Industrial Automation Field Service Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

A day in the field

Start your morning from our Livonia, MI base, load up the company-provided tools & vehicle, and head to a customer site. You’ll bring automatic unloading systems and custom automation to life—installing to spec, powering up, verifying tolerances, and walking operators through safe, reliable use. Some weeks you’ll stay overnight on multi-day projects across Michigan, Ohio, Northern Indiana, and sections of Canada (with travel across North America possible). When you’re not on-site, you’ll be troubleshooting by phone or email, logging service notes, and preparing for the next startup.

What you’ll do

• Install, commission, and validate company-manufactured automatic unloaders and custom automation per drawings and specifications.
• Oversee erection and installation to ensure guidelines and tolerances are achieved.
• Service, test, troubleshoot, and fine-tune company products at customer facilities.
• Use gauges, meters, and electrical test equipment to confirm performance against spec.
• Provide remote technical support (phone and email) to resolve questions and issues.
• Collaborate with internal teams to communicate product issues and drive resolution.
• Train customer personnel on safe operation and preventive maintenance.
• Complete all customer and company service records and documentation.
• Confirm installation acceptance to initiate warranty coverage.
• Handle special projects and additional duties as assigned.

About Star Automation

Founded in 1991 in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Star Automation, Inc. builds automatic unloaders and custom automation that boost productivity, profitability, and safety for injection molders worldwide.

Travel, tools, and support

• Extensive regional travel (MI, OH, Northern IN, and parts of Canada); North America-wide travel possible.
• Overnights may be required several days per week.
• Technician will be provided with tools & a vehicle for work related travel.

Qualifications

Bring hands-on aptitude and customer focus. You’re comfortable interpreting blueprints, customer specifications, warranties, company standards, and operating/maintenance instructions. You can draft clear service reports and communicate well with customers and colleagues.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years of technical experience.

Certifications & licenses

• Industry certifications are a plus.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record required.

Protective clothing

On occasion, PPE such as safety glasses and steel-toed shoes/work boots may be required.

Core capabilities

• Electrical and mechanical troubleshooting across industrial automation equipment.
• Proficiency with hand/power tools and electronic test equipment.
• Ability to read and work from blueprints and schematics.
• Comfort operating standard office tools (computer, phone, copier, fax, etc.).

Mathematics

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning

Troubleshoot practical problems with limited standardization and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.

Physical demands

Regularly talk and hear; frequently stand, walk, handle small parts/tools, reach overhead, and climb/balance; occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Frequently lift/move up to 50 lbs; occasionally lift/move more than 100 lbs. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work environment

Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and outdoor weather; frequent work at heights; occasional exposure to fumes/airborne particles, chemicals, electrical shock risk, and vibration. Noise level is usually loud. Role is travel-based with field work at customer sites, including possible international travel.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Schedule & employment type

• Full-time / 1st Shift
• Monday–Friday
• Overtime as needed

Compensation

• Starting at $20.00 - $37.00 per hour (based on experience/qualifications)

Primary locations

• SAI office: 17197 North Laurel Park Drive; Suite 125; Livonia, MI
• On the road: Michigan, Ohio, Northern Indiana, and sections of Canada; North America possible

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Applicant must give authorization for a background check (includes driving record) & pass a drug screening.

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• AFLAC
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Holiday pay

Explore more

Proficiencies

• Electrical Troubleshooting Skills
• Machine Building/Assembling
• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• Troubleshooting Industrial Automation Equipment
• Machine Safety Inspections
• High School / GED

Tools & technologies

• Gantry Robot
• Servo Motors
• Industrial Robot