Field Service Controls Engineer
The Field Service Controls Engineer is an entry-level role focused on supporting automotive custom machine manufacturing through controls, software, mechanical, and electrical engineering tasks. This position is ideal for recent graduates or those with limited experience eager to develop practical engineering skills in a hands-on, onsite environment in Grand Rapids, MI. The role emphasizes growth through application of academic knowledge and internship/co-op experience in pneumatics, hydraulics, and PLC programming.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This role is an entry-level Field Service Controls Engineer supporting automation equipment for a confidential client in the automotive/custom machine space. You will work onsite in Grand Rapids, MI to install, commission, and troubleshoot controls and electro-mechanical systems while learning quickly on the job.
- Install, commission and test control systems and machine builds at customer sites
- Troubleshoot PLC programs (ladder logic) and field wiring to resolve issues quickly
- Diagnose and repair electro-mechanical systems, including pneumatics and hydraulics
- Perform preventative maintenance, calibration and on-site adjustments
- Create and maintain field documentation, service reports and parts logs
- Collaborate with engineering teams to support design improvements and upgrades
- Travel to customer sites as required (local/regional travel)
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Fundamental understanding of PLCs and ladder logic
- Mechanical and electrical aptitude with hands-on troubleshooting ability
- 0–2 years’ experience with pneumatics and hydraulics (co-op or internship experience acceptable)
- Clean driving record and ability to travel to client sites
- Demonstrated eagerness to learn and grow in controls, software, mechanical, or electrical engineering
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay range: $63,000 - $75,000 per year (actual offer will depend on experience, location, and qualifications)
- Typical benefits offered by the confidential client may include:
- Medical, dental & vision insurance options
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Company-paid life insurance and optional supplemental coverage
- Short- and long-term disability
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and virtual healthcare services
- Voluntary accident and hospital indemnity plans
- Domestic partner benefits eligibility
Location & Employment Type
- Workplace: Fully onsite in Grand Rapids, MI (local candidates preferred)
- Employment type: Full-time (direct hire / permanent). Contract arrangements may be used depending on the engagement.
Why This Role
This position is ideal for early-career engineers who participated in hands-on college projects, co-ops, or internships and who want to accelerate their development in controls and field engineering. You’ll gain broad exposure to PLCs, machine controls, pneumatics/hydraulics and customer-facing service work while being supported by experienced engineers.
About the Hiring Process
Careertakes will support the applicant experience for this confidential client. The hiring team may use objective screening tools, including AI-assisted resume review, to help identify qualified candidates — final hiring decisions are made by humans.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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