Field Service Controls Engineer - Life Science Division

ATC Automation is looking for a Field Service Controls Engineer - Life Sciences Division to join our team in Cookeville, TN. If you enjoy solving complex technical problems, working with advanced automation, and seeing your engineering work come to life on the factory floor, this is an opportunity to make a real impact.

In this role, you'll work with custom-built automation systems used by leading manufacturers around the world. You'll combine controls engineering, automation, robotics, electrical systems, and hands-on field service to bring equipment online, solve challenging problems, and help customers achieve reliable, high-performing production. No two projects are exactly alike. You'll travel to customer facilities, work alongside experienced engineers and technicians, troubleshoot everything from PLCs and robots to electrical and pneumatic systems, and play a key role from installation and startup through validation and customer acceptance.

If you thrive on variety, hands-on problem solving, customer interaction, and learning new technologies, we'd like to hear from you.

Meet ATC Automation

Since 1977, ATC Automation has been a trusted leader in designing and building custom automation solutions. From concept to commissioning, we partner with some of the world's top brands to deliver precision-engineered machinery that improves efficiency, reliability, and performance. Our expertise spans industries that shape the way we live and move-Life Sciences, Transportation, Consumer Products, and General Industry.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Opportunities for technical growth and professional development
• Exposure to cutting-edge automation, robotics, controls, and manufacturing technologies
• The opportunity to work with leading manufacturers across the U.S. and internationally

What You'll Do

As a Field Service Controls Engineer, you'll be a key technical resource supporting custom automated equipment throughout installation, startup, troubleshooting, validation, and ongoing operation.

Field Service & Customer Support

• Travel to customer facilities throughout the U.S. and internationally to install, troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize automated equipment.
• Provide hands-on technical support during machine installation, startup, commissioning, upgrades, validation, and customer acceptance activities.
• Diagnose and resolve challenging electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, robotics, and controls issues.
• Provide remote technical support and troubleshooting assistance when customers need help.
• Work directly with customers to understand equipment issues, develop solutions, and improve machine performance and reliability.
• Build strong customer relationships by communicating clearly, responding quickly, and taking ownership of technical challenges.
• Partner with internal engineering and project teams to resolve issues and keep projects moving forward.

Controls & Automation

• Develop, troubleshoot, and modify PLC programs, HMI applications, ladder logic, motion control systems, and automated machine sequences.
• Troubleshoot and optimize machine controls to improve equipment performance, reliability, and functionality.
• Program and troubleshoot industrial robots, including path adjustments and process optimization.
• Interpret electrical and pneumatic schematics, bills of material, and other technical documentation.
• Use multimeters, electrical testers, and other diagnostic equipment to identify and resolve electrical issues.
• Apply electrical wiring standards, machine safety practices, and industry best practices when troubleshooting and modifying equipment.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of industrial automation, electrical components, pneumatics, robotics, motion control, and industrial communications.

Technical Collaboration

• Work closely with controls, electrical, mechanical, and project engineering teams to identify and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Help identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Share knowledge and provide technical guidance to engineers and team members.
• Document troubleshooting activities, equipment modifications, and technical solutions.
• Bring field experience and customer feedback back to the engineering team to help improve future equipment and projects.

PLCs & Controls

Experience with one or more of the following platforms is valuable:

• Allen-Bradley / Rockwell - Logix, Studio 5000
• Siemens - Step 7, TIA Portal
• Omron
• Mitsubishi
• Schneider
• Beckhoff

HMI & Monitoring

• Allen-Bradley
• Siemens
• Omron
• Mitsubishi
• Schneider
• Pro-face
• Ignition
• FTTM
• SQL

Robotics

• FANUC
• Epson
• KUKA
• Yaskawa
• Denso
• Stäubli

Industrial Networks

• Ethernet
• EtherNet/IP
• Profinet
• IO-Link
• EtherCAT

Motion Control

• Allen-Bradley
• Siemens
• IAI
• Festo
• B&R

Vision & Automated Testing

• Cognex
• Keyence
• Force testing systems such as Kistler and SigPOD
• Leak testing systems such as CTS, Cosmo, or similar systems

Required Experience

We're looking for someone who combines strong technical skills with a hands-on, customer-focused approach.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent hands-on automation and controls experience will be considered.
• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering, field service engineering, automation, systems integration, or a related technical role.
• Strong experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment.
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex automation systems and develop effective solutions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work directly with customers.
• Ability to work effectively with engineering, project management, and other cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in fast-paced customer environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 75%, including domestic and international travel.

Preferred Experience

Experience in any of the following areas is a plus:

• Life Sciences or regulated manufacturing
• Machine commissioning and startup
• Equipment validation
• Robotics
• Motion control
• Industrial networking
• Vision systems
• Automated testing systems
• HMI development
• Database or manufacturing monitoring systems
• Systems integration

Why Join ATC Automation?

At ATC Automation, you won't be working on the same machine every day.

You'll work on custom automation systems, travel to customer facilities, collaborate with talented engineering teams, and encounter new technical challenges across a wide variety of applications.

You'll have the opportunity to build expertise across multiple PLC, HMI, robotics, motion, vision, networking, and automation platforms rather than being limited to a single technology or application.

You'll also have the support of experienced engineers and technicians while having the opportunity to take ownership of complex technical challenges and grow your career.

Most importantly, you'll see the results of your work. Your expertise will directly contribute to the successful installation, validation, and operation of equipment used by customers in the Life Sciences and advanced manufacturing industries.

What You Can Expect

• Full-time, direct-hire position
• Based at ATC Automation's headquarters in Cookeville, TN
• Approximately 75% domestic and international travel
• Hands-on work with advanced automation and robotics technologies
• A wide variety of projects, technologies, and customer environments
• Opportunities for technical growth and professional development
• Collaboration with experienced engineering and automation professionals
• The opportunity to solve challenging problems and see your solutions operating in the real world

Physical Demands

• Stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead, and bend to floor.
• Exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally.
• Exert 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently.
• Exert up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• VISUAL ACUITY: Near acuity with or without accommodation.
• HEARING Ability: Ability to monitor machine sounds to identify and diagnose.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position. This job description is subject to change but will remain in effect until superseded or canceled in writing by Human Resources.

ATC Automation is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

ATC Automation is the Automation segment of TASI Group. The TASI Group of Companies is comprised of four technologically advanced Strategic Business Segments commonly linked by a disciplined focus on Product Integrity, Package Integrity, and Automation. Each TASI company delivers world-class products and services, focusing on our global customer needs in diverse market segments. TASI has served several thousand global customers over the years and enjoys a very high rate of repeat customers, many of which are Blue Chip Global Companies. Major Markets include: Automotive, Medical Devices, Life Science, Pharmaceutical, Packaging, Oil & Gas, Food & Beverage, Consumer Goods and General Industrial Equipment.