Field Service Specialist - Industrial Automation
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!
Skills
As published by lever · 8 questions
Basics
Resume/CV, Full name, Email, Phone, Current location, Current company, LinkedIn URL, Other website
Short answers (2)
- What is your desired annual salary or hourly rate of pay?
- If you were referred by a current employee, who referred you? optional
Pick from a list (6)
- Are you over the age of 18? optional
- Do you currently require this company’s immigration sponsorship for work authorization in order to onboard and work with this company? This includes if you require support for H-1B (including transfer, amendment, extension, and/or annual quota/lottery), H-1B1, O-1, E-3, TN, F-1 STEM, F-1 CPT, or similar. optional
- In order to maintain your continued ability to work, will you in the future require this company’s immigration sponsorship for work authorization? This includes if you will in the future require support for H-1B (including transfer, amendment, extension, and/or annual quota/lottery), H-1B1, O-1, E-3, TN, F-1 STEM, F-1 CPT, or similar. optional
- Were you referred by a current employee? optional
- Text Messaging OPT IN: Do you OPT IN and provide your express written consent to receive informational TEXT MESSAGES from SunSource or an affiliate company regarding this job opportunity or future job opportunities? Be aware that message frequency will vary and msg & data rates may apply. You may OPT OUT at any time by replying “STOP” or “UNSUBSCRIBE” to any text message received. optional
- APPLICANT STATEMENT: I certify that all information I have provided in order to apply for and secure work with SunSource ("the employer") and it's affiliate companies is true, complete and correct. I understand that the employer does not unlawfully discriminate in employment and no question on this application is used for the purpose of limiting or excusing any applicant from consideration for employment on a basis prohibited by applicable local, provincial, or federal law.If I am hired, I understand that I am free to resign at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, and the employer reserves the same right to terminate my employment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, except as may be required by law. I understand that any information provided by me that is found to be false, incomplete or misrepresented in any respect, will be sufficient cause to (i) eliminate me from further consideration for employment, or (ii) may result in my immediate discharge from the employer's service, whenever it is discovered. I understand this application does not constitute an agreement or contract for employment for any specified period or definite duration. optional