Automation Specialist

Direct Recruiters, Inc.; Minnesota; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

12 paid holidays

Employer-paid medical options

Dental and vision coverage

401(k) with employer match

Life and disability insurance

Professional development

Job summary

Direct Recruiters, Inc. is partnering with a leading global industrial automation technology company to identify an Automation & Controls Support Engineer for its Minneapolis-area team.

This role involves hands-on work with sophisticated control systems, diagnosing issues, supporting I/O, fieldbus networks, and EtherCAT technologies, while delivering remote and occasional on-site customer support. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent education and hands-on experience.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks and control system architectures.
• Experience with EtherCAT or similar industrial communication technologies preferred.
• Working knowledge of IEC 61131‑3 programming, particularly Structured Text and Ladder Logic.
• Experience with C programming.
• Practical electrical experience at the industrial control panel level.
• Ability to read electrical schematics.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial automation hardware and software.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong customer‑facing communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve customer control system and industrial automation issues.
• Support modular I/O, fieldbus networks, safety technologies, and related control software.
• Troubleshoot software functions involving I/O configuration, networking, communications, and timing.
• Provide remote and occasional on-site support at customer machines and control systems.
• Document technical cases and contribute to internal knowledge bases.
• Escalate complex issues to product specialists and engineering resources as needed.
• Participate in a rotating after‑hours support schedule.

Skills

Industrial networks

Engineering problem-solving

Customer-facing communication

Self-motivated learn new tech

Travel readiness

Schematic reading

Oscilloscopes / diagnostics

Wireshark

Education

Electrical/Electronics Engineering degree

Equivalent hands-on experience

Tools

EtherCAT

IEC 61131-3 (Structured Text, Ladder Logic)

C programming

Job description

Direct Recruiters is partnering with a leading global industrial automation technology company to identify an Automation & Controls Support Engineer for its Minneapolis-area team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex automation problems, working directly with customers, and developing deep expertise across industrial I/O, networking, safety, controls, and EtherCAT technologies.

This is not a traditional help desk role. You’ll work hands‑on with sophisticated industrial control systems, troubleshooting real-world customer applications and driving technical support cases from initial diagnosis through resolution.

What You’ll Do

• Diagnose and resolve customer control system and industrial automation issues
• Support modular I/O, industrial fieldbus networks, safety technologies, and related control software
• Troubleshoot software functions involving I/O configuration, networking, communications, and timing
• Provide technical support for EtherCAT development technologies, including SubDevice Controllers, ASICs, FPGA IP cores, embedded stack code, and conformance testing tools
• Work with embedded systems, electronics, digital signals, and industrial communication architectures
• Utilize engineering and diagnostic tools including oscilloscopes, Wireshark, and binary file editors
• Read and interpret hardware datasheets, technical specifications, and electrical schematics
• Provide remote and occasional on‑site support at customer machines and control systems
• Conduct customer and internal technical training
• Document technical cases and contribute to internal knowledge bases
• Escalate complex issues to product specialists and engineering resources as needed
• Participate in a rotating after‑hours support schedule
• Assist with demonstrations, trade shows, and other technical projects

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent education and hands‑on experience
• Strong understanding of industrial networks and control system architectures
• Experience with EtherCAT or similar industrial communication technologies strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of IEC 61131‑3 programming, particularly Structured Text and Ladder Logic
• Experience with C programming
• Practical electrical experience at the industrial control panel level
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics
• Experience troubleshooting industrial automation hardware and software
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent customer‑facing communication skills
• Self‑motivated with the ability to learn new technologies quickly
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel approximately 10–30%

Why Consider It?

You’ll work across a broad portfolio of advanced automation technologies while developing particularly deep expertise in EtherCAT, industrial networking, I/O, embedded technologies, and control systems.

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, 12 paid holidays, employer‑paid medical options for employees and families, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with up to a 6% employer match, employer‑paid life and disability insurance, and professional development opportunities.