Field Service Technician

Job Title: Field Service Technician

Job Description

The Field Service Technician installs, commissions, maintains, and troubleshoots cutting equipment and related machinery at customer locations. This role supports the service team by ensuring equipment performs reliably, assisting with testing before shipment, and providing ongoing technical support to customers. The position is customer-facing and requires strong communication skills, professionalism, and the ability to work independently in the field. Travel is required approximately 50% of the time, primarily throughout the U.S. and Canada, with occasional international trips.

Responsibilities

• Travel to customer sites to install, commission, and start up cutting equipment and systems.
• Inspect, test, and verify equipment performance prior to delivery to ensure systems meet specifications and quality standards.
• Assist with testing completed equipment before shipment and support customer acceptance testing as needed.
• Provide technical support to customers via phone, email, and online platforms, resolving issues efficiently and professionally.
• Create and update technical documentation, including manuals, schematics, and field service reports.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control system issues on equipment in the field.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and manuals to diagnose and correct equipment problems.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, including engineering, production, and service, to complete projects successfully and resolve complex issues.
• Follow all safety procedures, maintain a safe working environment, and ensure compliance with applicable safety standards at both the shop and customer sites.
• Use good judgment in selecting tools, methods, and resources to solve technical issues efficiently.
• Adapt to different customer environments and conditions while maintaining a high level of professionalism and customer service.
• Document work performed, parts used, and recommendations for future maintenance or improvements.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by providing feedback on equipment performance and field issues.
• Travel primarily throughout the U.S. and Canada, with occasional international trips, including flying and driving, to support customer installations and service work.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience working with mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems.
• Experience in machine building, equipment manufacturing, food processing, or similar industrial environments.
• Strong knowledge of pumps, valves, piping, and pneumatic systems.
• Strong knowledge of motors, gearboxes, belts, chains, and other power transmission components.
• Knowledge of vacuum and temperature control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret hydraulic and electrical schematics.
• PLC and HMI troubleshooting skills, with basic programming experience preferred.
• Experience with industrial electrical systems and troubleshooting.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and manuals.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for customer-facing and internal interactions.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently in the field and adapt to changing conditions.
• Good judgment in using resources and resolving technical issues effectively.
• Electrical and mechanical knowledge with a strong aptitude for understanding processes.
• Ability to read and edit prints in AutoCAD.
• Ability to work with ladder logic or ladder-based control systems.
• Valid driver's license.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with polyurethane equipment is a plus.
• High-level PLC and HMI knowledge is highly desirable.
• Controls background, including PLCs and automation systems, is preferred.
• Technical diploma, associate degree, or similar education in a related field is preferred.
• Experience supporting customer acceptance testing and factory acceptance testing is beneficial.
• Comfort working in a variety of industrial environments at customer sites.
• Interest in growing into different departments or expanding technical responsibilities over time.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean shop environment where equipment is assembled, tested, and prepared for shipment, and the technician may see a wide range of conditions at customer sites. The position requires approximately 50% travel, primarily within the U.S. and Canada, with occasional international trips by air or ground. Travel time is paid, and a per diem is provided while traveling. The work involves hands-on interaction with cutting equipment, mechanical and electrical systems, and industrial control technologies such as PLCs and HMIs. The shop floor is organized and clean, while customer locations may vary from highly controlled production facilities to more rugged industrial settings. The culture emphasizes consistent work in a specialized niche market, opportunities to gain knowledge in different technical areas, and the ability to grow into different departments. Technicians are expected to follow all safety procedures, maintain a professional appearance, and adhere to site-specific dress and safety requirements at each customer facility.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $36.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.