Senior Field Engineer (Controls) at Overview in Chengdu

Job description

About Overview.ai Overview.ai is bringing the cutting edge of AI computer vision to manufacturing—solving inspection problems that were previously not solvable with traditional machine vision. We’re a full-stack company: we deploy GPU-powered cameras on production lines, run inference on the edge, and operate a platform that supports large fleets of devices deployed across the world. We’re growing extremely fast. Our customers love the product because it works—high accuracy, fast deployment, and an operator-friendly experience that makes real factory rollouts possible (not just pilots). Why this role is exciting • Real production ownership: You’re not “support.” You own uptime and line performance where it matters—on the factory floor. • Hard problems, high signal: Intermittent I/O, timing jitter, noisy signals, flaky networks, multi-trigger edge cases, cycle-time constraints—this is what you’ll solve. • High learning + high leverage: You’ll deepen elite controls skills while working alongside world-class AI, embedded, and firmware teams to ship permanent fixes into the product. • Talent density: You’ll be surrounded by fast, intense people who execute. Your work will be taken seriously and acted on quickly. • High travel, high autonomy: You’ll be trusted as the senior technical owner across multiple sites. What you’ll own Controls + line integration (core of the job) • Integrate Overview.ai systems into automation lines and make them rock-solid. • Commission and troubleshoot PLC-to-device communication across common industrial protocols: • EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, OPC UA (and real-world variants) • Diagnose and eliminate timing and triggering issues: • double triggers, missed triggers, trigger bounce, incorrect edge detection, latency/jitter, inconsistent handshakes • Debug inconsistent network communication: • packet loss, unstable links, IP conflicts, switch configuration issues, grounding/noise coupling, cable quality, EMI, misconfigured QoS/VLANs (where applicable) • Work with PLC logic and machine sequencing to ensure correct system behavior: • interpret and modify ladder logic / structured text (as needed) to stabilize integration and performance • Build repeatable integration standards: • wiring patterns, sensor conditioning recommendations, network topologies, validated PLC templates, commissioning checklists Electrical + signal integrity debugging (hands-on) • Troubleshoot sensors, discrete I/O, and signal conditioning in real factory environments: • NPN/PNP sensors, pull-ups/pull-downs, filtering/debounce, shielding/grounding, noise mitigation • Use multimeters and oscilloscopes to diagnose: • voltage levels, signal bounce, timing alignment, interference, poor grounding, intermittent connections • Identify root cause quickly and implement robust fixes—not temporary patches. Field leadership + customer trust • Be the senior technical point of contact on-site: calm, decisive, and structured under pressure. • Train customer automation engineers and technicians on best practices for operation and first-line troubleshooting. • Capture high-quality issue reports for HQ engineering: • reproduction steps, logs, electrical measurements, network symptoms, PLC state, and recommended fixes • Drive feedback loops that result in real product improvements (tooling, diagnostics, reliability features). What we’re looking for Required • Deep PLC / controls engineering experience (you can independently commission and debug automation lines) • 5+ years in controls / automation / field engineering in high-volume manufacturing environments • Hands-on expertise with industrial networks and protocols: • EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, OPC UA (practical troubleshooting, not just theory) • Strong electrical debugging ability: • multimeter + oscilloscope competence, reading schematics, signal conditioning, EMI/noise intuition • Strong understanding of sensors, triggering, and real-time sequencing on production lines • Mandarin fluency (n