About this role
The Field Service Technician I is responsible for performing preventative maintenance, equipment startups, installation support, and mechanical and electrical troubleshooting on customer equipment within a designated product line. This position serves as the primary field resource for one specialized equipment area: Chillers, Temperature Control Units (TCUs), Material Handling Systems, or Granulators .
The technician is expected to independently diagnose and repair common equipment issues, perform equipment commissioning and startup activities, provide customer training, and deliver professional field service support while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Primary Product Specialization
The technician will develop proficiency and independent troubleshooting capability in one of the following equipment areas:
- Chillers
- Temperature Control Units (TCUs)
- Material Handling Systems
- Granulators
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Equipment Startup and Commissioning
- Perform equipment installation verification and startup activities at customer facilities.
- Verify proper electrical connections, utility requirements, and mechanical installation prior to startup.
- Configure operational parameters and validate equipment performance.
- Complete startup documentation and commissioning reports.
- Train customer personnel on basic equipment operation, maintenance requirements, and safety practices.
- Identify and document installation deficiencies or conditions requiring corrective action.
Electrical and Mechanical Troubleshooting
- Troubleshoot electrical control systems, motors, sensors, relays, contactors, switches, heaters, pumps, and other equipment components.
- Diagnose mechanical issues involving pumps, motors, blowers, gearboxes, bearings, drives, conveyors, cutting systems, and material flow systems.
- Utilize electrical test equipment including multimeters and clamp meters.
- Interpret wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, piping diagrams, and equipment drawings.
- Identify root causes of equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
- Coordinate with technical support or senior technicians when advanced troubleshooting assistance is required.
Preventative Maintenance
- Perform scheduled preventative maintenance inspections and services.
- Inspect equipment for wear, damage, or developing reliability concerns.
- Replace wear components and perform mechanical adjustments as required.
- Verify proper equipment operation following maintenance activities.
- Provide recommendations for future repairs and equipment improvements.
Product-Specific Responsibilities
Chillers and TCUs
- Troubleshoot refrigeration, fluid circulation, heating, and cooling system issues.
- Verify operating temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and system performance.
- Inspect refrigeration and process water components.
- Diagnose electrical and control-related issues affecting system operation.
Material Handling Equipment
- Troubleshoot vacuum conveying systems, loaders, receivers, vacuum pumps, drying systems, and control systems.
- Diagnose material flow problems and component failures.
- Verify proper operation of conveying and drying processes.
Granulators
- Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems associated with granulators.
- Inspect cutting chambers, knives, screens, bearings, motors, drives, and safety interlocks.
- Perform knife and screen changeovers and operational adjustments.
- Diagnose production and equipment performance issues.
Customer Service and Technical Support
- Communicate equipment status, findings, and recommendations to customers.
- Provide professional service that promotes customer satisfaction and confidence.
- Support emergency service calls as assigned.
- Maintain positive relationships with customers and internal departments.
- Assist in identifying replacement part opportunities and service recommendations.
Documentation and Reporting
- Complete detailed and accurate service reports for every service call.
- Document troubleshooting activities, repairs performed, parts utilized, and startup results.
- Record operational readings and equipment performance data.
- Obtain customer signatures and ensure timely submission of all reports.
- Maintain expense reports, time records, and travel documentation.
Safety and Compliance
- Follow all company and customer safety requirements.
- Conduct job hazard assessments before beginning work.
- Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures during service activities.
- Utilize required PPE.
- Maintain safe work practices around industrial equipment and energized systems.
- Operate company vehicles safely and responsibly
Qualifications
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate degree or technical training in Industrial Maintenance, Electrical Technology, HVAC/R, Mechatronics, Electromechanical Technology, or related field preferred.
Experience
- Two to five years of industrial maintenance, service, manufacturing, or field service experience preferred.
- Experience troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems.
- Experience with industrial plastics processing equipment is preferred but not required.
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
- Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
- Understanding of AC/DC electrical circuits and industrial controls.
- Ability to safely use diagnostic and testing equipment.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Good customer communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
- Basic computer skills including service reporting software and Microsoft Office applications.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
- Ability to stand, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
- Ability to work around industrial machinery and manufacturing environments.
- Ability to travel extensively and work overtime when required.
Working Conditions
- Frequent travel to customer manufacturing facilities.
- Regular exposure to machinery, noise, dust, varying temperatures, and industrial environments.
- Overnight travel required.
Success Measures
- Successful completion of equipment startups and commissioning assignments.
- Independent troubleshooting and repair of equipment within assigned product specialty.
- High level of customer satisfaction.
- Accurate and timely service documentation.
- Compliance with all safety requirements.
- Achievement of service utilization and response-time objectives.