Field Service Controls Engineer - Life Science Division

ATC Automation • Cookeville, TN

12d • Onsite

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. No two projects are exactly alike. 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, 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