Field Service Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Client Overview:

Our client is an innovative AI and machine vision company transforming quality control in manufacturing environments. Their solutions are deployed on active production lines at leading organizations, helping manufacturers improve quality, efficiency, and reliability through AI-powered inspection systems that integrate directly with existing automation and controls infrastructure.

Overview:

The Field Applications Engineer plays a critical role in deploying, integrating, and supporting AI-powered vision systems within manufacturing facilities. This position serves as the technical lead during customer implementations, ensuring systems are properly installed, integrated with plant controls, and operating reliably in real-world production environments.

Summary:

We are seeking a hands-on Field Applications Engineer with strong PLC, automation, and manufacturing experience. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working on production floors, troubleshooting electrical and controls issues, integrating hardware with existing manufacturing equipment, and serving as the primary technical resource during customer deployments. This role is best suited for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges in the field and is willing to travel extensively to customer facilities.

Responsibilities:

Install and commission AI-powered vision systems, cameras, lighting, and supporting hardware on customer production lines.
Integrate vision systems with PLC platforms including Allen Bradley, Siemens, GE Automation, Beckhoff, and similar controls systems.
Configure I/O mapping, communication protocols, and system connectivity to support seamless production integration.
Collaborate with customer engineering, maintenance, and operations teams during implementation activities.
Troubleshoot electrical, hardware, controls, networking, and integration issues in live production environments.
Diagnose and resolve issues involving signal timing, connectivity, encoder feedback, wiring, and equipment communication.
Utilize test equipment including multimeters, oscilloscopes, continuity testers, and network analysis tools to investigate system issues.
Validate production performance, system accuracy, uptime, and reliability following deployment.
Optimize system performance for real-world manufacturing conditions including lighting, vibration, throughput, and material variation.
Develop installation documentation, configuration records, and operational procedures.
Train operators, maintenance personnel, and engineers on system operation and troubleshooting best practices.
Serve as the primary technical point of contact throughout deployment, startup, and production ramp-up activities.
Support customers during initial production launches and ongoing operational activities.
Provide technical feedback to product and engineering teams regarding field observations and improvement opportunities.
Take ownership of customer deployments from installation through production validation and long-term success.

Qualifications:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field preferred.
Minimum of 3 years of experience working directly with industrial PLC systems.
Experience with Allen Bradley, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, GE Automation, Beckhoff, or similar industrial controls platforms.
Ability to configure I/O, troubleshoot controls systems, and support PLC logic and communications.
Working knowledge of ladder logic, structured text, and industrial automation fundamentals.
Hands-on experience integrating equipment, controls, sensors, or automation systems within manufacturing environments.
Strong electrical and hardware troubleshooting experience using multimeters, oscilloscopes, continuity testers, and related diagnostic equipment.
Understanding of voltage, current, signal integrity, industrial wiring, and control system fundamentals.
Experience working in live production environments such as automotive, assembly, packaging, machining, industrial manufacturing, food processing, or related industries.
Familiarity with industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, Profibus, serial communications, or similar technologies preferred.
Experience with machine vision, industrial cameras, lighting systems, Cognex, Keyence, or related vision technologies preferred.
Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, startup, or automation integration projects.
Ability to work independently and make technical decisions in the field.
Strong communication and customer-facing skills.
Experience training operators, technicians, and engineers preferred.
Background in plant engineering, manufacturing support, industrial maintenance, or controls engineering is a plus.
Experience with Allen Bradley CompactLogix, ControlLogix, Siemens S7-1200, and Siemens S7-1500 platforms preferred.
Exposure to industrial networking and control system security concepts is a plus.
Ability to travel 60-80% throughout the United States.
Ability to support customer deployments lasting 1-2 weeks at a time.
Preferred residence within Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Ohio.

TRC Talent Solutions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. At TRC, we take pride in fulfilling our opportunity to add value to our client's business as their staffing partner while connecting talented professionals with opportunities to grow their careers.