Senior Commissioning & Controls Engineer

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future employer sponsorship.

About the Role

An international manufacturer of highly automated industrial machinery is seeking a Senior Commissioning & Controls Engineer to support the installation, commissioning, and ongoing technical support of large-scale production equipment across the United States. This role focuses on commissioning, diagnostics, and technical problem-solving rather than traditional PLC programming. You will ensure machinery performs as intended, identify issues during installation or production, and collaborate with engineering teams to implement solutions.

You’ll join a growing North American technical team supporting sophisticated paper converting machinery at customer facilities. Initially, you’ll work alongside an experienced commissioning engineer before taking ownership of projects independently. Comprehensive product training is provided in Italy and the United States.

Your time will typically be divided as follows:

• 70% Service, troubleshooting, and technical support
• 30% Commissioning and machine start-up

When not traveling, you’ll provide remote technical support from home or another agreed location.

Responsibilities

• Commission new industrial machinery at customer manufacturing facilities.
• Perform troubleshooting and fault diagnosis on PLC-controlled equipment, HMIs, and drive systems.
• Support production ramp-up and resolve commissioning issues.
• Carry out preventive and corrective service activities.
• Analyze alarms, machine behavior, and control system diagnostics.
• Provide technical assistance to customer maintenance teams and production personnel.
• Work closely with engineering teams in Europe to resolve complex technical issues.
• Prepare clear service reports and technical documentation.
• Occasionally support minor PLC or HMI software modifications where required.

Requirements

• Approximately 5+ years’ experience in industrial automation, commissioning, or controls engineering.
• Strong troubleshooting experience with PLC-based automation systems.
• Experience with at least two of the following technologies:
  • Omron PLCs (CX-One / CX-Programmer)
  • Yaskawa V1000 Drives
  • Pro-face / Schneider Electric HMIs
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus.
• Ability to read electrical drawings and diagnose machine faults.
• Strong English communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Experience

• Industrial machinery commissioning.
• Manufacturing or production equipment.
• Paper converting, packaging, conveying, or automated production lines.
• Machine safety standards including NFPA or OSHA.
• Field service or customer-facing engineering roles.

Pay

Base salary between $90,000 and $120,000, depending on experience.

Schedule

• Remote-based position when not traveling.
• Approximately 70-90% travel, primarily throughout the Midwest.

Benefits

• Comprehensive product training in Italy and the United States.
• Travel expenses, meal allowance/per diem, and accommodation provided while traveling.
• Opportunity to become one of the lead technical specialists supporting North American operations as the business expands.
• Long-term career progression into senior technical leadership and mentoring responsibilities.