Field Controls Engineer

| GrayMatter |; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer paid short term disability

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and PTO

Parental leave

Job summary

GrayMatter is seeking a Field Controls Engineer who will own on-site control systems work nationwide. You will commission, start up, and troubleshoot industrial automation systems, collaborating with customers, OEMs, and remote engineering teams.

The role demands travel, a disciplined approach, and strong problem-solving in fast-paced environments. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s in electrical engineering or related field, hands-on Rockwell PLC experience, and a proven ability to read

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electrical Engineering Technology or equivalent.
• Rockwell PLC experience is required.
• Hands-on experience commissioning, troubleshooting, and supporting industrial automation systems.
• Experience with PLC programming/modification (Rockwell preferred).

Responsibilities

• Commission, start up, and troubleshoot industrial control systems at customer sites.
• Perform I/O checkout, device validation, system testing, and field modifications during startup.
• Assist with PLC/HMI programming changes to support functionality and production readiness.
• Travel 80–100% to customer sites, including extended assignments.
• Document activities and communicate project status to stakeholders.

Skills

Rockwell PLC experience

Field commissioning

Troubleshooting

Electrical schematics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Rockwell ControlLogix

CompactLogix

FactoryTalk View ME/SE

Industrial networking

Job description

Who Is GrayMatter

We're the Thinkers who make machines speak.

Who Is GrayMatter

We're the Thinkers who make machines speak. We're the Doers who make their stories matter. At GrayMatter, we uncover the industrial intelligence buried in clipboards, legacy systems, and human memory. We discover it, transform it, and turn it into insight. From the drill press to the boardroom, we help you think smarter and do better - by listening to the machines you already trust.

And that's where you come in. GrayMatter is dedicated to creating a team of unmatched talent in industrial technology. Our organizational culture encourages opportunities to learn and collaborate. Six core values make Team GrayMatter stand above the rest: Bias to Action, Batteries Included, Unbounded Curiosity, Everybody Wins, Built to Last, Actionable Insight.

We're looking for a highly skilled Field Controls Engineer to join our team and take ownership of complex, on-site control systems work across the country. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in the field, enjoys solving problems firsthand at customer locations, and brings a disciplined, detail-driven approach to every project.

This position requires confidence, precision, and a strong sense of responsibility. You may work with a team or independently, representing our team on-site, so a careful, methodical, and task-oriented mindset is essential.

General Job Duties

• Serve as a commissioning engineer as part of the customer's project team supporting material handling and distribution systems.


• Commission, start up, and troubleshoot industrial control systems, ensuring safe and reliable operation.


• Perform I/O checkout, device validation, system testing, and field modifications during startup and commissioning activities.


• Assist with PLC and HMI programming modifications to support system functionality and production readiness.


• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), system integration, and production ramp-up activities.


• Coordinate with customer personnel, OEMs, electricians, mechanics, and remote engineering teams to resolve technical issues.


• Document commissioning activities, issues, and resolutions, and communicate project status to stakeholders.


• Provide operator and maintenance support and training as required during system startup.


• Travel independently to customer sites 80-100% of the time, including extended assignments and flexible work schedules during commissioning.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.


• Rockwell PLC experience is required.


• Hands-on experience commissioning, troubleshooting, and supporting industrial automation systems.


• Experience with PLC programming and modification (Rockwell preferred; Siemens, Modicon, or other platforms a plus).


• Strong understanding of industrial control systems, electrical devices, motors, VFDs, sensors, safety circuits, and field instrumentation.


• Experience performing I/O checkout, startup, FAT/SAT support, and production commissioning.


• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, panel layouts, network diagrams, and control documentation.


• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving skills in fast-paced industrial environments.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a professional, customer-focused approach.


• Ability to work independently in the field while collaborating effectively with customers, subcontractors, OEMs, and remote engineering teams.


• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (80-100%), including evenings, weekends, and extended assignments as required by project schedules.


• Commitment to GrayMatter's Core Values: Accountability, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork.

Most Preferred Skillsets

• Rockwell ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs


• FactoryTalk View ME/SE HMIs


• Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, DeviceNet, etc.)


• Wonderware / AVEVA


• Ignition


• GE iFIX


• Variable Frequency Drives (PowerFlex, ABB, Siemens, etc.)


• Machine Vision Systems (Cognex, Keyence)


• Safety PLCs and safety systems (GuardLogix, Pilz, Banner)


• Barcode scanners, RFID, and other material handling technologies

Preferred experience

• Material Handling and Distribution Centers


• Warehouse Automation


• Conveyor and Sortation Systems


• Packaging


• Food & Beverage


• Consumer Products


• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing


• High-Speed Manufacturing Environments

Featured Benefits

• Employer paid short term disability and life insurance


• 401(k) with up to 4% company match


• Paid holidays, paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid parental leave


• Additional benefits available such as long term disability, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, EAP, telemedicine, HSA and FSA