Freelance International Field Service Engineer Jobs in Indiana

Automation Field Service EngineerPosition Overview

The Automation Field Service Engineer is responsible for providing on-site and remote technical support for industrial automation systems, including installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, programming, and maintenance of automated manufacturing equipment. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on experience with Siemens and Beckhoff automation platforms, PLC programming, HMI systems, industrial networks, motion control, and electrical troubleshooting.

This position requires a technically strong, customer-focused individual who can independently diagnose complex automation issues and work effectively with customers, engineering teams, and other field-service personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, commission, troubleshoot, service, and maintain industrial automation equipment at customer locations.
• Diagnose electrical, controls, PLC, HMI, motion-control, and communication issues.
• Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and validate PLC programs using Siemens TIA Portal / STEP 7 and Beckhoff TwinCAT.
• Troubleshoot Siemens S7 PLC systems, including S7-1200, S7-1500, and related hardware.
• Troubleshoot Beckhoff TwinCAT systems, including EtherCAT networks, I/O, motion control, and distributed control systems.
• Configure and troubleshoot HMIs and operator interfaces.
• Diagnose industrial communication networks, including PROFINET, PROFIBUS, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and standard Ethernet-based communication.
• Troubleshoot VFDs, servo drives, motors, sensors, safety circuits, and other automation components.
• Support machine commissioning, startup, qualification, and production ramp-up activities.
• Perform machine modifications and controls upgrades as required.
• Analyze PLC code, electrical schematics, machine documentation, and system diagnostics to identify root causes of equipment failures.
• Provide remote technical support to customers and internal service personnel.
• Document service activities, troubleshooting findings, corrective actions, and recommendations.
• Communicate professionally with customers regarding equipment status, repair activities, and recommended solutions.
• Work closely with engineering and software development teams to resolve complex or recurring technical issues.
• Provide training and technical guidance to customers and other field-service engineers when required.
• Support emergency and breakdown service activities when necessary.
• Travel domestically and internationally to customer sites as required.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical degree, or equivalent experience in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience working with industrial automation and controls systems.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with Siemens PLC systems.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with Beckhoff PLC/TwinCAT systems.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting and controls experience.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and machine documentation.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial communication networks.
• Experience with HMI systems and machine operator interfaces.
• Ability to troubleshoot automation equipment independently in a production environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work professionally and independently at customer locations.
• Willingness to travel extensively, including overnight, domestic, and occasional international travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience with Siemens TIA Portal.
• Advanced experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT 3.
• Experience with EtherCAT and distributed I/O systems.
• Experience with Siemens and Beckhoff motion-control systems.
• Experience with servo drives and servo motors.
• Experience with safety PLCs and safety systems.
• Experience with industrial robotics.
• Experience with machine vision systems.
• Experience with SCADA systems.
• Experience with OPC UA and industrial data communication.
• Experience commissioning automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience working in pharmaceutical, medical-device, packaging, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with GMP, validation, or regulated production environments.
• Programming experience in Structured Text, Ladder Logic, or other IEC 61131-3 programming languages.

Technical Competencies

The successful candidate should be comfortable working with:

PLC / Controls

• Siemens S7-1200 / S7-1500
• Siemens TIA Portal / STEP 7
• Beckhoff TwinCAT 3
• IEC 61131-3 programming
• Structured Text

Industrial Networks

• PROFINET
• PROFIBUS
• EtherCAT
• Ethernet/IP
• TCP/IP
• OPC UA

Motion & Drives

• Servo systems
• VFDs
• Motion controllers
• Servo drives
• Motor control
• Positioning systems

Other Automation Systems

• HMI systems
• Safety PLCs
• Industrial robots
• Machine vision
• Remote-access systems
• Industrial PCs
• Distributed I/O

Field-Service Requirements

• Ability to travel approximately 50–90%, depending on customer requirements.
• Ability to work extended hours during machine installation, commissioning, or production support.
• Ability to respond to urgent customer issues when required.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to work safely around industrial machinery and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical customer personnel.

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate is:

• Customer-focused and professional.
• Highly analytical and methodical when troubleshooting.
• Comfortable working independently in unfamiliar environments.
• Able to remain calm and effective under production pressure.
• Proactive in identifying potential equipment problems.
• Strong at communicating technical issues and solutions.
• Willing to take ownership of problems through resolution.
• Comfortable working with customers, engineering teams, technicians, and management.
• Committed to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in industrial manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work around machinery for extended periods.
• Ability to safely use standard electrical and automation diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift and maneuver tools, equipment, and components as required.

Success in This Role

Success in this position will be measured by the engineer's ability to quickly and accurately diagnose automation problems, minimize customer downtime, successfully commission and repair equipment, provide high-quality technical support, and maintain strong customer relationships.

The ideal candidate will ultimately become a trusted technical resource for both customers and internal engineering and service teams.