Automation Field Engineer

Suburban Enterprises; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(K) with employer match

No healthcare premium increases for 4?

Job summary

Suburban Enterprises in Wisconsin seeks an Automation Field Engineer to deploy, commission, troubleshoot, and support industrial automation at customer facilities. You will bridge engineering, project management, field personnel, and customers to ensure safe, on-time, on-budget execution per project specs.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in industrial electrical/automation, can read electrical schematics, program PLCs/HMIs, and document designs using AutoCAD Electrical.

Qualifications

• 2+ years hands-on experience in industrial electrical, controls, automation, or electromechanical systems.
• Education: Associate degree or technical certificate in Electrical Technology or related field.
• Strong troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and motor controls.

Responsibilities

• Design and document electrical schematics and BOMs using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Oversee or perform installation, wiring, and hardware setup for control systems.
• Program, test, and commission automation systems on-site and in-house.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and provide technical support.
• Ensure designs comply with NFPA 79, NEC, ISO 13849 compliance.

Skills

PLC/HMI troubleshooting

Electrical control systems

Electrical schematics

Education

Associate degree or technical certificate in Electrical Technology/related field

Tools

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Take Ownership of Your Career and Shape Your Future!

Are you ready to become an Employee Owner? At Suburban Enterprises, you not only work for the company you own the company! The ideal candidate is happy where he/she is currently employed but is interested in a more self-directed work environment, increased responsibility, and the opportunity to grow into additional roles. We would like to hire someone interested in a career, not a job, who wants to do the work and be recognized for a job well done!

The Role – Automation Field Engineer

The Automation Field Engineer is responsible for deploying, commissioning, troubleshooting, and supporting industrial automation and control systems at customer facilities. This role serves as the technical liaison between engineering, project management, field personnel, and the customer, providing hands-on support throughout equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and ongoing system operation. The Automation Field Engineer helps ensure projects are executed safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with project specifications and customer requirements.

What You'll Do

• Design & Documentation: Create detailed electrical schematics, panel layouts, and Bills of Materials (BOMs) using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Installation & Wiring: Oversee or perform physical electrical installation, panel wiring, and hardware setup for industrial control systems.
• Programming & Commissioning: Program, test, and commission industrial automation systems—including PLCs, HMIs, and AC/DC drives—both in-house and on-site.
• Troubleshooting & Technical Support: Perform advanced system troubleshooting and diagnostics to resolve complex issues with automation controls, machinery, and electrical hardware.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all designs, panel builds, and wiring comply with relevant electrical and safety standards (e.g., NFPA 79, NEC, ISO 13849).
• Customer & Technical Support: Provide high-level technical support and guidance to internal department technicians and external customers.

What You Bring (Required Experience)

• Education: Associate degree, technical diploma, or certificate in Electrical Technology, Industrial Automation, Controls, Mechatronics, Electronics, Instrumentation, or a related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Experience: 2+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial electrical, controls, automation, instrumentation, or electromechanical systems.
• Core Technical Skills:
  • Extensive experience troubleshooting industrial control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, sensors, and motor controls.
  • Experience programming and troubleshooting Rockwell PLCs and HMIs.
  • Experience reading, interpreting, and modifying electrical control schematics and control panel layouts using AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Computer Skills: Proficient with standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office, email, internet browsers, and basic file management.

Bonus Points For (Preferred Experience)

• Standards & Compliance: Familiarity with industrial electrical standards such as NFPA 79, NEC, and UL 508A for on‑site modifications.
• Networking: Understanding of industrial networking (Ethernet and Serial), concepts for troubleshooting plant communications.
• Industry Background: Direct service or maintenance experience within the food, beverage, or paper industries.
• Multi-Platform Exposure: Experience diagnosing or modifying Siemens PLCs and HMIs in addition to Rockwell.

What We Offer – Why Choose Suburban Enterprises?

• Team Member Ownership: Work for a company where your contributions directly impact your future

• Commitment to Safety: Safety isn’t just a priority; it’s our promise to you and your family

• Career Growth: This isn't just a job - it's a career path with opportunities for advancement
• Continuous Learning: Investment in your professional development
• Collaborative Culture: Work with a team that values respect, integrity, and excellence

• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive pay, ESOP, 401(K) with employer match, and no healthcare premium increases for 4 years

Ready to Join Us?

Our high standards of service to our customers and clients require that we select only the top team members based on our culture and core values so please read and understand them or come with clarifying questions because we work, live, hire and promote by them. We will choose new team members with great care because the future of Suburban Enterprises rests with them. You are here because we believe in your character and abilities.

If you're passionate about innovation, committed to excellence, and ready to be part of a company that invests in its people, we want to hear from you. Help us create a better future through innovation and automation.

We are an equal opportunity employer.