Controls Field Service Engineer

Job Title: Controls Field Service EngineerJob Description

The Field Service Engineer supports the installation, startup, and commissioning of automated systems at customer facilities. This role focuses on troubleshooting PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servos, and robotics, while ensuring that electrical and controls systems operate safely, efficiently, and in line with customer requirements.

• 50% travel

• Typical 3-5 day trips during the weekdays (10 days would be max you'd ever be gone)

• U.S. travel to industrial controls facilities

• All expenses paid + per diem

• Excellent work culture

• Providing training and opportunity for growth within the organization

• Gain skills/training in robotics engineering

Responsibilities

• Assist with the installation, startup, and commissioning of new automation systems at customer facilities.

• Program, edit, and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic, HMIs, VFDs, drives, and servos to ensure optimal system performance.

• Perform full I/O checks and system verification to confirm that automated systems function correctly and safely.

• Troubleshoot controls systems and electrical equipment onsite, including identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.

• Create and implement programming changes to support equipment upgrades, retrofits, and process improvements.

• Establish and verify communication between machines using Ethernet or hardwired signals.

• Work collaboratively with mechanical and electrical installation teams to coordinate schedules, resolve issues, and complete projects on time.

• Wire machine controls and industrial control panels according to electrical schematics and applicable standards.

• Read and redline electrical schematics to document changes and support continuous improvement.

• Troubleshoot pneumatics and hydraulics as part of integrated automation systems.

• Apply working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) when working on electrical installations and modifications.

• Follow all customer plant, safety, and electrical regulations while working onsite.

• Travel to various customer locations, up to approximately 50% of the time, to provide field service support.

• Communicate clearly with customers and internal teams regarding project status, issues, and technical findings.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of field service or controls/automation technician experience

• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, drives, and servos.

• Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC).

• Ability to wire machine controls and industrial control panels.

Work Environment

This role involves working in a variety of industrial environments while traveling to customer facilities within the United States, with trips generally limited to about 10 days at a time.

The environment emphasizes flexibility and respect for work-life balance, with a culture that supports training, professional growth, and open collaboration across teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Rockford,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.