Field Service Engineer (PLCs/Electromechanical)

Sterling Engineering; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in the Elgin area is seeking a hands-on Field Service Engineer to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and qualify capital equipment at customer sites. Travel is domestic and international, and candidates must be comfortable working directly with customers to diagnose issues and implement repairs.

The role requires strong electromechanical expertise, the ability to read blueprints and electrical schematics, PLC experience with RSLogix, and proficiency with calibration tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience (4+ years preferred).
• Experience working with PLCs and control systems (RSLogix preferred).
• Strong understanding of electromechanical systems.
• Experience with high-voltage equipment preferred.
• Proficiency with diagnostic and calibration tools.
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills.
• Ability to travel frequently, including overnight and international travel.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate service visits, including identifying required tools, parts, and travel logistics.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment issues across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Perform repairs, replace components, and reprogram control systems as needed.
• Execute equipment qualification protocols at internal and customer sites.
• Perform calibration activities and ensure equipment meets operational standards.
• Provide on-site maintenance, preventive maintenance, and operational support.
• Respond to customer service calls and recommend corrective actions.
• Conduct factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Train customers on equipment operation and process optimization.
• Maintain accurate service documentation, reports, and expense records.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience

Tools

RSLogix

Job description

Location: Onsite - Elgin area (Travel Required – Domestic & International)

Target Salary: $70,000-$75,000 (Significant Overtime Potential)

Must Have Skill Set:

Electromechanical troubleshooting experience

Ability to read blueprints and electrical schematics

Experience with PLCs (RSLogix preferred)

Hands-on experience with calibration and diagnostic tools (multimeters, pressure gauges, temp probes)

Strong problem-solving skills in mechanical, electrical, and control systems

Ability to travel 9-12 weeks at a time (domestic & international)

Overview:

We are seeking a Field Service Engineer to support installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and qualification of capital equipment at customer sites. This role requires strong electromechanical expertise and the ability to work directly with customers to diagnose issues, perform repairs, and ensure equipment operates to specification. The ideal candidate is hands-on, customer-focused, and comfortable traveling to support a variety of field-based service needs.

Job Duties:

Plan and coordinate service visits, including identifying required tools, parts, and travel logistics

Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment issues across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems

Perform repairs, replace components, and reprogram control systems as needed

Execute equipment qualification protocols at internal and customer sites

Perform calibration activities and ensure equipment meets operational standards

Provide on-site maintenance, preventive maintenance, and operational support

Respond to customer service calls and recommend corrective actions

Conduct factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT)

Train customers on equipment operation and process optimization

Maintain accurate service documentation, reports, and expense records

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent hands-on experience (4+ years preferred)

Experience working with PLCs and control systems (RSLogix preferred)

Strong understanding of electromechanical systems

Experience with high-voltage equipment preferred

Proficiency with diagnostic and calibration tools

Strong communication and customer-facing skills

Ability to travel frequently, including overnight and international travel

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.