Field Engineer, Hardware & Automation - Chicago
About FloVision
We build computer vision systems that help protein processors waste less food, catch quality issues earlier and run their lines more efficiently. Our mission is to cut global CO emissions by 1% by reducing food waste. We’re a Series A startup with a small, distributed team across the US, UK and Ireland.
The role
You’ll be the person who gets our hardware into customer plants and keeps it running. Most of your time is in the field: scoping sites, installing and commissioning systems, and fixing problems as they come up. When you see the same issue twice, you’ll design the fix, build it and roll it out.
Between trips, you’ll work out of our Chicago workshop. You’ll run it day to day, using it to prototype, build test rigs, reproduce field issues and prep kits for the next install.
You’ll love this role if you like working with your hands, solving problems on the spot and seeing your work running on a real production line.
What you’ll do
- Install, commission and maintain our vision systems at customer sites, from site prep through sign-off
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical issues, on your own or with our remote engineering team
- Represent FloVision on site: build trust with plant teams and keep customers in the loop
- Turn repeat field problems into better hardware using SolidWorks or similar CAD
- Build prototypes, fixtures and test rigs to prove out new ideas
- Run the Chicago workshop: keep it safe and organized, manage tools and parts, and prep equipment for installs
- Document what you find and fix (service records, drawings, BOMs, wiring diagrams) so every install goes smoother than the last
- Work with vendors and fabricators to get parts and builds ready on time
What you bring
- 4+ years in field service, automation, controls or a similar hands-on industrial role
- Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills. You’re at home with a multimeter, schematics and power tools.
- Experience with PLCs and HMIs
- Working knowledge of SolidWorks or similar CAD, and you can create and work from drawings and wiring diagrams
- Clear, calm communication with customers and remote teammates, especially when a line is down
- You manage your own time and keep people updated without being chased
- An engineering degree, technical certification or equivalent hands-on experience. Military technical backgrounds are welcome.
Bonus points
- Food production, washdown or stainless-steel equipment
- Cameras, sensors, machine vision or control panel design
- Leading installs, especially international ones
- Taking a hardware product from prototype to the field
- Running a shop or lab, or managing fabricators and suppliers
Travel and work environment
- About 75% travel, mostly in the US with some international trips
- Some multi-day and weekend installs
- Food plants can be cold, wet and loud, and you’ll be around blood and animal byproducts
- Based in the Chicago area (or willing to relocate) and working from our workshop when not traveling
- Valid driver’s license and passport, or able to get one
Pay and benefits
- $95K to $115K base salary, based on experience
- All travel expenses covered; flights, hotels, mileage reimbursement, rental vehicles, meals
- Medical, dental, vision, HSA and 401(k)
- PTO: 15 days + paid holidays
Why FloVision
- Ownership: you’ll shape how we install, service and build our hardware from day one
- Variety: field work, design and R&D in one role, not the same machine every day
- Real tech: AI and computer vision running on live production lines
- Impact: a small team where your ideas get heard and built fast, in service of cutting food waste at scale
How hiring works
- Apply with your resume and answer a few short questions
- Behavioral interview (Google Meet)
- Technical interview (Google Meet)
- Final interview, then offer
We’ll keep you updated at every step.
Don’t check every box? Apply anyway. If you’re excited about this work, we’d love to hear from you.
