Field Automation Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Field Automation Engineer executes field-based automation and controls work — installation, programming, troubleshooting, and quality assurance — under the direction of the Field Engineering Manager. This role applies hands-on technical expertise in PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and related control systems to ensure field deployments meet customer specifications, safety standards, code compliance, and project timelines.

Key Performance Objectives

Field Execution. Perform hands-on installation, programming, troubleshooting, and QA/QC work to ensure safe, on-time, on-spec delivery of field automation projects. 80%

Site Scoping & Technical Support. Support site visits, technical scoping, and customer-facing troubleshooting to inform accurate project planning. 10%

Note: Ten percent of time is reserved for ancillary responsibilities and activities unrelated to the performance objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities listed are fundamental to the position and must be performed successfully to achieve the key performance objectives of the role. Other responsibilities may be assigned.

Field Execution

● Executes assigned field automation and controls projects in alignment with scope, schedule, and customer requirements, under the direction of the Field Engineering Manager.

● Performs installation, programming, and configuration of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and related control system hardware and software.

● Troubleshoots and resolves field issues involving PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and control systems using manuals, schematics, and hands-on diagnostic techniques.

● Reviews project scope and work assignments with the Field Engineering Manager to plan installation and deployment schedules.

● Helps translate customer requirements into practical field designs, including hardware, software, and installation specifications, under the direction of the Field Engineering Manager and Design Engineering.

● Supports QA/QC processes by validating code compliance, hardware selection, and design and installation integrity.

● Coordinates on-site work around customer schedules, outage windows, and site constraints.

● Identifies material and equipment needs for assigned projects and communicates them to Supply Chain.

● Partners with IT as needed to support hardware selection, system integration, and remote support capabilities.

● Documents completed installations and participates in post-project reviews, contributing lessons learned.

● Troubleshoots and resolves field technical issues, escalating to the Field Engineering Manager or IT as needed.

● Follows safe work practices in the field, complying with safety standards and completing required training.

Site Scoping & Technical Support

● Conducts site visits, as directed by the Field Engineering Manager, to validate field conditions for accurate project scoping.

● Provides technical input to support project estimates by assessing site conditions and equipment or resource needs.

● Serves as an on-site technical resource for customers during installation and troubleshooting, ensuring clear communication.

● Documents field observations and lessons learned to support future estimating accuracy.

Requirements

Education

• Associate degree in Electrical/Automation Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and hands-on field experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline a plus.

Experience

• 3–5 years of hands-on experience installing, programming, troubleshooting, and commissioning industrial control systems in the field.

• Demonstrated experience delivering automation and controls work on customer sites, including new installations and retrofits.

• Proven ability reading and interpreting electrical schematics, control panel drawings, and equipment manuals.

• Prior experience in an industrial, manufacturing, OEM, or systems-integration environment preferred.

Technical Skills

• Programming, configuration, and troubleshooting of PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, or comparable platforms).

• HMI development, configuration, and troubleshooting.

• VFD setup, parameterization, and diagnostics.

• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills and hands-on diagnostic techniques to resolve field control-system issues.

• Working knowledge of industrial control hardware and software, including networking, system integration, and remote-support tools.

• Familiarity with QA/QC practices against customer specifications, applicable electrical codes, and safety standards.

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid driver’s license required; must be able to travel to customer sites.

• Relevant safety or manufacturer certifications (e.g., OSHA 10/30, arc-flash/NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout, manufacturer PLC/HMI certifications) a plus.

Core Competencies

• Strong customer-facing professionalism and clear communication with customers, peers, and internal teams.

• Self-directed and organized, with the ability to work independently in the field under the direction of the Field Engineering Manager.

• Sound problem-solving and decision-making, balancing scope, schedule, and on-site constraints such as outage windows.

• Accurate documentation of installations, field observations, and lessons learned.

• A people-first, service-minded approach reflecting core values — Trust, Respect, Create, Guide, and Love.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Work is performed on active industrial and manufacturing sites, including exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying environmental conditions.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and to stand, walk, climb, kneel, and work in confined or elevated spaces for extended periods.

• Travel to customer sites required, sometimes on short notice and around customer outage schedules.

• Adherence to all safety standards and PPE requirements, including required company and site-specific training.