Industrial Control Specialist
The Industrial Controls Specialist acts as the technical link between Engineering and Field Service, providing hands-on support to technicians and customers while translating field issues into engineering improvements. This role focuses on improving machine reliability, safety, and performance, and serves as a key feedback channel to Engineering to enhance company furnace technology and customer success globally.
Job Details & Requirements
· Provide technical support across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software systems, including remote and on-site assistance for installation, commissioning, repairs, and upgrades.
· Troubleshoot and support Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI systems, including I/O diagnostics, network communication, and controlled implementation of code changes in coordination with Engineering.
· Collect and analyze field data, equipment failures, and performance issues to drive design improvements in reliability, manufacturability, and serviceability (DFM/DFR).
· Lead or support root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes, ensuring effective implementation and validation of solutions.
· Evaluate, scope, and implement customer-driven hardware and software upgrades, ensuring proper risk assessment, documentation, and engineering approval.
· Develop and maintain technical service documentation, troubleshooting guides, and knowledge tools to support Field Service teams and customers.
· Support training initiatives for technicians and customers on system operation, troubleshooting, and best practices.
· Ensure compliance with safety standards and support NFPA 86 requirements and related testing procedures.
· Monitor and analyze service performance metrics to reduce downtime, improve first-time fix rates, and minimize warranty and service costs.
· Provide cross-functional collaboration between Field Service, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to resolve technical issues efficiently.
· Travel up to 25% as required, primarily supporting remote troubleshooting with occasional on-site assistance.
Education, Experience & Skills
· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related technical field preferred.
· Associate degree or technical diploma in Industrial Automation, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, or related field with equivalent experience considered.
· 5–10 years of experience in OEM equipment support, field service, industrial controls, or automation engineering roles.
· Strong hands-on experience with industrial PLC/HMI systems, preferably Rockwell/Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, RSLogix, FactoryTalk).
· Proven experience supporting installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and upgrades of complex electro-mechanical equipment.
· Background in industrial automation, controls integration, or machine build/start-up environments strongly preferred.
· Experience working with customer-facing technical support, field service teams, or engineering support functions.
· Experience with root cause analysis, CAPA processes, and reliability improvement initiatives preferred.
· Familiarity with industrial safety standards, particularly NFPA 86 or similar regulatory frameworks, is a plus.
· Experience working in OEM or capital equipment manufacturing environments highly desirable.
· Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, controls, and software systems used in industrial OEM equipment.
· Ability to provide effective remote and on-site technical support for installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, repairs, and system upgrades.
· Proficiency in PLC and HMI systems, specifically Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms, including I/O diagnostics, network troubleshooting, and controlled code modifications in collaboration with Engineering.
· Strong analytical skills to collect, interpret, and communicate field data, failure modes, and system performance issues.
· Knowledge of design for manufacturability and reliability (DFM/DFR) principles and ability to translate field feedback into engineering improvements.
· Experience in root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes, including validation of implemented solutions.
· Ability to scope, assess risk, implement, and document customer-driven hardware and software upgrades.
· Strong documentation skills, including creation of service manuals, troubleshooting guides, and technical training materials.
· Ability to support and deliver technical training to field technicians and customers.
· Understanding of industrial safety standards, with knowledge of NFPA 86 and related compliance requirements.
· Strong focus on service performance metrics, with ability to track and analyze KPIs to reduce downtime and warranty costs.
· Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities in fast-paced, technical environments.
· Strong communication and collaboration skills across Engineering, Field Service, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.
· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities.
· Willingness to travel up to 25%, primarily providing remote support with occasional on-site engagement.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
Employees must be able to communicate effectively, operate tools and equipment, and safely perform physical tasks in an active industrial environment. Essential functions include standing, walking, sitting, reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing, and occasionally crawling, as well as safely lifting and/or moving up to 50 lbs. Vision requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. All employees are expected to support plant operations as needed while following all safety policies and procedures. Typical manufacturing environment with noise levels ranging from quiet to moderate depending on work activities.
Contact HR@Elnik.com and specify which role you are interested in.