Controls Specialist / Field Service Tech. Diesel and PLC

Field Service Technician / Controls Specialist

Fairbanks Morse Defense | Houston Service Center

$70,000–$85,000 Base Pay + Additional Earning Opportunities

Your base pay is the starting point. Overtime, double-time pay for Sundays worked, and eligible travel bonuses offer opportunities to earn above the posted annual base range. Eligible travel assignments also include per diem.

Newly hired Controls Specialists receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus, plus an additional $5,000 retention bonus after completing 12 months of full-time employment.

Benefits and Career Growth

• Benefits begin on day one of hire, except tuition reimbursement, which becomes available after 12 months.

• Merit increase after six months of employment.

• 100% tuition reimbursement after 12 months of employment.

• 401(k).

• Per diem for eligible travel assignments.

• Eligibility for travel bonuses.

• Company credit card for business expenses.

• Up to $10,000 in sign-on and retention bonuses.

Actual earnings depend on hours worked, travel assignments, and eligibility. Per diem is provided separately for eligible travel expenses. Bonuses, merit increases, and benefits are subject to applicable company policies and program terms.

See the World While Building Your Career

Bring your controls expertise to mission-critical projects across the United States and around the world. Reporting out of our Houston Service Center, you’ll work in new locations, solve complex challenges alongside customers, and build valuable technical experience.

Travel is required up to 75%, domestically and internationally, and may include weekends, evenings, holidays, and emergency assignments on short notice.

Summary

A Controls Specialist (CS) is responsible for installation, commissioning, scheduled service, and emergency service on products serviced by Fairbanks Morse Defense, consistent with the specialist’s certifications.

The CS establishes, promotes, and maintains excellent relationships with customers, co-workers, sales representatives, and others as appropriate. The CS also maintains continuous communication with Regional Offices and their direct manager.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Role

• Conduct installation, testing, and troubleshooting services for control systems on FMD engine lines.

• Use experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

• Diagnose problems and develop solutions for engines within the specialist’s qualifications.

• Work independently on engines within the specialist’s qualifications.

• Occasionally perform shop duties, including general machining, parts inspections, assembly, testing, and warehouse work.

Technical

• Stay current on Engineering Change Orders, Field Service Change Notices, and Service Information Letters.

• Document work performed in Service Reports and prepare Condition Found Reports.

Safety

• Operate safely in accordance with published safety guidelines.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) according to company policies.

• Report all work-related accidents or injuries immediately.

• Complete annual safety training according to the regional safety schedule.

Administration

• Submit accurate and timely timecards, expense reports, mileage reports, project closures, and other required documentation.

• Obtain and maintain certifications based on internal Service Progression Requirements.

• Provide estimated arrival times to customers when applicable.

• Maintain company property, including vehicles, credit cards, PPE, test equipment, and laptops.

Customer Satisfaction

• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers.

• Complete and provide maintenance documentation upon assignment completion.

• Strive to provide a “first-time fix.”

• Maintain customer satisfaction rates according to company guidelines.

Performance

• Maximize productivity by combining service opportunities.

• Complete work efficiently and on schedule.

• Maintain productive utilization rates according to company guidelines.

• Follow company dress code and safety regulations.

• Adhere to escalation processes and procedures.

• Communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.

• Serve as a role model and lead by example.

• Deliver professional, high-quality service.

• Manage stressful customer situations with diplomacy.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Educational Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Prior experience as an FMD Associate Controls Specialist preferred.

• Meet at least one of the following:

• Associate degree in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, or Power Generation Technology, with four years of related experience, including two years of electrical/motion controls experience.

• Four years of related experience, including three years of electrical/motion controls experience.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of electrical systems and associated hazards required.

• Knowledge of two- and four-stroke engine operating theory preferred.

• Basic understanding of gas compression and related hazards preferred.

• Proficiency using electrical test equipment, including multimeters, pressure calibrators, signal generators, and process meters.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical line diagrams and blueprints.

• Ability to diagnose and repair electrical problems.

• Working knowledge of pneumatic, PLC, and electronic engine controls, including:

• Electrical circuit diagnosis and meter usage for DC systems, including 12 VDC, 24 VDC, and 125 VDC, and AC systems, including 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and 480 VAC three-phase.

• Allen-Bradley PLCs using RSLogix 500 and RSLogix 5000, or equivalent.

• HMI programming using PanelBuilder32 and FactoryTalk View ME, or equivalent.

• Automation system diagnosis and troubleshooting.

• RTDs, thermocouples, 4–20 mA sensors, relays/solenoids, magnetic pickups, Hall effect proximity sensors, and related cabling and terminals.

• Experience with standby generators and engine operation and maintenance.

• Strong mechanical aptitude.

• Strong organizational and planning skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and eligibility for a company credit card.

• Ability to pass a background check and drug screen.

• Ability to travel up to 75%, domestically and internationally, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and emergency travel on short notice.

• Valid U.S. passport or ability to obtain one within three months of hire.

• Must meet NOFORN requirements for access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information. Proof of U.S. citizenship is required through a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the Controls Specialist is regularly required to:

• Stand, walk, and use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or components.

• Reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Talk, hear, and smell.

• Frequently sit, climb, or balance.

• Regularly lift at least 35 pounds.

Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, as well as the ability to adjust focus.

Additional Information

This specification describes the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty associated with this position. It does not limit or modify a supervisor’s right to assign, direct, and control employees’ work.

The ability to perform all essential duties competently, with or without reasonable accommodation; a demonstrated commitment to effective customer service; and the ability to work productively as part of a team are basic requirements of all positions at Fairbanks Morse Defense.

Join the Team

Bring your technical skills to a hands-on role supporting mission-critical defense systems—with $70,000–$85,000 in annual base pay, additional earning opportunities, benefits beginning on day one, and up to $10,000 in sign-on and retention bonuses.

Apply today and build your career with Fairbanks Morse Defense’s Houston Service Center.

Equal Opportunity Employer