What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Service Engineer III position at Pieper Automation?
Automation Service Engineer III
We’re hiring an Automation Service Engineer who is equal parts engineer and entrepreneur. This isn’t just an engineering
role—we need a self-starter who can design, program, install, troubleshoot and innovate on the fly, all while helping us win new business and shaping the future of the department.
You should be someone who:
- Thinks like an owner—constantly looking for ways to grow the business, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities.
- Thrives on variety and challenge, balancing customer facing service and projects along with internal support and process improvements.
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Doesn’t need a playbook—confident jumping into unknown systems and legacy equipment to troubleshoot and
reverse-engineer solutions. - Balances technical expertise with business acumen, always seeking ways to improve systems and drive customer success.
- Builds trust and lasting partnerships with customers, understanding that great service drives repeat business.
- Enjoys working in a dynamic, hands-on team environment.
Key Responsibilities
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Design, program, install, and support automated systems across a variety of industrial
applications. - Perform onsite service calls, diagnosing issues and delivering solutions.
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Support business development by identifying opportunities, scoping work, and assisting with
estimates. - Collaborate with customers to recommend improvements and value-added solutions.
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Read and interpret electrical & mechanical drawings; troubleshooting experience required, design
experience a plus. - Program PLCs & HMIs from scratch or modify existing code.
- Mentor and support junior engineers and technicians as the department grows.
- Continuously learn and adapt to new technologies and industry trends.
Our vision is to build a world-class team that delivers exceptional service, high-quality work, and becomes a trusted partner across multiple industries. If you’re driven to solve problems, create opportunities, and grow a business as if it were your own, this is the place for you.
Our Core Values:
Servant’s Heart – Focus on the needs of others
Integrity – Honest and trustworthy
Humility – Gracious, humble, and empowering
Wisdom – Insightful
Courage – Decisive and confident in others
Passion – Unfailing dedication
Hunger – Driven to succeed
Above all, we’re looking for someone who embodies these values and leads by example.
What we're looking for:
- 10 years of hands-on industrial automation experience across manufacturing, material handling,
processing, logistics, and other industries. - Deep expertise in automation and controls, including PLC & HMI programming, sensors, VFDs & motor controls, safety systems, IT system integration, and communication networks (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
- Strong mechanical aptitude to complement electrical and automation skills.
- Ability to reverse-engineer and develop solutions for 3rd party or legacy systems.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills under time-sensitive conditions.
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Excellent communication skills—able to translate complex technical concepts for both engineers
and non-technical customers. - Entrepreneurial mindset—always seeking ways to add value, drive growth, and improve operations.
- A natural leader who aligns with our core values and sets an example for others.
Why Join Us?
This is a leadership opportunity to help build something special. We’re committed to creating an environment where the
best engineers can thrive—not just as employees, but as business owners.
Employee ownership—your work directly contributes to your future.
Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
A culture that values initiative and resourcefulness—beyond just billable hours.
Balanced travel requirements—go where the work is, but no burnout.
The chance to leave your mark and help shape the future of the company.
We are a control systems integrator and service provider in the industrial automation space, built on a foundation of entrepreneurial spirit, servant leadership, and excellence in quality. As an employee-owned company based out of Milwaukee for over 75 years, we believe in creating opportunities for our people—not just jobs, but real ownership.
We’ve recently launched a new automation department in Atlanta, and this is an opportunity to help build that department from the ground up and set the standard for how we serve our customers. This isn’t just another job—this is a chance to think and act like a business owner, because here you can become one.
