Industrial Automation Field Service Engineer

Where you’ll make an impact

Start your week from your home base in St. Louis, MO, sync with the Chesterfield office, and head out to plants across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. One day you’re diagnosing a PLC fault on a packaging line; the next you’re fine-tuning a robot’s motion profile or assembling machine guarding so production can safely resume. You’ll own the troubleshooting, the customer communication, and the follow-through that gets complex automation back online.

Role snapshot

• Location: St. Louis, MO (Chesterfield office support)
• Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
• Industry: Industrial Automation • Robotics • PLC Controls • Field Service
• Schedule: Flexible hours aligned to customer/project needs; occasional extended days
• Travel: ~50–60% on average; may reach ~70% with service demand
• Territory: Missouri, Illinois, Indiana

Compensation & benefits

• Base Salary: $75,000–$80,000 (experience-based), overtime eligible
• Vehicle Allowance: $500–$700 per month
• Mileage: $0.39 per mile
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer contribution
• Time Off: PTO plus company-paid holidays
• Tools: Corporate card for approved business expenses

A day in the life

• Review support tickets in Zendesk, plan site visits in Service-Pro, and align with internal engineering.
• Arrive on-site and isolate faults on PLC-controlled machinery, robotic cells, motion control, and electrical panels.
• Read ladder logic, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical prints to get to root cause.
• Implement fixes: adjust PLC code, replace components, tune drives, or perform mechanical repairs.
• Install aluminum extrusion framing, guarding, and fencing to support safe automation deployments.
• Document findings, create repair recommendations and service proposals, and close out work orders.
• Advise customers on improvements and future automation solutions; nurture long-term relationships.

Core responsibilities

• Perform on-site troubleshooting, repairs, start-ups, and installs across MO/IL/IN.
• Diagnose mechanical, electrical, and controls issues; execute effective, lasting repairs.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, robots, motion control, and industrial control panels; assist with program edits.
• Interpret schematics/blueprints and PLC programs to guide diagnostics.
• Manage multiple service projects from intake through proposal, execution, and completion.
• Coordinate schedules and communications via internal service systems, including Zendesk and Service-Pro.
• Collaborate with automation/electrical engineers, technical service, and sales to deliver solutions.
• Identify opportunities for additional services, upgrades, and process improvements.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and participate in ongoing training.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years in industrial automation, field service, maintenance, robotics, machine tool service, or similar (preferred).
• Two-year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Automation, Industrial Maintenance, or related (strongly preferred).
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC systems, robotics, or electrical controls.
• Mechanical aptitude to diagnose and repair complex industrial machinery.
• Proficient reading electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, blueprints, and technical docs.
• Working knowledge of panels, sensors, motors, drives, and controls components.
• Analytical, self-directed problem solver with strong communication and customer service.
• Able to juggle multiple projects and set priorities effectively.
• Willing to travel ~50–70% as business requires; valid driver’s license with clean record.
• Comfortable with flexible hours; effective working independently and with cross-functional teams.

Preferred background

• Experience with Siemens PLCs, drives, and automation products.
• Robotics and motion control troubleshooting.
• PLC programming, modifications, diagnostics, and integration.
• Prior roles: Automation/Field Service/Controls/Industrial Maintenance/Robotics/Machine Tool Service Technician.
• Installation, service, or troubleshooting for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Electrical control panel assembly, wiring, install, and troubleshooting.
• Exposure to industrial distributors, integrators, or manufacturing service providers.
• Proposal writing, project management, or customer-facing service coordination.
• Familiarity with Zendesk, Service-Pro, or similar tools.

Growth & development

• Advance into senior service, automation, or engineering paths.
• Receive mentoring and hands-on training from experienced automation and electrical engineers.
• Deepen expertise in PLCs, robotics, motion control, and broader factory automation.
• Build project management and customer-facing skills while working with diverse equipment.
• Pursue a long-term career within a growing Automation & Factory Solutions team.

Ready to keep critical production moving and be the expert customers rely on?

MagTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.