FORTNA is seeking motivated and technically curious Associate Commissioning Engineers (ACE) to join our growing commissioning and controls team. This role is ideal for early-career engineers, recent graduates, automation technicians, and field service professionals looking to build hands-on experience in industrial automation, conveyor systems, and controls commissioning.
Associate Commissioning Engineers support the startup, validation, and troubleshooting of automated material handling and conveyor systems at customer sites throughout North America. This position offers a strong career pathway into Controls Engineering, Electrical Design, Automation Engineering, and advanced Commissioning leadership roles.
This is a highly hands-on field position that requires extensive travel (65%-85%), adaptability, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn in fast-paced industrial environments.
Tasks & Responsibilities:
Support commissioning, startup, debugging, and validation activities for conveyor and automated material handling systems
Debug automation systems including PLCs, VFDs, sensors, field devices, and industrial networks
Perform System and I/O Checkout activities using Studio 5000 and related commissioning tools
Support Controls and PLC checkout activities alongside Controls Engineers and senior commissioning team members
Configure, validate, and troubleshoot PLCs, VFDs, IO devices, and network components
Test and verify system performance including conveyor speeds, operational sequences, and device functionality
Verify engineered systems meet customer specifications, design intent, and operational requirements
Audit field installations to confirm electrical systems and wiring match engineering drawings and project specifications
Troubleshoot electrical, controls, electromechanical, and communication-related issues onsite
Interface professionally with customers, subcontractors, electricians, technicians, and internal project teams to resolve technical issues
Support commissioning leads in coordinating contractors or technicians during checkout and startup activities
Assist with AutoCAD updates, subpanel layouts, and electrical drawing reviews when applicable
Create and maintain project workbooks, commissioning documentation, punch lists, and issue tracking logs
Pre-check electrical drawings for accuracy, completeness, UL requirements, and installation readiness prior to startup
Communicate technical findings, project updates, and support needs clearly to remote team members and project leadership
Demonstrate initiative, adaptability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn in fast-paced field environments
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience in industrial automation, commissioning, maintenance, controls, or field service environments
1-2 years’ experience in automation, control system design, I/O Checkout Internship, co-op, manufacturing, maintenance, automation, or field service experience preferred
Knowledgeable of electrical and controls engineering theories and principles
Significant electrical aptitude and knowledge of acceptable practices, techniques, and codes
VFD experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens or Schneider is a plus but not required
PLC experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley (ControlLogix & CompactLogix), Modicon and Siemens (S7) is a plus but not required
Familiarity with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 preferred
HMI experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Wonderware, Ignition and WinCC is a plus but not required
Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the United States and North America
Skills/Abilities:
Excellent interpersonal, leadership, verbal, and written skills
Eagerness to learn and ask questions in field environments
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Skills in AutoCAD, MS Office suite and MS Project
Ability to work with experienced, multidisciplinary, technical specialists
Ability to coordinate small to large projects and teams independently and make quality decisions
Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems for industrial applications
Skilled with AutoCAD and design of electrical panels, creating electrical drawings and schematics
WORK ENVIRONMENT: This job operates primarily in industrial customer project sites. Safe working practices and awareness of the environment are essential.
TRAVEL: Generally, this position requires up to 65-85%% travel to various sites.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
