Remote Operations Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY
The Field Service Engineer will serve as the primary Toric Engineering representative for customers across Northeastern Illinois, supporting automation and controls systems within a 2 - 3 hour radius of their home office. This role is ideal for a candidate with a strong foundation in one of the following disciplines:
• AutoCAD Electrical / Control Panel Design
• PLC Programming & Controls Integration
• SCADA Development & Support
Regardless of technical emphasis, the ideal candidate will be responsible for field troubleshooting, system startups, customer support, and documentation. This is a hands-on role that combines technical depth with customer-facing service, offering autonomy, variety, and meaningful impact in the water/wastewater industry. This position is fully remote from a home office, with an estimated 30% travel to customer sites across Illinois and occasional travel to Toric headquarters in Indianapolis, IN.
KEY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
If CAD/AutoCAD Electrical-Focused:
• Perform project management
• Produce or modify control panel drawings, submittals, and O&Ms
• Develop bill of materials and maintain budget (equipment and labor)
• Perform and record calculations for heat loads, motor loads, power supply loads including PLCs
• Support field verification of panels, I/O checks, and panel troubleshooting.
• Assist with design corrections or redlines discovered during commissioning.
If PLC Programming-Focused:
• Develop, update, and troubleshoot PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, GE, Siemens, etc.).
• Perform control logic modifications and process optimization in the field.
• Collaborate with customers to diagnose equipment, process, and signal-related issues.
If SCADA/HMI-Focused:
• Configure or support SCADA platforms such as Wonderware, VTScada, GE iFIX, or Ignition.
• Troubleshoot communications, alarming, historian data, and system connectivity.
• Assist municipalities with SCADA performance, reporting, and system uptime.
IN ADDITION:
• Serve as Toric Engineering's primary field resource for customers in west Indiana and Illinois market.
• Respond to scheduled maintenance, emergency service calls, and remote/onsite troubleshooting needs.
• System startups, commissioning activities, equipment training and performance testing for PLC, SCADA, and automation systems.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, instrumentation, networking, and/or telemetry.
• Partner with municipal operators, contractors, plant staff, and engineering teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Provide clear documentation after each service visit, including reports, updates, time entries, and system notes.
• Coordinate scheduling with Toric's administrative team and communicate job status proactively.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service in all interactions.
• Maintain accurate daily timekeeping, expense tracking, and job cost documentation.
• Keep tools, equipment, and service vehicle clean, organized, and operational.
• Participate in remote team meetings and collaborate closely with Toric's Indiana engineering team.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• None
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Automation, or comparable experience.
• 5+ years of experience in controls, automation, SCADA, field service, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in at least one of the following areas: AutoCAD Electrical & panel documentation, PLC programming and field troubleshooting, SCADA development/administration
• Strong understanding of control panels, instrumentation, VFDs, and communication systems.
• Ability to work independently in remote environments with limited oversight.
• Strong problem-solving skills under time-sensitive or operational constraints.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally within 2-3 hours of home.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Knowledge of municipal water/wastewater processes, pumping systems, and instrumentation preferred.
SALARY RANGE: $80,000 - $105,000 based off experience
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Employees must be able to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Manual dexterity is required for handling tools, parts, and machinery. The role also requires frequent use of hands and fingers, as well as coordination to operate mechanical and powered equipment, including vehicles, and hand tools. This position requires frequent physical activity, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and reaching. Frequently required to talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Work is usually performed in remote office or Toric office, shop and technical field settings which employs a combination of office and technical equipment. Office work usually performed in an office setting free from disagreeable elements. Shop work is usually performed in a technical workshop or warehouse environment consisting of a covered or partially enclosed space with typical equipment and tools. Employees are exposed to moving mechanical parts, tools, powered equipment, and occasional fumes or airborne particles. Technical fieldwork involves regular travel by vehicle to customer sites, often outdoors or in industrial settings, and may include exposure to varying environmental conditions, uneven terrain, loud noise, and mechanical hazards. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. The noise level is typically moderate, and hearing protection may be required in certain areas. Standard weekly job hours: 40 hours.
Safety-Sensitive Designation:
This position has been designated as safety-sensitive because the individual performs duties that directly affect the health and safety of the employee, coworkers, customers, and the general public. These duties may include, but are not limited to:
• Operate pumps, valves, and process control systems.
• Work in confined spaces, trenches, and at heights.
• Participate in or supervise entry into tanks, manholes, or vaults.
• Must monitor gas levels, entry permits, and rescue procedures.
• Handle hazardous chemicals and pressurized systems.
Employees in this role are subject to:
• Drug and alcohol testing under federal and/or company policies.
• Fitness-for-duty evaluations as required.
• Strict adherence to safety policies and standard operating procedures
Benefits:

• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#LI-Remote
#LI-MW
#ToricEngineering
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.