applying electrical schematics and layouts
- Testing and debugging control logic during system builds
- Supporting startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting
- Working closely with mechanical and electrical engineering teams
The role requires comfort working on the shop floor with live systems and adapting control strategies as systems are tuned for production.
Skills required for Controls and Automation Engineering careers
Controls and Automation Engineering roles require a combination of engineering fundamentals and practical, hands-on ability. Engineers are expected to read electrical schematics, write clean and maintainable PLC code and troubleshoot issues as they arise during integration and startup.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work through real-world constraints are essential in custom automation environments.
In-demand technical skills for Controls and Automation Engineers
The most valuable technical skills for this role include:
- PLC programming, including ladder logic and structured text
- HMI and SCADA systems for operator interfaces and monitoring
- Robotics integration, including coordination with sensors and motion components
- Electrical troubleshooting during testing and commissioning
These skills allow engineers to deliver reliable automation systems that perform consistently in production.
Education and training
Most Controls and Automation Engineers hold a technical degree or certificate in electrical, mechanical, controls, or a related field, though hands-on experience is often just as important. Vendor training, certification programs and exposure to multiple automation platforms all support long-term success in the role and can often be pursued through an employer.
Controls and Automation Engineering opportunities at Versatech™
Versatech designs, manufactures and supports custom automation systems in-house, delivering robotic assembly, machine tending, inspection, material handling, and palletizing through close partnership with sister brand, PASCO.
Controls and Automation Engineers are hired to support system programming, integration, commissioning and project execution. Work is primarily based in Effingham, with travel for customer startup and commissioning as needed.
What opportunities does Versatech™ offer for controls and automation engineering careers?
Versatech™ is an Effingham-based industrial automation company that designs, builds, and supports custom automation systems in-house. Their work includes robotic assembly, machine tending, inspection, material handling, and palletizing. As a certified service provider for major robotics brands like Yaskawa and FANUC, Versatech™ hires engineers for system design, programming, and commissioning roles.
Applying for Controls and Automation Engineering careers in Effingham, IL
There’s no single background that defines a successful Controls and Automation Engineer. Some candidates come in with several years of experience while others are earlier in their careers but have strong fundamentals and hands-on exposure through school, internships or previous roles.
What matters most is a willingness to learn, comfort working through real problems and interest in seeing how automation systems come together on the shop floor. Experience with PLC programming, system integration, or startup work is valuable, but you don’t need to have done everything already to be a good fit.
If you’re curious about the work and motivated to grow into more complex systems over time, that goes a long way.
Joining the Versatech™ automation team
Versatech™ is a place where engineers grow by doing. New team members aren’t expected to know everything on day one. Instead, they’re supported by experienced engineers and exposed to real projects as they build confidence.
You’ll work alongside mechanical and electrical teams, contribute to live systems, and gradually take on more responsibility as your skills develop. Engineers who succeed here tend to enjoy learning, asking questions, and staying close to the work rather than being siloed behind a desk.
How can you navigate Versatech™’s application process and join their automation team?
- Visit the Versatech™ careers page to view current openings
- Submit your resume through a simple application form
- Be prepared to discuss your technical experience and problem-solving approach during interviews
