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Senior Field Engineer (Controls)

Overview

Shanghai, ChinaHybridFull-timeNo compensation foundPosted 5mo agoVerified open 6 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
No compensation found
Location
Shanghai, ChinaHybrid
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

Job overview

Overview is hiring a Senior Field Engineer (Controls). The Senior Field Engineer (Controls) will integrate and troubleshoot AI computer vision systems into manufacturing automation lines. This role involves commissioning PLC-to-device communication, diagnosing timing and triggering issues, and debugging network communication. The engineer will also work with PLC logic, build integration standards, and provide technical leadership on-site, training customer engineers and capturing issue reports for HQ.

Key focus areas include Integrate Overview.ai systems into automation lines, Commission and troubleshoot PLC-to-device communication, and Diagnose and eliminate timing and triggering issues.

Successful candidates bring Deep PLC Controls Engineering, 5+ Years Controls Automation Field Engineering Experience, and Mandarin Fluency. Important skills include EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, OPC UA, PLC Logic, and Ladder Logic. Preferred (not required): Methodical Approach, Ownership Driven, and Clear Communication.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

EtherNet/IPPROFINETModbusOPC UAPLC LogicLadder LogicStructured TextMultimeterOscilloscopeSignal ConditioningEMI/Noise IntuitionMandarin FluencyTechnical Communication in EnglishMethodical ApproachOwnership DrivenClear Communication

Qualifications

Deep PLC/Controls Engineering Experience5+ Years in Controls/Automation/Field Engineering in High-Volume Manufacturing EnvironmentsHands-on Expertise With Industrial Networks and ProtocolsStrong Electrical Debugging AbilityStrong Understanding of Sensors, Triggering, and Real-Time Sequencing on Production Lines

Full job description

ABOUT OVERVIEW.AI http://Overview.ai

Overview.ai http://Overview.ai is bringing the cutting edge of AI computer vision to manufacturing—solving inspection problems that were previously not solvable with traditional machine vision. We’re a full-stack company: we deploy GPU-powered cameras on production lines, run inference on the edge, and operate a platform that supports large fleets of devices deployed across the world.

We’re growing extremely fast. Our customers love the product because it works—high accuracy, fast deployment, and an operator-friendly experience that makes real factory rollouts possible (not just pilots).

WHY THIS ROLE IS EXCITING

  • Real production ownership: You’re not “support.” You own uptime and line performance where it matters—on the factory floor.

  • Hard problems, high signal: Intermittent I/O, timing jitter, noisy signals, flaky networks, multi-trigger edge cases, cycle-time constraints—this is what you’ll solve.

  • High learning + high leverage: You’ll deepen elite controls skills while working alongside world-class AI, embedded, and firmware teams to ship permanent fixes into the product.

  • Talent density: You’ll be surrounded by fast, intense people who execute. Your work will be taken seriously and acted on quickly.

  • High travel, high autonomy: You’ll be trusted as the senior technical owner across multiple sites.

WHAT YOU’LL OWN

CONTROLS + LINE INTEGRATION (CORE OF THE JOB)

  • Integrate Overview.ai http://Overview.ai systems into automation lines and make them rock-solid.

  • Commission and troubleshoot PLC-to-device communication across common industrial protocols:

    • EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, OPC UA (and real-world variants)
  • Diagnose and eliminate timing and triggering issues:

    • double triggers, missed triggers, trigger bounce, incorrect edge detection, latency/jitter, inconsistent handshakes
  • Debug inconsistent network communication:

    • packet loss, unstable links, IP conflicts, switch configuration issues, grounding/noise coupling, cable quality, EMI, misconfigured QoS/VLANs (where applicable)
  • Work with PLC logic and machine sequencing to ensure correct system behavior:

    • interpret and modify ladder logic / structured text (as needed) to stabilize integration and performance
  • Build repeatable integration standards:

    • wiring patterns, sensor conditioning recommendations, network topologies, validated PLC templates, commissioning checklists

ELECTRICAL + SIGNAL INTEGRITY DEBUGGING (HANDS-ON)

  • Troubleshoot sensors, discrete I/O, and signal conditioning in real factory environments:

    • NPN/PNP sensors, pull-ups/pull-downs, filtering/debounce, shielding/grounding, noise mitigation
  • Use multimeters and oscilloscopes to diagnose:

    • voltage levels, signal bounce, timing alignment, interference, poor grounding, intermittent connections
  • Identify root cause quickly and implement robust fixes—not temporary patches.

FIELD LEADERSHIP + CUSTOMER TRUST

  • Be the senior technical point of contact on-site: calm, decisive, and structured under pressure.

  • Train customer automation engineers and technicians on best practices for operation and first-line troubleshooting.

  • Capture high-quality issue reports for HQ engineering:

    • reproduction steps, logs, electrical measurements, network symptoms, PLC state, and recommended fixes
  • Drive feedback loops that result in real product improvements (tooling, diagnostics, reliability features).

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

REQUIRED

  • Deep PLC / controls engineering experience (you can independently commission and debug automation lines)

  • 5+ years in controls / automation / field engineering in high-volume manufacturing environments

  • Hands-on expertise with industrial networks and protocols:

    • EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, OPC UA (practical troubleshooting, not just theory)
  • Strong electrical debugging ability:

    • multimeter + oscilloscope competence, reading schematics, signal conditioning, EMI/noise intuition
  • Strong understanding of sensors, triggering, and real-time sequencing on production lines

  • Mandarin fluency (native or near-native)

  • Working English for technical communication with global teams

TRAITS THAT MATTER (WE SCREEN HARD FOR THESE)

  • You move fast and stay methodical: hypothesis → test → isolate → fix → prevent recurrence

  • You’re highly ownership-driven: downtime is personal

  • You communicate clearly with both operators and engineers

  • You enjoy the field: travel, factories, and getting your hands dirty

WHY OVERVIEW.AI http://Overview.ai (WHY TOP CANDIDATES JOIN)

  • Extreme growth + real-world impact: We’re not building demos. We’re deploying AI systems on real production lines, at scale.

  • Talent density: You’ll work with world-class engineers and operators across AI, embedded systems, and enterprise deployment.

  • Front-row seat to the AI manufacturing wave: This is one of the biggest transformations happening in industry right now.

  • Ownership: In this role, your work directly changes the trajectory of the company. Great hiring = winning.

  • Global exposure: You’ll recruit for roles that touch the most advanced customers and factories in the world.

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