Job Title: Automation Engineer Location: Skokie, IL 60076Salary Range of $75K -105K + Bonus (depending on experience)Sterling Engineering has helped build careers for thousands of professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.I am looking for an Automation Engineer with 3+ years of experience to modernize outdated equipment, manage vendor relationships on large-scale projects, and drive automation on smaller-scale systems. The role focuses on integrating robotic arms, vision systems, PLCs, and metal manipulation machines (bending, stamping, grinding, etc.) to optimize manufacturing processes.Responsibilities:Assess and improve manufacturing capacity to meet demand.Upgrade and integrate outdated equipment with modern automation solutions.Manage vendor relationships and serve as the client representative on large-scale projects.Lead automation efforts for smaller-scale projects independently.Conduct IQ, OQ, and PQ validations and specify tooling and fixtures.Program and integrate robotics, PLCs, vision systems, and mechatronics.Troubleshoot and optimize automated systems for peak performance.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Controls, Electrical, or Electro-Mechanical Engineering.3+ years of experience in automation, controls design, and PLC programming.Proficiency with robotics, ladder logic, sensors, pneumatics, and vision systems.Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and creative problem-solving skills.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.