Automation Service Engineer

PPC Partners; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PPC Partners seeks a Senior Engineer, Automation Service to lead design, programming, installation, and support of industrial automation systems. You will collaborate with clients on-site, diagnose issues, and mentor junior staff while helping scope projects and estimates.

Strong PLC/HMI skills and field-service experience are essential for success. The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and staying current with evolving technologies in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years hands-on industrial automation experience across multiple industries.
• Deep expertise in PLC and HMI programming, sensors, VFDs, safety systems, and IT integration.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in field-service environments.

Responsibilities

• System design, programming, installation, and support of automated systems across industrial apps.
• Onsite service calls, diagnostics, and delivering timely solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers, collaborate with customers, and identify improvement opportunities.
• Assist with scoping work and estimates to support business development.
• Prioritize safety and promote open communication between field and office.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Troubleshooting

Reading drawings

IT networks

Problem solving

Mentoring

Customer collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Higher education in a relevant field

Tools

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

Modbus

Job description

The Senior Engineer, Automation Service is responsible for the design, programming, installation, and support of industrial automation systems. This position involves direct collaboration with clients, on-site troubleshooting, and the delivery of tailored automation solutions. The engineer will also support business development efforts by assisting with project scoping and estimates, while mentoring junior team members and staying current with evolving technologies. This role requires strong problem-solving skills, hands-on experience with PLCs and HMIs, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, field-service-oriented environment.

At PPC Partners we believe in the Power to Serve along with the Pursuit of Excellence. As such the following values guide our behaviors: A Servant's Heart - Focus on the Needs of Others, Wisdom - Insightful, Integrity - Honesty and Trustworthy, Courage - Decisive and Confident in Others, Humility - Modest and Respectful, Passion - Unfailing Dedication

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

System Design, Programming, & Implementation

• Design, program, install, and support automated systems across a variety of industrial applications
• Program PLCs & HMIs from scratch or modify existing codes to meet project requirements
• Read and interpret electrical & mechanical drawings

Service, Support, and Troubleshooting

• Perform onsite service calls, diagnosing issues and delivering solutions efficiently
• Provide ongoing technical support and maintenance for deployed systems to ensure reliable performance

Collaboration, Mentorship, & Professional Development

• Support business development by identifying opportunities, scoping work, and assisting with estimates
• Continuously learn and adapt to new technologies and industry trends
• Mentor and support junior engineers and technicians as the department grows
• Collaborate with customers to recommend improvements and value-added solutions

Safety/Hazard Recognition & Elimination

• Pre-plan and identify the methods to eliminate hazards daily by work task.
• Execute skill in observing habits and hazards of others and bringing it to their attention.
• Uphold safety as the most important goal of our company. Support goal of achieving zero accidents.
• Promote and encourage open communication between field and office regarding all safety concerns, suggestions, improvements, and PPE needed.
• Obtain safety training as expected by all company personnel.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High School Diploma (or equivalent) required
• Higher education in a relevant field preferred
• 10 years of hands-on industrial automation experience across manufacturing, material handling, processing, logistics, and other industries
• Deep expertise in automation and controls, including PLC & HMI programming, sensors, VFDs & motor controls, safety systems, IT system integration, and communication networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.)

Experience, Skill and Abilities

• Positive safety attitude and personal integrity -- both are non-negotiable
• Strong mechanical aptitude to complement electrical and automation skills
• Ability to reverse-engineer and develop solutions for 3rd party or legacy systems
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills under time-sensitive conditions
• Excellent communication skills--able to translate complex technical concepts for both engineers and non-technical customers
• Entrepreneurial mindset--always seeking ways to add value, drive growth, and improve operations
• A natural leader who aligns with our core values and sets an example for others

Physical Requirements

• Office and field environment requiring sitting and standing. Travel to various work sites is essential, possibly exposing employee to outdoor elements, noise and the need to stand and walk.

Pieper Automation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.