What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Specialist position at Direct Recruiters, Inc.?
Automation & Controls Support Engineer
Minneapolis, Minnesota | On-Site
✈️ 10–30% Travel
Direct Recruiters is partnering with a leading global industrial automation technology company to identify an Automation & Controls Support Engineer for its Minneapolis-area team.
This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys solving complex automation problems, working directly with customers, and developing deep expertise across industrial I/O, networking, safety, controls, and EtherCAT technologies.
This is not a traditional help desk role. You’ll work hands-on with sophisticated industrial control systems, troubleshooting real-world customer applications and driving technical support cases from initial diagnosis through resolution.
What You’ll Do
• Diagnose and resolve customer control system and industrial automation issues
• Support modular I/O, industrial fieldbus networks, safety technologies, and related control software
• Troubleshoot software functions involving I/O configuration, networking, communications, and timing
• Provide technical support for EtherCAT development technologies, including SubDevice Controllers, ASICs, FPGA IP cores, embedded stack code, and conformance testing tools
• Work with embedded systems, electronics, digital signals, and industrial communication architectures
• Utilize engineering and diagnostic tools including oscilloscopes, Wireshark, and binary file editors
• Read and interpret hardware datasheets, technical specifications, and electrical schematics
• Provide remote and occasional on-site support at customer machines and control systems
• Conduct customer and internal technical training
• Document technical cases and contribute to internal knowledge bases
• Escalate complex issues to product specialists and engineering resources as needed
• Participate in a rotating after-hours support schedule
• Assist with demonstrations, trade shows, and other technical projects
What We’re Looking For
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent education and hands-on experience
• Strong understanding of industrial networks and control system architectures
• Experience with EtherCAT or similar industrial communication technologies strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of IEC 61131-3 programming, particularly Structured Text and Ladder Logic
• Experience with C programming
• Practical electrical experience at the industrial control panel level
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics
• Experience troubleshooting industrial automation hardware and software
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent customer-facing communication skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to learn new technologies quickly
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel approximately 10–30%
Why Consider It?
You’ll work across a broad portfolio of advanced automation technologies while developing particularly deep expertise in EtherCAT, industrial networking, I/O, embedded technologies, and control systems.
The company offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, 12 paid holidays, employer-paid medical options for employees and families, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) with up to a 6% employer match, employer-paid life and disability insurance, and professional development opportunities.
Interested or know someone who may be a fit? Message me directly or reach out confidentially at dbevington@directrecruiters.com.
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