Field Service Specialist - Industrial Automation

Job description

**Automation & Factory Solutions (AFS)**, a SunSource company, helps manufacturers improve productivity, efficiency, and performance through innovative automation technologies, industrial products, and engineered solutions. We partner with customers across North America to solve complex manufacturing challenges, optimize processes, and implement safe, efficient solutions tailored to their unique needs. Through our network of local branches, we provide customers with stocking inventory, technical support, training, and dedicated sales teams to keep their operations moving forward. We are currently seeking a motivated an Automation Field Service Specialist to join our expanding Automation and Factory Solutions Division (AFS) technical services team and contribute to the growth of the division’s service offerings. This role offers a unique blend of hands-on technical work and customer interaction, ideal for developing engineers who are looking to grow their career in industrial automation. As a key member of our Technical Services team, you'll: - Leverage your knowledge with PLCs, motion control systems, or robotics to solve our customers’ automation challenges - Manage multiple service projects, from proposal writing to implementation - Provide best-in-class service to maintain strong customer relationships, combining technical knowledge with excellent customer service skills - Contribute to our division's growth by identifying new opportunities and potential leads - Continuously learn and adapt to emerging trends in automation technology - This position offers a path of career advancement, offering opportunities to: - Progress towards senior technical / engineering roles - Hone knowledge of cutting-edge industrial automation technologies - Develop a unique skill set that bridges engineering expertise and customer management - Learn from a seasoned, knowledgeable team of automation / electrical engineers - If you're passionate about engineering, thrive in a customer-facing environment, and are eager to grow your career with a leading industrial distributor, apply now! For this role, we are seeking candidates in the **Eastern St. Louis, MO** area to accommodate ease of travel to customer sites around Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. When not engaged in work related travel to customer sites or corporate facilities, this position offers a remote work arrangement however, travel could be as much as 70+% depending on work volume. ### Essential Functions - Perform on-site service work, traveling up 70% of the time depending on work volume and complexity of service projects - Manage and execute multiple automation service projects - Develop and implement service solutions for customers’ automation challenges - Write detailed service proposals and manage project lifecycles from inception to completion - Analyze and interpret blueprints, electrical diagrams, and PLC programs - Perform mechanical installs of aluminum extrusion racking, guarding, and fencing products - Build and maintain strong client relationships through excellent customer service and technical expertise - Identify potential sales opportunities and generate leads for cross-divisional collaboration - Stay current with emerging trends in automation and factory solutions ### Experience, Education and Skills - Two-year technical degree strongly preferred - 2+ years of relevant field experience - **Strong background in PLC programming and related automation technologies** - Proven mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot complex systems - Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to think creatively in high-pressure situations - Outstanding customer service skills with the ability to build and maintain client relationships - Willingness to travel approximately 50% depending on work volume - Valid driver’s license / clean driving record - Ability to work flexible hours as needed to meet project deadlines and client expectations - Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers - **Experience with Siemens products is highly desirable** ### We Offer - Competitive compensation - Robust and affordable benefits options, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, and more - PTO plan with company paid holidays - 401K with employer contribution - An employee-centric company that values and truly appreciates our most important asset: You!