Field Service Controls Engineer - Life Science Division

ATC Automation • Cookeville, TN

12d • Onsite

About The Position

ATC Automation is hiring a Field Service Controls Engineer for its Life Sciences Division, based at its headquarters in Cookeville, Tennessee. This is a hands-on engineering and field-service role supporting custom-built automation systems for manufacturers in the Life Sciences and advanced manufacturing industries. The engineer supports equipment from installation and startup through commissioning, troubleshooting, validation, customer acceptance, and ongoing operation. The role involves domestic and international travel to customer facilities, remote support, and collaboration with customers, engineers, and technicians to resolve technical issues and improve equipment performance and reliability.

The position works across controls engineering, electrical and pneumatic systems, robotics, motion control, industrial networks, vision, and automated testing. It includes developing, troubleshooting, and modifying PLC programs, HMI applications, ladder logic, motion systems, and machine sequences; programming and troubleshooting industrial robots; interpreting technical documentation; and using diagnostic equipment. The engineer documents work, shares technical knowledge, and relays field experience and customer feedback to internal teams to support future equipment improvements.

ATC Automation describes itself as a custom automation solutions provider founded in 1977, serving industries including Life Sciences, Transportation, Consumer Products, and General Industry. The position is full-time and direct-hire, with approximately 75% domestic and international travel. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, and opportunities for technical growth and professional development.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in controls engineering, field service engineering, automation, systems integration, or a related technical role.
• Strong experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex automation systems and develop effective solutions.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work directly with customers.
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, project management, and other cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make sound decisions in fast-paced customer environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 75%, including domestic and international travel.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred; equivalent hands-on automation and controls experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in Life Sciences or regulated manufacturing.
• Experience with machine commissioning and startup.
• Experience with equipment validation.
• Experience with robotics.
• Experience with motion control.
• Experience with industrial networking.
• Experience with vision systems.
• Experience with automated testing systems.
• Experience with HMI development.
• Experience with database or manufacturing monitoring systems.
• Experience with systems integration.
• Experience with one or more PLC platforms: Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Logix or Studio 5000, Siemens Step 7 or TIA Portal, Omron, Mitsubishi, Schneider, or Beckhoff.
• Experience with HMI and monitoring platforms or technologies including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, Schneider, Pro-face, Ignition, FTTM, or SQL.
• Experience with industrial robots including FANUC, Epson, KUKA, Yaskawa, Denso, or Stäubli.
• Experience with industrial networks including Ethernet, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, IO-Link, or EtherCAT.
• Experience with motion control platforms including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, IAI, Festo, or B&R.
• Experience with vision systems such as Cognex or Keyence.
• Experience with force testing systems such as Kistler or SigPOD, or leak testing systems such as CTS, Cosmo, or similar systems.

Responsibilities

• Travel to customer facilities in the United States and internationally to install, troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize automated equipment.
• Provide hands-on technical support during installation, startup, commissioning, upgrades, validation, and customer acceptance.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, robotics, and controls issues.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting assistance to customers.
• Work with customers to understand equipment problems, develop solutions, and improve machine performance and reliability.
• Communicate clearly with customers, respond promptly, and take ownership of technical challenges.
• Partner with internal engineering and project teams to resolve issues and keep projects moving forward.
• Develop, troubleshoot, and modify PLC programs, HMI applications, ladder logic, motion control systems, and automated machine sequences.
• Troubleshoot and optimize machine controls to improve equipment performance, reliability, and functionality.
• Program and troubleshoot industrial robots, including making path adjustments and optimizing processes.
• Interpret electrical and pneumatic schematics, bills of material, and other technical documentation.
• Use multimeters, electrical testers, and other diagnostic equipment to identify and resolve electrical issues.
• Apply electrical wiring standards, machine safety practices, and industry best practices when troubleshooting and modifying equipment.
• Maintain working knowledge of industrial automation, electrical components, pneumatics, robotics, motion control, and industrial communications.
• Collaborate with controls, electrical, mechanical, and project engineering teams on complex technical challenges.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Share knowledge and provide technical guidance to engineers and team members.
• Document troubleshooting activities, equipment modifications, and technical solutions.
• Bring field experience and customer feedback to the engineering team to help improve future equipment and projects.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Paid time off.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Opportunities for technical growth and professional development.
• Exposure to cutting-edge automation, robotics, controls, and manufacturing technologies.
• Opportunity to work with leading manufacturers across the United States and internationally.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level