Field Engineer, Hardware & Automation - Chicago

ABOUT FLOVISION

FloVision is a remote-first startup focused on improving the food supply chain, starting with protein processing. We design computer vision and machine learning-assisted production processes that reduce food waste, improve quality assurance, and help customers operate more efficiently. Our mission is to reduce global CO₂ emissions by 1% by minimizing food waste.

FloVision is a U.S.-based Series A startup with a distributed team across the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

As a Field Engineer at FloVision, you will install, maintain, troubleshoot, design, and improve the hardware systems that power our computer vision products. Field service and installations are the primary focus of this role, with opportunities to contribute to product design, manufacturing, and R&D.

This is a hands-on position for an engineer who can identify a problem in the field, develop a practical solution, and implement it with limited oversight. You will work directly with customers, internal engineering teams, vendors, and fabricators to ensure our equipment is installed successfully and continues operating reliably.

When you're not in the field, you'll be based at our workshop space in Chicago, IL, where you'll lead hands-on R&D work and own the space day to day, keeping it safe, organized, and ready for the prototyping, testing, and build work that supports our installations and product development.

We are looking for a self-driven, inquisitive individual who genuinely enjoys field work, frequent travel, and the variety of an early-stage startup. The right person will be comfortable moving between customer sites, the workshop, and focused design projects as business priorities evolve. You'll play a vital role in shaping the continuous improvement of our products, services, and internal processes.

 

LOCATION & TRAVEL

This is a full-time, Chicago-based field role. This role requires approximately 75% travel, primarily domestic with occasional international trips. Actual travel varies with business needs.Travel may include:

• Customer-site installations, repairs, and maintenance
• Pre-installation engineering and site-scoping visits
• Multi-day or weekend installation work
• Team meetups and collaborative work sessions

Candidates must be comfortable working in active food-production environments, which may include exposure to cold temperatures, loud noise, blood and animal byproducts, wet conditions, or physical demands.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Travel to domestic and international customer sites to scope, install, commission, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment, leading installations from site preparation through post-installation validation
• Perform on-site mechanical and electrical maintenance, emergency repairs, modifications, and fault-finding, both independently and with remote support teams
• Build strong customer relationships and represent FloVision with professionalism, responsiveness, and sound judgment, making sure work aligns with customer needs and company procedures
• Turn recurring field problems into practical, scalable hardware improvements
• Create and modify mechanical and full-system designs using SolidWorks or comparable 3D modeling and CAD software
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including site findings, service records, maintenance procedures, bills of materials, fabrication drawings, assembly instructions, schematics, and wiring diagrams
• Coordinate with engineering teams, vendors, and fabricators to prepare equipment for installations and repairs, and support external manufacturing, component sourcing, and product-line ownership as needs evolve
• Identify and implement internal process improvements, using AI and other digital tools to work more efficiently across design, troubleshooting, and documentation
• Lead and support R&D projects, building test rigs, fixtures, and prototypes to validate new hardware concepts, reproduce field issues, and prove out improvements, and share findings with the hardware and engineering teams
• Own the day-to-day operation of our Chicago workshop space, keeping it safe, clean, organized, and ready for R&D, testing, build work, and hands-on training
• Manage tools, equipment, parts, and hardware inventory, including stock tracking, reordering, shipping and receiving, and preparing equipment and kits ahead of installations
• Maintain safety procedures and documentation, and uphold Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment standards in the field and in the workshop

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automation Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• At least four years of experience in automation, controls, field engineering, or a related industrial environment
• Hands-on mechanical and electrical skills, including installing, commissioning, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing equipment, and confidence with common tools such as multimeters, hand tools, and power tools
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC and HMI systems
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software, and experience creating and working from drawings, bills of materials, schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly instructions
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify a field issue, design a practical fix, and implement it with limited oversight
• Strong computer literacy and willingness to learn and use AI-enabled tools
• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to represent FloVision professionally, stay calm under pressure, and work clearly with customers, remote engineers, and cross-functional teams
• Self-managing and organized, with the ability to balance multiple projects and changing priorities while keeping progress, risks, and blockers visible
• Genuine enthusiasm for field work and the ability to travel approximately 75%, including international and occasional weekend travel
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Chicago area and work on-site at our workshop space when not traveling, with a valid driver's license and passport, or the ability to obtain one 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience designing equipment for food-production, washdown, or hygienic environments, including stainless-steel equipment and fabrication
• Experience with industrial automation, controls, sensors, cameras, or computer vision systems, including creating electrical schematics or designing control panels
• Experience leading complex equipment installations, including international field service
• Experience owning a hardware product from concept and prototyping through testing, manufacturing, and field support
• Experience running or maintaining a lab, workshop, or shop floor, including safety programs, equipment upkeep, and hardware inventory management
• Experience managing vendors, fabricators, or external manufacturing partners, and familiarity with component sourcing
• A jack-of-all-trades mindset, with the curiosity to keep learning and grow your skills beyond your area of expertise
• A natural sleuth who enjoys digging into problems, uncovering root causes, and choosing the best course of action with the customer's needs in mind

INTERVIEW PROCESS OVERVIEW

Throughout the process, you'll have multiple opportunities to showcase your skills and experience, and we will aim to keep communication transparent and timely as we move through each step.

Stage 1: Application & Intro Video - As part of your application, please submit a short 1–2 minute video introducing yourself and sharing why you’re excited about this role at FloVision. This helps us get to know you beyond your resume and understand what draws you to our mission. Your video doesn’t need to be polished - a simple phone recording is perfect. Applications without a video will not be considered.
Stage 2: Behavioral Interview (via Google Meets)
Stage 3: Technical Interview (via Google Meets)
Stage 4: Final Interview (via Google Meets)
Stage 5: Job Offer - Upon successful completion of all interview stages, selected candidates will receive a formal job offer.

 

 

COMPENSATION

Compensation for this role is designed to be competitive while reflecting the needs of an early-stage, high-growth startup. Starting base salary will be determined based on experience, skills, and demonstrated ability to make an immediate impact. We anticipate a total target compensation range of approximately $95-115K inclusive of any performance-based bonus opportunities.

 

BENEFITS 
Home Office Stipend
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Plan
Health Savings Account (HSA)

 

WHY JOIN US?
Impactful Work - Contribute to meaningful projects that directly affect sustainability and the global food industry. Your voice impacts decisions on day one.
Collaborative Environment - Work closely with a dedicated team of professionals passionate about making a difference.
Growth Opportunities - Expand your skill set by tackling diverse challenges. 
Flexible Work Arrangements - Enjoy the flexibility of a remote position with opportunities for in-person collaboration. Flexible work hours allow you to plan work around your life, not the other way around.

 

At FloVision, we believe innovation stems from diverse perspectives. Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! Our company is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role, but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others.

U.S. Remote Pay Range$95,000—$115,000 USD