Job Description

Field Tech Specialist – Automation & Controls

Compensation: $80,000–$115,000 annually

Position Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Travel: Approximately 75%

Reports To: Engineering Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Field Tech Specialist to support industrial automation, robotics, and controls systems across manufacturing and customer locations. This hands-on role focuses on troubleshooting, programming, commissioning, and optimizing automated equipment to improve reliability, safety, and production performance.

The ideal candidate has strong experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, Rockwell software, and FANUC robotics, along with the ability to lead controls projects, resolve complex technical issues, and provide hands-on training to maintenance and engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair industrial automation and electrical control systems at manufacturing and customer sites.
• Program, modify, and optimize PLCs, robots, HMIs, servo systems, VFDs, sensors, and industrial networks.
• Lead automation and controls projects from initial concept through design, installation, programming, testing, and commissioning.
• Install, start up, commission, and validate automated equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Provide on-site and emergency technical support to minimize production downtime and resolve complex equipment issues.
• Troubleshoot and maintain automation safety systems and verify compliance with applicable safety requirements.
• Read, interpret, and update electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation.
• Maintain control system backups, bills of material, spare parts recommendations, and technical manuals.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, productivity, safety, and maintainability.
• Research and recommend automation technologies, controls components, and system upgrades.
• Mentor and train maintenance personnel, engineers, and technicians on automation systems and troubleshooting techniques.
• Support capital projects, equipment testing, process improvements, and customer installations.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of manufacturing experience.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation software, including Studio 5000 Logix Designer and FactoryTalk View Studio ME/SE.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting FANUC robots using the teach pendant and ROBOGUIDE.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, flowcharts, and Allen-Bradley PLC code.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation, controls integration, and structured programming principles.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to travel approximately 75% of the time, including overnight stays.
• Ability to work safely around industrial equipment and electrical systems up to 480VAC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in automated machining, fabrication, or other highly automated manufacturing environments.
• Formal training in robotics and industrial automation.
• SQL or other database language experience.
• Experience with electrical panel design, industrial networks, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic systems.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Combination of computer-based engineering work and hands-on troubleshooting in manufacturing and field environments.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, climbing, and working around industrial machinery.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and handle tools, equipment, and materials as needed.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, industrial noise, welding fumes, and non-climate-controlled environments.
• Ability to travel extensively by car and air, including occasional weekend or after-hours support.

What We're Looking For

A technically strong, safety-focused problem solver who can work independently in the field, take ownership of automation projects, and serve as a trusted technical resource for engineering, maintenance, and operations teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

You should be proficient in:

• PLC Troubleshooting Skills
• Electrical Troubleshooting Skills
• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• 120/208/240/480 Voltage Systems
• PLC Wiring Experience
• Pneumatics Troubleshooting
• Industrial Electrical Experience
• Field Service Readiness
• Industrial Electrical Systems
• Hydraulic Systems & Components
• Equipment Installation & Wiring
• Equipment Repair & Maintenance
• Allen-Bradley
• Automation Systems
• Fanuc Robots
• HMIs
• Lift 50 Lbs
• sensors
• Servo Systems
• VFDS

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (Fanuc, Allen Bradley, Siemens)
• Servo Motors