Field Service Controls Engineer - Life Science Division

ATC Automation is seeking a Field Service Controls Engineer - Life Sciences Division to support the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of custom automated systems within the Life Sciences industry and other advanced manufacturing environments.

As a Field Service Controls Engineer, you will provide hands-on technical support for complex automation equipment, working directly with customers and internal engineering teams to ensure system performance, reliability, and successful project execution. This role requires strong controls engineering expertise, advanced troubleshooting skills, and the ability to solve complex automation challenges in dynamic customer environments.

This is a full-time, direct-hire position based at ATC Automation's headquarters in Cookeville, Tennessee. This role requires significant domestic and international travel to customer sites and offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge automation technologies across a variety of industries.

Meet ATC Automation

Since 1977, ATC Automation has been a trusted leader in designing and building custom automation solutions. From concept to commissioning, we partner with some of the world's top brands to deliver precision-engineered machinery that improves efficiency, reliability, and performance. Our expertise spans industries that shape the way we live and move-Life Sciences, Transportation, Consumer Products, and General Industry.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), paid time off, and 401(k) with company match. Plus, you will get the opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation systems for leading manufacturers around the world.

How You'll Contribute

Travel to customer facilities, both domestically and internationally, to provide technical support, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair services for automated equipment.

• Diagnose and resolve complex electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and controls-related issues to restore machine functionality and improve system performance.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting assistance using various communication and connectivity platforms.
• Develop, troubleshoot, and modify PLC programs, HMI applications, and machine control systems to support equipment operation and continuous improvement.
• Perform robot programming, path adjustments, and troubleshooting to maintain or enhance system performance.
• Create, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical and pneumatic schematics, bills of material, and technical documentation using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Perform electrical diagnostics and testing using standard tools such as multimeters, electrical testers, and other troubleshooting equipment.
• Apply electrical wiring standards, machine safety practices, and industry best practices to ensure safe and reliable equipment operation.
• Design, troubleshoot, and support ladder logic, motion control systems, and automated machine sequences.
• Partner with customers and internal teams to identify performance objectives, implement improvements, and support long-term equipment reliability.
• Maintain strong technical knowledge of industrial automation systems, electrical components, pneumatic systems, robotics, and control technologies.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and team members to support knowledge sharing and professional development.
• Support machine installations, equipment upgrades, validations, and customer acceptance activities as needed.

Ideal Technical Experience

• Strong experience troubleshooting and supporting automated manufacturing equipment in a field service, controls engineering, or systems integration environment.
• Experience working with Life Sciences equipment, regulated manufacturing environments, and validation processes preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of PLC programming, HMI development, robotics, motion control, and industrial communication networks.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting control systems using the following PLC platforms:
• Allen-Bradley (Logix / Studio 5000)
• Siemens (Step 7, TIA Portal)
• Additional PLC experience with:
• Omron
• Mitsubishi
• Schneider
• Beckhoff
• Experience with HMI platforms including:
• Allen-Bradley
• Siemens
• Additional HMI experience with:
• Omron
• Mitsubishi
• Schneider
• Pro-face
• Experience programming and troubleshooting industrial robotics, including:
• FANUC
• Epson
• Additional robotics experience with:
• KUKA
• Yaskawa
• Denso
• Stäubli
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols including:
• Ethernet
• EtherNet/IP
• Profinet
• IO-Link
• EtherCAT
• Experience with motion control platforms including:
• Allen-Bradley
• Siemens
• IAI
• Festo
• B&R
• Experience integrating and troubleshooting vision systems including:
• Cognex
• Keyence
• Experience with automated testing and monitoring systems, including:
• Force testing systems (Kistler, SigPOD)
• Leak testing systems (CTS, Cosmo, or similar)
• Experience with database and monitoring platforms including:
• Ignition
• FTTM
• SQL

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent hands-on automation experience will be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in controls engineering, field service engineering, automation support, or a related technical role.
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems used in automated manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex automation systems independently and identify effective solutions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work directly with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 75%, including domestic and international travel.

Physical Demands

• Stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to floor.
• Exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
• Exert 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently.
• Exert up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• VISUAL ACUITY: Near acuity with or without accommodation.
• HEARING Ability: Ability to monitor machine sounds to identify and diagnose.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This job description is subject to change but will remain in effect until superseded or canceled in writing by Human Resources.

ATC Automation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

ATC Automation is the Automation segment of TASI Group. The TASI Group of Companies is comprised of four technologically advanced Strategic Business Segments commonly linked by a disciplined focus on Product Integrity, Package Integrity, and Automation. Each TASI company delivers world-class products and services, focusing on our global customer needs in diverse market segments. TASI has served several thousand global customers over the years and enjoys a very high rate of repeat customers, many of which are Blue Chip Global Companies. Major Markets include: Automotive, Medical Devices, Life Science, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Consumer Goods and General Industrial Equipment.