Job Description
OT Support Specialist – Industrial Automation
Location: Crossville, TN
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $110-130k
Schedule: Onsite | Rotating Night/Weekend On-Call
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $110-130k
Schedule: Onsite | Rotating Night/Weekend On-Call
About the Opportunity
Sterling Engineering is partnering with an established manufacturer in Crossville, TN, to hire an experienced OT Support Specialist. This is a hands-on industrial automation support role focused on troubleshooting PLCs, SCADA systems, HMIs, industrial networks, and production equipment to minimize downtime and improve manufacturing reliability.
The ideal candidate has strong technical troubleshooting skills, enjoys working directly on the manufacturing floor, and can independently diagnose complex automation issues.
This position focuses on troubleshooting and supporting existing automation systems rather than developing new PLC software.
What You'll Do
- Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, sensors, drives, and industrial communication networks.
- Diagnose equipment faults, production stoppages, and recurring automation issues.
- Analyze PLC logic, I/O signals, machine sequences, alarms, and SCADA data to identify root causes.
- Work closely with Production and Maintenance to resolve equipment issues and restore operations.
- Perform authorized PLC backups, version control, and recovery activities.
- Troubleshoot industrial communication networks, including Profinet and Profibus.
- Support inverter and drive configuration, system integration, and commissioning activities.
- Verify equipment performance after repairs and monitor for recurring problems.
- Document troubleshooting findings, corrective actions, and technical resolutions.
- Collaborate with remote automation engineering specialists to resolve complex issues.
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
- Participate in a rotating night and weekend on-call schedule for critical automation issues.
What We're Looking For
- Mid-to-senior-level experience supporting industrial automation systems in manufacturing.
- Strong PLC troubleshooting experience with Siemens and Omron systems.
- Experience diagnosing WinCC and Ignition SCADA systems.
- Strong HMI troubleshooting experience, particularly Weintek and WinCC Advanced.
- Ability to read PLC logic, interpret electrical schematics, and troubleshoot I/O signals.
- Experience with industrial drives, inverters, and communication networks.
- Knowledge of Profinet and Profibus.
- Experience with SQL databases connected to PLC or SCADA systems.
- Strong root cause analysis and hands-on troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate with Production, Maintenance, and Engineering teams.
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related technical field preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting high-volume or continuous manufacturing operations.
- Familiarity with Movicon SCADA.
- Experience with WinCC Flexible, Pro-face, or Omron HMIs.
- Experience with automation system commissioning, integration, and recovery.
- Strong understanding of industrial equipment reliability and continuous improvement.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- Work directly with advanced industrial automation and manufacturing equipment.
- Take ownership of troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues.
- Collaborate with local manufacturing teams and international automation specialists.
- Make a direct impact on production uptime, equipment reliability, and operational performance.
- Opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Crossville, TN |
| Industry | Staffing/Employment Agencies |
| Salary | $110,000–$130,000 Per Year |
| Company Size | 500 to 999 employees |
| Year Founded | 1969 |
| Website | http://www.sterling-engineering.com |
About Company
Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:
- Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.
- Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.
Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.
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