Controls Engineer

Summary

Location: Chicago, IL – Hybrid (Minimum 3 days/week onsite)

Travel: Domestic only (<5%)

Benefits: Competitive salary, equity package, Family Health, Dental, Vision; Flexible PTO, FSA Benefits, 401K Savings Plan, Paid Parental Leave, Long-term Disability Insurance

Reports to: Operations Engineering Manager

The Company

Numat is a global leader in the field of precision chemistries. Numat’s solutions are changing the way industries around the world capture and separate hazardous chemicals that negatively impact human health and the environment. 

Numat has been at the forefront of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) research and production for over a decade and is the first company to successfully commercialize MOFs. The company’s world-class platform integrates MOFs into existing products and processes, merging chemistry innovation with manufacturing at industrial scale. 

Through bold and transformative chemistry, Numat helps its global customers and partners make meaningful progress toward their net zero and innovation objectives. Be a part of something bigger, join our team.

Position Overview

As a Controls Engineer at our chemical start-up, you will lead the transition from homegrown OT infrastructure to scalable, commercial solutions – minimizing paper-based processes and ensuring a digital-driven future. Supporting both R&D and Manufacturing, you will define and execute the OT strategy, develop internal standards of excellence, and work closely with the Operations Engineering Manager and customers. Ideal candidates have experience with ISA-88 & ISA-95 standards, MES/SCADA, industrial control cabinet design/build, and managing external integrators to deliver automation solutions. This role requires both hands-on execution and strategic leadership to build a high-performance, future-ready OT infrastructure. 

Responsibilities

• Led a multi-year change management project to transition from custom-built OT systems to an industrial standard ecosystem.
• Support new business & technology commercialization projects, including implementing MES for production.
• Support capital project controls design, execution, and startup – at both R&D and Manufacturing scales.
• Oversee and maintain OT infrastructure, ensuring system reliability and operability.
• Serve as an internal champion, training technical teams to leverage new automation tools effectively.

Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:  

• 3–7+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or OT systems in a manufacturing, chemical, or industrial environment.
• Experience with ISA-88 and ISA-95 standards.
• Hands-on experience designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems (Ignition and InTouch experience highly preferred).
• Familiarity in industrial control cabinet design and build (meaning facilitation not literally soldering).
• Experience working with and managing external system integrators and vendors to implement automation solutions.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) (SCADA integration experience preferred).
• Familiarity with networking, cybersecurity principles, and industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP) a plus.
• Prior experience supporting capital projects and transitioning from R&D to full-scale production a plus.

Skills and Attributes:

• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with a hands-on approach.
• Ability to develop and document OT standards and best practices.
• Effective project management and change management capabilities.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to train and work with cross-functional teams.
• Passion for driving digital transformation and implementing scalable, future-ready automation solutions.
• Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods; ability to bend, stoop, reach and lift up to 50 pounds.

NOTE:  **NO AGENCIES**

At Numat, we believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to innovate and improve every day. We promote equality of opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, dis/ability status, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.