Senior Field Service Engineer

About the role

The Senior Field Service Engineer is responsible for performing field activities related to Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, Pump Stations, and other process facilities. This role focuses on the commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and servicing of PLC and SCADA systems, network and communication equipment, instrumentation, motor control centers (MCCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and electrical power distribution equipment.

Responsibilities

• Control System Startup and Loop Tests
• Perform inspections, start-up and troubleshooting of UL 508 Control Panels and SCADA Systems.
• Conduct complete loop testing from field instruments through PLCs and SCADA.
• Execute full system, strategy, and operational testing of complete control system infrastructure including testing and modifications to PLC Programs, SCADA Graphics, OIT Programs, and Network Configurations.
• Troubleshoot and correct deficiencies as needed.
• Communications and Networking
• Configure and troubleshoot network, radio, cellular, and hardwired data communication systems used in plant, SCADA and telemetry networks.
• Configure and troubleshoot devices/networks that utilize fieldbus technologies such as HART and Profibus.
• Control System Maintenance and Service
• Provide on-going service and support to clients on control system software and hardware.
• Modify programs and configurations to meet client and project needs.
• Perform patch and security updates.
• Instrumentation
• Calibrate, configure, and service flow, level, pressure, and analytical instruments commonly found in water and wastewater facilities (e.g., Suspended Solids, CL2/Chemical, pH, DO, and related sensors).
• Electrical and Power
• Verify proper installation, grounding, and operation of electrical equipment.
• Startup, test, and troubleshoot MCCs, VFDs, ATSs, and power distribution equipment up to 480V.
• Adjust motor protection, breaker and overload settings.
• Field Investigations And Other Job Duties
• Conduct field investigations, data collection, and assessments to support detailed design work.
• Participate in Startup Planning and Factory Acceptance Testing as needed.
• Prepare for site visits by confirming required tools, parts, and documentation.
• Perform Job Safety Meetings, Job Hazard Analyses, and comply with OSHA standards.
• Train and mentor of Field Engineers.
• Provide training to the customer on operation and maintenance of company provided equipment and systems.
• Provide as-built documentation redlines for project Operations and Maintenance Manuals.
• Lead Witnessed Site Acceptance Testing.
• Fill out all test and calibration documentation.
• Provide Daily Service Reports, document issues, coordinate follow-up actions, and maintain service tracking systems.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and perform jobsite cleanup.
• Perform other related and associated duties as assigned by the Team Lead and Manager.
• Travel and Hours
• Travel up to 85%, including sites across California and occasional out-of-state work.
• Work hours vary based on customer and site requirements; may include working shift rotation, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Participate in a 24/7/365 on-call rotation for technical support and after-hours emergency repair service.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including:
• Programming and configuration of PLCs and SCADA/DCS systems within the municipal water and wastewater industry.
• Field experience in commissioning, startup, and maintenance of electrical and control systems within the municipal water and wastewater industry.
• Working knowledge of SCADA platforms (e.g., Ignition, FactoryTalk) and PLC programming platforms (e.g., Studio 5000, Control Expert).
• Knowledge of networking practices and industrial networking protocols used in OT environments (Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, Profinet, etc.).
• Strong ability to mentor and train junior engineers in field practices and troubleshooting methods.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with customers and cross-functional teams.

Desired Skills And Knowledge

• Two-or four year degree in mechatronics, industrial automation, computer science, or electrical engineering (preferred).
• Certifications in SCADA or PLC platforms (highly desired).
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
• Valid California Driver’s License.
• ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Level I or higher.
• OSHA 30 or equivalent construction safety certification.
• Confined Space and Elevated Workspace Training.

Competencies

• Effective Communication
• Analytical Thinking
• Results Oriented
• Collaboration
• Initiative
• Thoroughness
• Business Acumen
• Personal Integrity

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel;
• Reach with hands and arms, talk, hear, taste and smell;
• Stand and walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl;
• Sit;
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds;
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• Office - The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Job Site - While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and vibration.