Field Service Controls Engineer – VFD & PLC Systems

Riverside Drives; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Riverside Drives Inc. in Cleveland, OH is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to design, implement, and support industrial control systems, with a strong emphasis on VFD and PLC programming and troubleshooting.

You will work on ABB drives, AC/DC motor conversions, and customer-facing field service, collaborating with sales and our panel shop to deliver tailored solutions that minimize downtime and keep projects moving.

Qualifications

• Experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs), especially ABB.
• PLC programming and troubleshooting expertise.
• Strong understanding of industrial motor control (AC/DC motors, starters, overloads).
• Ability to diagnose field issues safely and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Commission, tune, and troubleshoot ABB AC and DC drives.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC systems (Allen-Bradley preferred; Siemens a plus).
• Support AC/DC motor conversions and DC-to-AC modernization projects.
• Assist sales with quoting drives, drive panels, AC/DC swaps, and MCC upgrades.
• Provide field service at customer sites across steel, wastewater, OEM, and manufacturing.
• Work with UL508A panel shop on panel testing, FAT, documentation, and wiring corrections.
• Interpret and update schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings.
• Troubleshoot industrial electrical systems.
• Offer technical support to customers and internal teams.
• Participate in product selection for drives, reactors, soft starters, motors, and accessories.

Skills

ABB drives experience

PLC programming

Industrial motor control

Field service

Electrical troubleshooting

Customer interaction

Tools

ABB drives

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

AutoCAD Electrical

Ethernet/IP

Modbus TCP

Job description

Since 1985, Riverside Drives Inc. has been a trusted provider of high-quality power transmission equipment and custom control solutions. As a family-owned business, we focus on exceptional service, competitive pricing, and industry-leading delivery times.

We serve municipal, industrial, OEM, and infrastructure projects across the Midwest—designing and building custom UL508A control panels, distributing ABB drives and motors, and supporting customers with field service, troubleshooting, and modernization work. Our commitment to reliability and innovation helps our clients minimize downtime and complete projects with confidence.

Company Description

Since 1985, Riverside Drives Inc. has been a trusted provider of high-quality power transmission equipment and custom control solutions. As a family-owned business, we focus on exceptional service, competitive pricing, and industry-leading delivery times.

We serve municipal, industrial, OEM, and infrastructure projects across the Midwest—designing and building custom UL508A control panels, distributing ABB drives and motors, and supporting customers with field service, troubleshooting, and modernization work. Our commitment to reliability and innovation helps our clients minimize downtime and complete projects with confidence.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role for a Controls Engineer based in Cleveland, OH.

You will play a hands-on role in designing, implementing, and supporting industrial control systems—with a strong emphasis on VFD and PLC programming and troubleshooting, engineering solutions, AC/DC motor conversions, and customer-facing field work. Travel outside of Northeast Ohio is extremely uncommon.

You’ll collaborate with our sales, engineering, and panel shop teams to deliver tailored solutions that keep our customers’ equipment running and their projects moving.

What You’ll Do

• Commission, tune, and troubleshoot ABB AC and DC drives
• Program and troubleshoot PLC systems (Allen-Bradley preferred; Siemens a plus)
• Support AC/DC motor conversions and DC-to-AC modernization projects
• Assist sales with quoting drives, drive panels, AC/DC swaps, and MCC upgrades
• Provide field service at customer sites across steel, wastewater, OEM, and manufacturing
• Work with our UL508A panel shop on panel testing, FAT, documentation, and wiring corrections
• Interpret and update schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings
• Troubleshoot industrial electrical systems
• Offer technical support to customers and internal teams
• Participate in product selection for drives, reactors, soft starters, motors, and accessories

What We’re Looking For

• Experience with variable frequency drives, ideally ABB
• PLC programming/troubleshooting capability
• Strong understanding of industrial motor control (AC/DC motors, starters, overloads, etc.)
• Ability to diagnose field issues safely and effectively
• Familiarity with MCCs, power distribution, and industrial control hardware
• Excellent communication and customer interaction skills

Nice-to-Haves

• ABB drive certifications or manufacturer training (Rockwell, Siemens, WEG, ect.)
• UL508A panel shop experience
• AutoCAD Electrical exposure
• Understanding of harmonics, line/load reactors, and power-quality issues
• Familiarity with Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profibus, or Profinet

Why Join Riverside Drives

• Family-owned, stable business with 40 years of industry presence
• Work directly with ABB drives, motors, and custom industrial panels
• Meaningful, hands-on engineering — not corporate red tape
• Wide variety of projects across multiple industries
• Competitive pay, benefits, and long-term growth opportunities