Description Service & Automation EngineerThis position supports customers with technical service needs related to advanced manufacturing equipment and automated production systems. The role focuses on troubleshooting, upgrade support, and automation software commissioning to ensure equipment performance, uptime, and customer satisfaction.
You will travel to customer sites and work independently to diagnose and resolve technical issues. Candidates should be self-driven, organized, and comfortable handling service requests both on-site and remotely. Travel may be required on short notice, with service visits typically lasting 1-2 weeks and occasionally longer. When not traveling, you will provide remote support and contribute to continuous improvement of service operations.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Support & Service
- Serve as a primary technical contact for customer inquiries and service requests.
- Provide remote troubleshooting support using phone, email, and secure remote access tools.
- Diagnose issues and guide customers through corrective actions.
- Escalate complex problems to specialized engineering teams when needed.
- Perform on-site service work such as troubleshooting, commissioning, maintenance, and repairs when remote resolution is not possible.
PLC Programming & Troubleshooting
- Modify, test, and debug PLC programs across modern and legacy control platforms (examples include Siemens and Allen-Bradley systems).
- Troubleshoot ladder logic, function blocks, and structured text issues.
- Optimize control logic for performance, safety, and efficiency.
- Perform online/offline edits during commissioning or service activities.
Drive Configuration & Diagnostics
- Configure and troubleshoot VFDs, servo drives, and motion controllers.
- Set motor parameters, feedback devices, and motion profiles.
- Diagnose drive faults such as overcurrent, encoder errors, or communication issues.
- Integrate drives with PLC systems via industrial networks (e.g., EtherNet/IP, Profinet).
HMI / SCADA Support
- Create or modify operator interface screens including alarms, trends, recipes, and controls.
- Connect PLC tags to HMI objects and verify communications.
- Adjust user interfaces based on operator feedback.
- Troubleshoot display, scripting, or communication issues.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
- Confirm resolution of service issues and ensure equipment reliability.
- Provide feedback to engineering teams on recurring problems or improvement opportunities.
- Document service activities and customer interactions in internal systems.
Collaboration
- Support spare-parts identification and service quotation activities.
- Share technical knowledge with internal teams and participate in project discussions.
Requirements Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
- Hands-on experience with PLC troubleshooting and remote diagnostics.
- Experience supporting industrial machinery or automated production systems preferred.
- Strong knowledge of automation and control systems including PLCs, HMIs, drives, and motors.
- Experience modifying automation software during commissioning or service work.
- Ability to read electrical schematics and P& ID drawings.
- Broad technical skill set with the ability to support multiple types of equipment.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple service cases.
- Strong communication skills with a customer-focused mindset.
- Additional language skills are a plus.
- Willingness to travel 25-50% of the time, including occasional extended trips.
Technology Doesn't Change the World, People Do.
Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
Never miss an opportunity! Create an alert based on the job you applied for.