Field Engineer

Automation Field Engineer

Working independently in industrial environments, troubleshooting electrical and controls issues, reading engineering documentation, communicating directly with customers, and managing changing priorities in the field.

Essential Responsibilities

Commissioning & Startup

• Lead and/or support field commissioning, startup, and integration of industrial automation systems.
• Perform equipment checkout, I/O verification, device testing, and functional testing.
• Verify PLC, HMI, motion control, robotics, safety, instrumentation, and other automation systems as applicable.
• Support system integration and communication between PLCs, HMIs, robots, drives, sensors, and third-party equipment.
• Troubleshoot controls, electrical, instrumentation, networking, and automation issues during commissioning.
• Assist with machine/system startup, tuning, optimization, and performance validation.
• Execute commissioning plans, punch lists, test procedures, and customer acceptance activities.
• Identify system issues and coordinate corrective actions with engineering and project teams.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), and production ramp-up activities.

Field Engineering & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose complex automation and controls problems in real-time production environments.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, control panel drawings, P&IDs, network diagrams, mechanical drawings, and engineering specifications.
• Utilize electrical test equipment and software tools to diagnose system faults.
• Troubleshoot PLC programs, HMI applications, industrial networks, VFDs, servo systems, safety circuits, and field devices.
• Assist with modifications to PLC, HMI, motion, robotics, and control systems when required.
• Provide technical recommendations to improve system reliability, performance, safety, and maintainability.
• Work with internal engineering teams to identify and resolve design or programming issues discovered in the field.
• Document field changes and provide feedback for as-built drawings and engineering updates.

Customer & Project Support

• Act as a professional technical representative of Ascend at customer locations.
• Work directly with customer engineering, maintenance, operations, and management personnel.
• Clearly communicate technical issues, project status, risks, and recommended solutions.
• Support project managers and engineering teams with field-level technical information.
• Participate in project meetings, startup planning, troubleshooting sessions, and customer reviews.
• Maintain a professional, solutions-oriented relationship with customers and project partners.
• Provide operator and maintenance training when required.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete detailed commissioning reports, service reports, punch lists, and daily field reports.
• Document troubleshooting activities, system changes, test results, and outstanding issues.
• Maintain accurate records of field modifications and configuration changes.
• Provide feedback to engineering and project management regarding lessons learned and recurring issues.
• Assist with development and improvement of commissioning procedures, standards, and best practices.

Safety & Quality

• Follow all Ascend and customer safety requirements and site-specific procedures.
• Participate in site safety orientations and required safety training.
• Maintain a strong safety mindset while working around energized electrical equipment, machinery, robotics, and automated systems.
• Perform work in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and customer requirements.
• Promote quality and accountability throughout the commissioning and startup process.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field; equivalent hands-on experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls, commissioning, systems integration, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of industrial control systems and automation principles.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-based control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
• Strong electrical and controls troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with industrial communication networks and automation hardware.
• Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions in the field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with customers, contractors, vendors, and internal teams.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PLC platforms such as Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems.
• Experience with VFDs, servo systems, motion control, and industrial networking.
• Experience with industrial robotics and robotic integration.
• Experience with machine safety systems and safety PLCs.
• Experience with electrical control panels and panel commissioning.
• Experience with Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, or similar industrial communication protocols.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or comparable electrical design software.
• Experience working in manufacturing, material handling, process automation, warehouse automation, or other industrial environments.
• Previous systems integration or OEM experience.
• Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, OSHA, and applicable industrial safety standards.

Travel & Work Environment

This position requires approximately 90% travel to customer and project locations. Travel may include extended assignments ranging from several days to multiple weeks depending on project requirements.

The Automation Field Engineer should be comfortable working in:

• Manufacturing and industrial facilities
• Warehouses and distribution centers
• Production environments
• Equipment installation and construction areas
• Electrical/control rooms
• Customer facilities with varying environmental conditions

The role may require standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, working around industrial equipment, and occasionally working in confined or elevated areas. The ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and extended shifts during critical commissioning and startup periods, is required when project schedules demand it.