Service Controls Engineer

LVI Associates; Sterling (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automation firm is seeking a Service Controls Engineer to join their service team. This role involves hands-on support for both modern and legacy industrial automation systems, requiring a strong electrical background and expertise with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs. The ideal candidate will troubleshoot issues, develop PLC programs, and provide technical support to customers. This position offers variety with field-based responsibilities and occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial controls engineering or a related field.
• Strong electrical background with solid understanding of industrial wiring.
• Proficiency with electrical troubleshooting tools.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, and SCADA issues for customers.
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls-related issues in automation.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs and SCADA applications.

Skills

Industrial controls engineering experience

Electrical troubleshooting

Strong communication

Hands-on technical expertise in automation

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

SCADA platforms

Electrical troubleshooting tools

Job description

Location: Sterling, MA (field-based with regional travel)

Reports To: Service Manager

Position Overview

A Service Controls Engineer is sought to join a growing service team focused on supporting, troubleshooting, and improving industrial automation systems. This role works directly with customers across a wide range of industries, providing hands‑on technical expertise in controls, electrical systems, and automation platforms.

The position offers significant variety, supporting modern and legacy automation systems alike. One day may involve troubleshooting an Allen‑Bradley ControlLogix system, the next a Siemens S7 platform, followed by support of legacy PLC hardware. This role is best suited for someone who enjoys technical diversity, problem‑solving, and customer‑facing work.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve PLC, HMI, and SCADA issues for customers across multiple industries
• Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and controls‑related issues in industrial automation systems
• Perform PLC migrations and system upgrades, including modernization of legacy platforms
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC programs, HMI screens, and SCADA applications
• Commission new automation systems and support machine startups at customer sites
• Provide both remote and on‑site technical support
• Document work performed and deliver clear, professional service reports to customers
• Identify opportunities for system improvements and communicate recommendations to customers
• Collaborate with engineering teams on larger or more complex projects as needed

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial controls engineering or a related field
• Strong electrical background with solid understanding of industrial wiring, sensors, motors, drives, and safety circuits
• Proficiency with electrical troubleshooting tools such as multimeters and meggers
• Strong experience with Allen‑Bradley and/or Siemens PLC platforms
• Experience developing and supporting HMIs
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work directly and professionally with customers
• Willingness to travel locally with occasional overnight travel
• Valid driver's license
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage schedules effectively, prioritize tasks, and take full ownership of responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the Ignition SCADA platform
• Familiarity with additional PLC platforms
• Experience with industrial networking
• Safety system design or troubleshooting experience
• Experience configuring VFDs and servo drives

What Success Looks Like

• Customers develop trust and request support by name
• Ability to quickly assess unfamiliar systems, diagnose issues, and restore operation
• Clear and effective communication, ensuring customers understand issues and resolutions
• Proactive identification of improvement opportunities and sharing insights with the broader team

Core Values

• Fail Fast: Experiment, learn, and iterate
• Grit, Don't Quit: Persevere through challenges
• Fuel Your Drive: Bring personal motivation and accountability
• Walk the Talk: Align actions with commitments
• Spark Innovation: Think creatively and challenge conventional approaches