Automation Field Specialist

Steele Solutions, Inc. is the nation's leading designer and manufacturer of steel work platforms and mezzanines. We recently launched our automation division to solve one of the biggest challenges in material handling-controls that are too often rebuilt from scratch, full of delays, and unpredictable h this launch, we're looking for an Automation Field Specialist professional to join our automation team in Atlanta, GA (preferred) or Milwaukee, WI!

* Role does require travel 40-70%.

Summary

The Automation Field Specialist is a field service technician role focused on industrial automation systems, not general equipment repair. This position is responsible for on-site troubleshooting, controls and electrical diagnostics, control panel assessments, and execution support for PLC/HMI software and control hardware upgrades. The role requires stronger controls/electrical depth than a typical field service technician, including disciplined software backup/rollback practices, interpretation of electrical drawings, and safe work inside control panels.

When not traveling, the Automation Field Specialist contributes billable engineering support to our Controls and/or Electrical teams-supporting controls development tasks, commissioning readiness, and/or electrical documentation updates-helping improve repeatability and reduce field risk across projects.

Key Responsibilities

1) On-Site Service & Troubleshooting (Core)

* Travel to customer sites to troubleshoot and resolve automation issues impacting uptime, reliability, or safety.

* Diagnose faults using a disciplined approach (symptom capture → isolate → verify → corrective action → validate).

* Communicate clearly with customer stakeholders: what was found, what it means, and recommended next steps.

2) Control Panel Assessments & Safety Checks (Core)

* Perform controls/electrical panel condition assessments to identify risks such as:

* overload conditions / overheating indicators

* loose terminations / damaged conductors

* grounding/bonding concerns

* device damage, poor workmanship, labeling/documentation gaps

* Use appropriate instruments where applicable (multimeter, clamp meter, network tools; thermal camera if available) and capture evidence (photos where permitted).

* Recognize and escalate "stop work" conditions immediately.

3) Field Modifications, Repairs, and Minor Install Work (Core)

* Perform hands-on panel work within scope and authorization, including:

* landing/terminating wires

* replacing components/devices and correcting wiring issues

* minor panel modifications resulting from findings

* Coordinate with contract electrical installation partners when work exceeds scope, staffing, code/licensing needs, or schedule demands-while still being able to assess, direct, and validate the work.

4) Controls Software / Hardware Upgrades & Field Implementation (Core)

* Execute controlled upgrades and changes such as:

* PLC/HMI software upgrades, patching, and controlled configuration changes

* backups, restore verification, version discipline, rollback planning

* minor hardware upgrades (I/O swaps, comms components, device replacements) where authorized

* Support cutovers during planned downtime; validate functionality and document "as-left" condition.

5) Preventive Maintenance & Reliability Checks (Services Offering)

* Perform scheduled PM-style checks for automation systems using SSI/customer checklists:

* cabinet condition/ventilation/cleanliness observations

* wiring/termination condition checks as appropriate

* basic network and device health checks where applicable

* firmware/software version verification where applicable

* Identify and document "future failure" risks and recommend mitigation actions.

6) Documentation, Work Orders, and Closeout Discipline (Core)

* Accurately complete electronic service documentation (tablet/laptop):

* work orders, service reports, parts used, time/notes, customer approvals as required

* Maintain disciplined technical artifacts:

* software backups before/after, change logs, version notes

* redlines/as-left notes where applicable (drawings, panel changes, device replacements)

* Provide clean handoffs to PM/Engineering for follow-on work.

7) Off-Site…