Associate Structural Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH

With 20+ Years of experience bringing automation to nuclear projects, ATS Industrial Automation is expanding the capabilities of its existing nuclear division into the US. ATS provides world-leading automation tooling to the nuclear energy sector for new reactor builds, refurbishment, operations and maintenance.

The Mechanical Field Service Engineer is responsible for providing hands-on mechanical field support for custom automated equipment at customer sites and within ATS facilities. This role combines strong mechanical engineering fundamentals with practical field execution, troubleshooting, and customer interaction.

The position will rotate between on-site customer support and periods embedded within ATS system builds to deepen equipment knowledge and develop subject matter expertise. Mechanical Field Service Engineer works independently at customer locations while maintaining close coordination with project teams, engineering, and after‑sales service functions.

Field Service and Customer Support

• Travel to domestic and international customer locations to install, service, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical systems and custom automation equipment.
• Diagnose mechanical failures and abnormal equipment conditions, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Perform mechanical adjustments, repairs, and retrofits to restore equipment to operational readiness.
• Provide technical guidance and instruction to customers on operation, maintenance, and safe use of equipment.
• Act as the mechanical point of contact at customer sites, coordinating with ATS Project Management, Engineering, and the customer to ensure work is executed per plan.
• Complete detailed service and technical reports documenting work performed, observations, and follow‑up actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reliability, or serviceability and communicate recommendations to internal teams.

Mechanical Engineering and Technical Support

• Perform engineering calculations related to strength of materials, forces, speeds, loads, and mechanical performance as applicable to troubleshooting and support activities.
• Analyze engineering drawings and specifications to support field troubleshooting, modifications, and upgrades.
• Produce or revise detail drawings, sketches, and bills of materials to support service activities using AutoCAD and SOLIDWORKS.
• Specify replacement components and coordinate requisitions with appropriate delivery timelines.
• Support system debug, integration, and problem resolution alongside fabricators, machinists, electricians, and controls engineers.
• Review machine operations and sequences with controls and software teams to resolve mechanical‑control interface issues.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, customer specifications, and ATS engineering practices.

Collaboration and Business Support

• Embed with CAPEX project teams during system build phases to gain deeper understanding of ATS technology platforms.
• Communicate progress, risks, and technical findings clearly to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor for opportunities to suggest additional service work, spare parts, or enhancements that improve long‑term customer outcomes, while maintaining a service‑focused, non‑sales driven approach.
• When required, support on‑call or remote troubleshooting efforts in alignment with business needs.
• Represent ATS professionally at customer sites, demonstrating integrity, technical competence, and customer focus.

Education

• Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or a related engineering discipline (required).
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field (preferred).

Experience

• Minimum of five years of hands-on experience supporting, servicing, or troubleshooting mechanical automation equipment, custom machinery, or industrial systems.
• Must have at least 1-2 years of mechanical design experience with SolidWorks 3D CAD software.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems including mechanisms, pneumatics, hydraulics, bearings, drives, and structural components.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve mechanical system issues in field environments.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical documentation, and equipment manuals.
• Proficiency with common hand tools, machine tools, and testing instruments.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with customers and cross‑functional teams.
• Willingness to travel extensively; travel is typically up to 50–60% annually with potential for short‑ and long‑term assignments.

All employees have the responsibility to work in a healthy and safe manner, report any health, safety or environmental concern to their manager or supervisor in a timely manner, and participate in the safety culture of the organization.

Employee responsibilities for Health, Safety and Environment include:

• Work in conformance with divisional health, safety and environmental procedures and compliance to legislative requirements.
• Refrain from removing or altering safety devices or guarding unless hazardous energies are controlled through lockout-tagout methods.
• Report any unsafe conditions or unsafe acts, defects in any equipment or protective device, and any accidents/incidents to the supervisor.
• Ensure that the required protective equipment is used for assigned tasks.
• Attend all required health, safety and environmental training.
• Assist in investigating accidents/incidents where applicable.