Lead Field Automation Engineer – On‑Site Controls & PLCs

Software Placement Group; Johnson Creek (WI); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Benefits package

Equity/ownership potential

Job summary

Software Placement Group in Wisconsin is seeking a Lead Field Automation Specialist to own field maintenance and PLC/HMI projects across Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The role combines electro-mechanical troubleshooting with rigorous controls programming in a highly autonomous field environment.

You will work with a company vehicle, address service calls and upgrades, and advise clients to minimize downtime while advancing automation capabilities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years electro-mechanical industrial maintenance experience.
• 2+ years PLC programming and HMI screen configuration.
• Expertise in panel wiring, schematics, power distribution, motor controls.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems and associated components.
• Associate degree in automated systems/controls/mechatronics or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Must reside within a 45-minute drive of Johnson Creek, WI.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record; U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Responsibilities

• Provide field maintenance, service calls, startups, retrofits across WI and Northern IL using company vehicle.
• Architect and program control software across PLC and HMI platforms.
• Troubleshoot electrical panels, VFDs, motor drives, safety interlocks on-site.
• Repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems on custom machinery and lines.
• Install, commission and retrofit automation equipment including panels and safety devices.
• Interpret complex electrical schematics on-site to minimize downtime and advise clients.

Skills

Electro-mechanical maintenance

PLC programming

HMI configuration

Panel wiring & schematics

Hydraulic & pneumatic systems

Education

Associate Degree in Automated Systems / Controls / Mechatronics

Tools

FANUC

Universal Robots

Ignition SCADA

Job description

Software Placement Group in Wisconsin is seeking a Lead Field Automation Specialist to own field maintenance and PLC/HMI projects across Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. The role combines electro-mechanical troubleshooting with rigorous controls programming in a highly autonomous field environment.

You will work with a company vehicle, address service calls and upgrades, and advise clients to minimize downtime while advancing automation capabilities.