Field Automation Engineer – PLC & Machine Commissioning

Keystone Distinction Group; Menomonee Falls, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Distinction Group in Menomonee Falls, WI, is seeking a Field Automation Engineer – PLC & Machine Commissioning to lead on-site installations, FAT/SAT testing, and global field deployments.

You will collaborate with design engineers, perform PLC/HMI downloads, troubleshoot high-voltage panels, and drive engineering changes from the field while reporting directly to the CEO.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on industrial machinery service/commissioning.
• Able to troubleshoot automated systems and interpret electrical/mechanical/pneumatic schematics.
• Willingness to travel 40–70 days per year, with passport ready.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site machinery installations and system integrations worldwide.
• Perform PLC and HMI software downloads and verify logic parameters.
• Coordinate FAT procedures prior to shipment and SAT at client facilities.
• Submit Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) based on field insights.
• Oversee technical setup and electrical hookup for industry trade shows.
• Provide operator training and field service documentation.

Skills

Field service experience

PLC/HMI troubleshooting

Schematics fluency

High-voltage systems

Multi-axis motors

Travel readiness

On-site installations

Tools

Field service tools

Job description

Field Automation Engineer – PLC & Machine Commissioning

Up to $80,000 Base Salary + Per Diem Menomonee Falls, WI Area First Shift & Global Travel

• COMPENSATION: Starting base salary up to $80,000 (scaling with field depth) + travel per diem + full benefits package.
• WORK SCHEDULE: First Shift base hours for shop assembly and testing, paired with scheduled domestic and international field service deployments (40–70 travel days annually).
• WORK ENVIRONMENT: State-of-the-art manufacturing facility and assembly lab in the Menomonee Falls area combined with modern field environments globally; high-visibility seat reporting directly to the CEO with zero corporate bureaucracy.
• EXPERIENCE & TECH STACK: 2+ years of hands-on industrial machinery service/commissioning, high-voltage (480V) control panels, PLC/HMI software downloads, print/schematic fluency, low-voltage sensors, and multi-axis motors.
• COMPANY STABILITY & CULTURE: Established, highly stable global manufacturer of high-performance automated systems with a reputation for precision craftsmanship, heavy reinvestment, flat organizational structure, and strong team culture.
• REQUIREMENTS / COMPLIANCE: US Citizen or Green Card holder; valid passport (or immediate capability to acquire one); must reside within daily commuting distance of Menomonee Falls, WI; candidate-provided mechanical/electrical field service toolset.

If you are a versatile technical specialist looking to escape the monotony of a fixed plant maintenance loop or a repetitive production floor, this high-visibility global engineering support seat offers your ideal career destination. Operating out of a state-of-the-art facility in the Menomonee Falls area, this role blends precision shop testing with hands-on international deployments.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will bypass slow-moving corporate matrixes and take true ownership of the full equipment lifecycle. Rather than focusing solely on reactive break/fix field repairs, you will lead internal Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) on the production floor, execute final Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) live at client facilities worldwide, and collaborate directly with design engineers to submit Engineering Change Requests (ECRs). You will enjoy massive operational autonomy, direct respect for your floor expertise, and constant technical variety across cutting-edge automated systems.

What You Will Be Doing (Daily Responsibilities)

• Spearhead Global Field Commissioning: Lead on-site machinery installations, system integrations, and final Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) at client facilities worldwide while delivering professional technical guidance to site operators.
• Execute Electro-Mechanical Diagnostics: Apply advanced diagnostic principles to isolate component faults, troubleshoot complex automated machinery, and implement lasting technical solutions using multi-page schematics.
• Manage Controls & Logic Deployment: Perform PLC and HMI software downloads, verify logic parameters, and safely work inside high-voltage control panels, multi-axis industrial drives, and low-voltage sensor networks.
• Direct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT): Schedule and spearhead internal FAT procedures prior to shipment, auditing completed machinery exiting production to guarantee zero-defect quality standards.
• Drive Engineering Design Improvements: Formulate and submit Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) to design engineering based on real-world field insights, directly optimizing future machinery design.
• Lead Technical Trade Show Staging: Oversee the technical setup, mechanical alignment, and electrical hookup of custom automated equipment for industry trade shows.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements & Qualifications)

• 2+ Years of Dedicated Field Depth: Verifiable track record commissioning, servicing, or maintaining complex electro-mechanical industrial machinery or capital equipment.
• Schematics & Controls Aptitude: Fully comfortable troubleshooting automated systems, wiring industrial controls, and interpreting multi-page electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic schematics with minimal oversight.
• Global Mobility & Passport Readiness: Full, unconditional willingness and capability to travel 40 to 70 days per year, maintaining a valid passport for seamless international field deployments.
• Communication & Professionalism: Customer-facing communication with an organized mindset essential for operator training, field service logging, and client collaboration.
• Local Commute & Tooling: Must reside within a daily commute of the Menomonee Falls, WI area and possess a comprehensive mechanical and electrical field service toolset.
• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States (US Citizen or Green Card holder) without sponsorship requirements.

Preferred Technical Assets (Bonus Skills)

• PLC / HMI Programming Environments: Exposure to troubleshooting or modifying logic in Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000/Logix) or Siemens TIA Portal setups.
• Rigging & Precision Alignment: Hands-on experience with precision laser alignment, rigging, and heavy machinery leveling.
• Client Training Background: Prior experience delivering structured operator and maintenance team training during equipment handovers.