Controls​/Mechanical Engineer - Schaumburg

Join the IPG Team! Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world.

Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

Title: Controls/Mechanical Engineer

Department: Engineering

Immediate Supervisor: Engineering Manager

Status: Exempt Salaried

Position Summary: This role is a unique hybrid Controls Engineer with a strong Mechanical Engineering background. The individual will spend the majority of their time developing, integrating, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial control systems, while also contributing as a hands‑on mechanical design engineer for custom automation and packaging machinery. The position requires a unique blend of PLC/robot programming expertise and machine design capability, supporting the development of custom packaging equipment, robotic systems, and end‑of‑arm tooling from concept through commissioning.

• Design, program, and commission industrial control systems using PLCs, HMIs, and motion control platforms.
• Develop and maintain PLC programs for packaging and automation machinery.
• Integrate equipment with higher level systems such as WMS, MES, and factory networks.
• Program and troubleshoot industrial robots, including Fanuc and/or Yaskawa, for material handling and packaging applications.
• Support system startup, commissioning, and onsite installation activities.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation issues during development, testing, and field service.
• Prepare and maintain control system documentation, including:
  • I/O lists
  • Electrical schematics
  • BOMs
  • Functional descriptions
• Work closely with mechanical engineers, manufacturing, service, and project management to ensure system performance, safety, and reliability.
• Support continuous improvement of control standards, templates, and programming best practices.
• Travel up to 25%.

• Design and develop custom packaging and automation machinery.
• Generate 3D models, detailed drawings, and assemblies using Solid Works.
• Apply sound mechanical engineering principles to machine layout, mechanisms, tolerancing, and material selection.
• Collaborate with other engineers and personnel to ensure effective design decisions.
• Support prototyping, assembly, and testing of new equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during build, test, and commissioning.
• Contribute to design‑for‑manufacturability and cost reduction efforts.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering field, or relevant Engineering discipline.
• 2‑4 years of related experience.
• Strong experience with PLC and HMI platforms (preferably Allen Bradley), robot control systems (preferably Fanuc), and 3D design software.
• Demonstrated ability to design mechanical and electrical systems for automated machinery.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose/troubleshoot problems with automated machinery.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem‑solving, and documentation skills.
• Aptitude and willingness to be a self‑starter.
• Must be able to travel up to 25%.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities.

We are committed to sustainability, such as designing eco‑friendly products and minimizing waste, while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people.

With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish.

You belong here. Join us today!