Field Service Controls Engineer - Life Science Division

ATC Automation • Cookeville, TN

19h • Hybrid

About The Position

ATC Automation is looking for a Field Service Controls Engineer – Life Sciences Division to join our team in Cookeville, TN. In this role, you'll work with custom-built automation systems used by leading manufacturers around the world. You'll combine controls engineering, automation, robotics, electrical systems, and hands-on field service to bring equipment online, solve challenging problems, and help customers achieve reliable, high-performing production. You'll travel to customer facilities, work alongside experienced engineers and technicians, troubleshoot everything from PLCs and robots to electrical and pneumatic systems, and play a key role from installation and startup through validation and customer acceptance. If you thrive on variety, hands-on problem solving, customer interaction, and learning new technologies, we'd like to hear from you.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent hands-on automation and controls experience will be considered.
• 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 the ability to work directly with customers.
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, project management, and other cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in fast-paced customer environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 75%, including domestic and international travel.

Nice To Haves

• Life Sciences or regulated manufacturing
• Machine commissioning and startup
• Equipment validation
• Robotics
• Motion control
• Industrial networking
• Vision systems
• Automated testing systems
• HMI development
• Database or manufacturing monitoring systems
• Systems integration
• Experience with one or more of the following PLC platforms: Allen-Bradley / Rockwell – Logix, Studio 5000; Siemens – Step 7, TIA Portal; Omron; Mitsubishi; Schneider; Beckhoff
• Experience with one or more of the following HMI platforms: Allen-Bradley; Siemens; Omron; Mitsubishi; Schneider; Pro-face; Ignition
• Experience with FTTM
• Experience with SQL
• Experience with one or more of the following robotics platforms: FANUC; Epson; KUKA; Yaskawa; Denso; Stäubli
• Experience with one or more of the following industrial networks: Ethernet; EtherNet/IP; Profinet; IO-Link; EtherCAT
• Experience with one or more of the following motion control platforms: Allen-Bradley; Siemens; IAI; Festo; B&R
• Experience with one or more of the following vision systems: Cognex; Keyence
• Experience with force testing systems such as Kistler and SigPOD
• Experience with leak testing systems such as CTS, Cosmo, or similar systems

Responsibilities

• Travel to customer facilities throughout the U.S. and internationally to install, troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize automated equipment.
• Provide hands-on technical support during machine installation, startup, commissioning, upgrades, validation, and customer acceptance activities.
• Diagnose and resolve challenging electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, robotics, and controls issues.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting assistance when customers need help.
• Work directly with customers to understand equipment issues, develop solutions, and improve machine performance and reliability.
• Build strong customer relationships by communicating clearly, responding quickly, and taking 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 path adjustments and process optimization.
• 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 a strong working knowledge of industrial automation, electrical components, pneumatics, robotics, motion control, and industrial communications.
• Work closely with controls, electrical, mechanical, and project engineering teams to identify and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Help 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 back 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
• The opportunity to work with leading manufacturers across the U.S. and internationally

What This Job Offers

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