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Controls Field Service Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Controls Field Service Engineers- (US Remote) Are you passionate about being part of a successful global field service team? Do you like working in collaborative teams and solving critical issues for ...

Controls Field Service Engineers- (US Remote) Are you passionate about being part of a successful global field service team? Do you like working in collaborative teams and solving critical issues for ...

Controls Field Service Technician - Ashburn, VA Our client is a Engineering Design and Commissioning Company that has a national footprint and specializes in MEP / Controls and Critical Facilities ...

Controls Field Service Technician

Ashburn, GA · On-site

$24.75 - $32.75/hr

Controls Field Service Technician - Seattle, WA Our client is a Engineering Design and Commissioning Company that has a national footprint and specializes in MEP / Controls and Critical Facilities ...

Controls Field Service Technician

Atlanta, GA

$29.50 - $38.75/hr

Controls Field Service Technician - Atlanta, GA Our client is a Engineering Design and Commissioning Company that has a national footprint and specializes in MEP / Controls and Critical Facilities ...

Controls Field Service Technician - Dallas, TX Our client is a Engineering Design and Commissioning Company that has a national footprint and specializes in MEP / Controls and Critical Facilities ...

Controls Field Service Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$31 - $40.75/hr

Controls Field Service Technician - Chicago, IL Our client is a Engineering Design and Commissioning Company that has a national footprint and specializes in MEP / Controls and Critical Facilities ...

Controls Field Service Technician

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$28.75 - $38/hr

Controls Field Service Technician - Atlanta, GA Our client is a Engineering Design and Commissioning Company that has a national footprint and specializes in MEP / Controls and Critical Facilities ...

Controls Field Service Technician - Seattle, WA Our client is a Engineering Design and Commissioning Company that has a national footprint and specializes in MEP / Controls and Critical Facilities ...

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Controls Field Service Engineer information

See salary details

$36.5K

$71.2K

$105.5K

How much do controls field service engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for controls field service engineer in the United States is $71,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Field Service Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Field Service Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, PLC programming, and troubleshooting automation systems, often supported by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with industrial control systems such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, SCADA, and HMI software is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently under pressure help set candidates apart. These skills are vital for minimizing downtime, ensuring safety, and delivering reliable technical support to clients in diverse industrial environments.

What are some common challenges Controls Field Service Engineers face when working onsite, and how can they prepare for them?

Controls Field Service Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex automation systems under tight deadlines, adapting to diverse site conditions, and communicating technical solutions to non-technical clients. Being well-prepared with updated documentation, diagnostic tools, and a proactive approach to safety helps manage these situations effectively. Strong interpersonal skills are also vital, as the role frequently involves collaborating with local maintenance teams and providing hands-on training. Embracing continuous learning and staying current with evolving control technologies further equips engineers to resolve issues efficiently.

What are Controls Field Service Engineers?

Controls Field Service Engineers are specialized professionals who install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair control systems used in industrial, commercial, or manufacturing environments. These engineers work on-site to ensure that automated systems, such as HVAC, machinery, or production lines, operate efficiently and safely. Their responsibilities often include programming controllers, calibrating sensors, and providing technical support to clients. They play a crucial role in minimizing downtime and optimizing system performance.

What is the difference between Controls Field Service Engineer vs Controls Technician?

AspectControls Field Service EngineerControls Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, with certifications like NICET or manufacturer-specific trainingUsually holds an associate degree or technical diploma, with relevant certifications or on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at client facilities, troubleshooting, installing, and maintaining control systemsPrimarily in workshops or on-site, focusing on installation, maintenance, and repair of control panels and systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in industrial automation, manufacturing, and energy sectorsUsed across similar industries, often in maintenance and commissioning roles

The Controls Field Service Engineer typically has a higher level of education and performs more complex troubleshooting and system integration tasks on-site. Controls Technicians focus on installation, maintenance, and repair, often with less formal education. Both roles are essential in industrial automation and share overlapping skills, but the engineer usually handles more advanced system issues and client interactions.

More about Controls Field Service Engineer jobs
What states have the most Controls Field Service Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Controls Field Service Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Controls Field Service Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,220 per year, or $34.2 per hour.
Automation & Controls Field Service Engineer

Automation & Controls Field Service Engineer

All Engineering Recruitment Solutions

Fall River, MA • On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

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Job description

Automation & Controls Field Service Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Field Service Engineer to support industrial customers with installation, startup, troubleshooting, commissioning, and optimization of complex automation and drive systems. This role is ideal for a hands-on controls professional with strong experience in Rockwell Automation, PLC programming, PowerFlex drives, industrial networking, and tension control systems used in wire & cable, paper, converting, plastics, textiles, and related manufacturing environments.

The successful candidate will travel to customer sites to diagnose equipment issues, configure automation hardware and software, support drive startups, tune control loops, assist with FAT/SAT testing, and provide clear technical communication to customers, engineering teams, and service leadership.

Responsibilities

  • Perform field service, startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and support for industrial automation systems.
  • Program, troubleshoot, and modify Rockwell ControlLogix, CompactLogix, Studio 5000 / Logix Designer, and related PLC platforms.
  • Support legacy systems including RSLogix 500, SLC 500, and MicroLogix platforms.
  • Configure, troubleshoot, and commission PowerFlex 525, PowerFlex 753, PowerFlex 755, and other AC drive systems.
  • Assist with DC drive startup, SCR drive troubleshooting, armature and field checks, and speed regulation loop tuning.
  • Develop, troubleshoot, and support FactoryTalk View SE / ME HMI applications.
  • Configure and troubleshoot EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, and ControlNet industrial communication networks.
  • Support drive-to-PLC integration, including datalink configuration, implicit messaging, explicit messaging, and I/O mapping.
  • Diagnose and tune tension control systems, including dancer roll systems, load cell feedback systems, center winders, unwinders, rewinders, and sectional drive systems.
  • Configure and verify PID tuning, taper tension curves, diameter compensation, inertia compensation, draw ratio, speed trim, torque mode, and speed mode drive control.
  • Perform motor and drive commissioning, including motor nameplate entry, autotune, encoder wiring verification, insulation resistance testing, and thermal overload review.
  • Read, interpret, and redline electrical schematics, loop drawings, panel wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
  • Support FAT / SAT procedures, including test protocol execution, documentation, and customer acceptance.
  • Troubleshoot electrical panels, analog signals, shielded cable issues, noisy feedback signals, and instrumentation wiring.
  • Provide customer-facing technical support, site reports, escalation updates, end-user training, and clear service documentation.
  • Work with equipment used in wire & cable, paper converting, plastics extrusion, textiles, web handling, strand processing, and continuous manufacturing lines.
  • Travel to customer sites as required to support emergency service, planned commissioning, upgrades, and system optimization.

Qualifications

  • Associate degree or higher in Electrical Technology, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent hands-on experience may be considered.
  • 2+ years of hands-on field service experience in industrial automation, controls, drives, or manufacturing equipment support.
  • Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms, including Studio 5000, Logix Designer, ControlLogix, and CompactLogix.
  • Working knowledge of PLC programming languages, including ladder logic; experience with FBD, SFC, or structured text is a plus.
  • Experience configuring and troubleshooting PowerFlex variable frequency drives, especially PowerFlex 525, 753, and 755 series.
  • Familiarity with FactoryTalk View SE / ME, HMI troubleshooting, alarm handling, and operator interface support.
  • Knowledge of industrial networks, including IP addressing, switch configuration, EtherNet/IP communication, and basic network diagnostics.
  • Understanding of tension control theory, including open-loop taper tension, closed-loop feedback, dancer-position control, load cell control, and cascade control.
  • Experience with load cells, signal conditioning, amplifier calibration, K-factor geometry, and tension feedback scaling.
  • Experience with dancer roll systems, including position feedback, speed trim, torque feedback, pneumatic dancer systems, and loop stability.
  • Ability to troubleshoot center winder, center unwind, surface winder, driven roll, web handling, and sectional drive applications.
  • Knowledge of PID loop tuning, including proportional gain, integral windup, derivative filtering, and loop oscillation troubleshooting.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, machine documentation, and field wiring diagrams.
  • Experience with motor testing, megger testing, encoder verification, analog signal wiring, and electrical panel troubleshooting.
  • Strong customer communication skills with the ability to write professional field reports and explain technical issues clearly.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel up to 75%.
  • Ability to pass required background check and drug screening.
  • Authorization to work in the applicable jurisdiction.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience with FactoryTalk Historian, FactoryTalk AssetCentre, or industrial data logging systems.
  • Experience with DriveTools SP or Connected Components Workbench.
  • Experience with Kinetix servo drives and basic axis configuration.
  • Experience supporting wire & cable lines, including pay-off, capstan, accumulator, take-up, line speed synchronization, and tension control.
  • Experience with paper and converting equipment, including unwind/rewind stands, nip control, tension zones, and web guiding.
  • Experience with plastics extrusion lines, haul-off systems, pelletizers, winders, unwinders, melt pressure coordination, and product diameter control.
  • Experience with textile equipment, including warpers, knitting machines, stenter frames, creel tensioning, and fabric tension control.
  • Experience using CMMS or service ticketing platforms such as SAP, ServiceMax, or similar systems.
  • Knowledge of safety circuit commissioning, safety relays, STO wiring, and machine safety practices.

Work Environment

This position is field-based and requires frequent travel to industrial manufacturing sites. The role may involve working near energized electrical equipment, rotating machinery, production lines, and customer operations. Candidates must be comfortable troubleshooting under time-sensitive conditions while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, documentation, and customer satisfaction.

Automation & Controls Field Service Engineer, industrial automation systems, Rockwell Automation, PLC programming, Studio 5000 / Logix Designer, ControlLogix, CompactLogix, RSLogix 500, SLC 500, MicroLogix, FactoryTalk View SE / ME HMI, PowerFlex drives, PowerFlex 525, PowerFlex 753, PowerFlex 755, EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, drive-to-PLC integration, tension control systems, dancer roll systems, load cell feedback systems, center winder, center unwind, PID tuning, taper tension, diameter compensation, inertia compensation, sectional drive systems, draw ratio, industrial networking, motor and drive commissioning, electrical schematics, FAT / SAT procedures, wire & cable, paper converting, plastics extrusion, textiles, field service experience, FactoryTalk Historian, FactoryTalk AssetCentre, Connected Components Workbench, Kinetix servo drives