What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls - Field Service Engineer position at Actalent?
Job Title: Field Service Engineer
Job Description
The Field Service Engineer installs, programs, and supports industrial equipment at customer sites across the United States and Canada while also contributing to machine build, programming, and troubleshooting activities at the home facility. This role combines hands-on electrical and PLC work with customer-facing responsibilities, including operator training, onsite debugging, and ongoing technical support.
- 50% travel
- all expenses paid
Responsibilities
- Travel to customer sites across the United States and Canada approximately 50% of the time to install, commission, and support industrial equipment and machines.
- Set up and program equipment at customer locations, including uploading programs into machines and ensuring systems are fully operational.
- Program, edit, debug, and troubleshoot PLCs using Allen Bradley Studio 5000 to support machine startup and ongoing performance.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical issues up to 480 volts, including wiring equipment and verifying proper operation.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings to guide installation, wiring, and configuration of equipment.
- Train customer operators and maintenance personnel on the safe and efficient use of machines and control systems.
- Provide professional, customer-focused service while onsite, representing the company positively and maintaining strong relationships with clients.
- Support mechanical aspects of the equipment as needed, including assisting with hydraulic and pneumatic issues in collaboration with mechanically focused team members.
- Work onsite at the facility when not traveling, helping build machines and supporting PLC programming and troubleshooting activities.
- Collaborate with electrical engineers, electrical technicians, and mechanical technicians to ensure machines meet quality standards and customer specifications.
- Assist with diagnosing and resolving HMI-related issues, particularly within FactoryTalk environments when applicable.
- Document work performed, including troubleshooting steps, configuration changes, and any modifications made to equipment or programs.
- Submit expense reports for travel-related costs in accordance with company policies and procedures.
Essential Skills
- 3 years of experience working with industrial equipment, preferably in a field service role.
- Proficiency in troubleshooting PLCs - Allen Bradley
- Strong electrical troubleshooting skills with experience working on systems up to 480 volts.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics
Work Environment
The facility environment is that of a small manufacturing company of around 40 employees that designs and builds custom machines, including filling systems, dischargers, and bulk material handling systems tailored to specific customer needs. The culture emphasizes quality over quantity while maintaining sensitivity to project deadlines. Dress code is casual, and the role involves working closely with cross-functional teams using industrial equipment, PLCs, Allen Bradley controls, and related electrical and mechanical systems.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Allegan, MI.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a fully onsite position in Allegan,MI.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Salary : $35 - $40