Field Service Technician

Job Title: Field Service Technician - Custom Industrial Cutting Equipment

Job Description

The Field Service Technician installs, commissions, services, and troubleshoots custom industrial cutting equipment for a variety of manufacturing and processing environments. This highly visible, customer-facing role combines shop-based work with extensive travel to customer sites across the U.S., Canada, and occasionally internationally. You perform final system testing before shipment, support customer acceptance activities, and provide remote technical assistance. Success in this role requires strong electrical and mechanical knowledge, professionalism, clear communication, and the ability to work independently in the field.

Responsibilities

• Travel to customer facilities to install, start up, and service custom industrial cutting machinery.
• Perform equipment testing, inspections, and final run checks prior to shipment to ensure proper operation and quality.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT) with customers, including system demonstrations and performance verification.
• Provide remote technical support via phone, email, and online platforms to help customers diagnose and resolve equipment issues.
• Troubleshoot hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems, including pumps, fluid systems, dispensing systems, and pressure controls.
• Read, interpret, and apply mechanical and electrical drawings, schematics, and ladder logic to identify and correct equipment problems.
• Assist in creating and updating technical documentation and manuals to support installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment.
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams in engineering, production, and service to support project execution and customer success.
• Follow and promote safe work practices in both shop and field environments, adhering to relevant safety guidelines and procedures.
• Conduct diagnostics on PLCs, HMIs, and industrial electrical systems, performing troubleshooting and basic programming as needed.
• Perform final system checks and verification of machine functions, including hydraulics, pumps, fluid systems, dispensing, and pressure controls.
• Use AutoCAD to read and edit prints and drawings related to equipment layout, wiring, and mechanical assemblies.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers and colleagues, providing status updates, recommendations, and technical explanations.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, managing time and tasks effectively while traveling and on customer sites.
• Handle occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs and adapt to varying industrial environments that may include noise and dust.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in industrial equipment service, maintenance, or commissioning.
• Strong electrical and mechanical knowledge, including troubleshooting of complex machinery.
• High-level understanding of machine functions, including hydraulics, pumps, fluid systems, dispensing systems, and pressure controls.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings and schematics, including ladder logic diagrams.
• Ability to read and edit prints in AutoCAD.
• Strong working knowledge of pumps, including gear, piston, pneumatic, and centrifugal types.
• Strong working knowledge of valves, piping systems, fittings, seals, and pneumatics.
• Understanding of power transmission components such as motors, gearboxes, bearings, and cylinders.
• Knowledge of vacuum systems and temperature control systems (electric, water, and oil).
• Ability to troubleshoot hydraulic and electrical schematics and related systems.
• Experience with PLCs and HMIs, including troubleshooting and high-level PLC/HMI knowledge; basic programming is a plus.
• Experience with industrial electrical systems and diagnostics.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with customers and internal teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues independently in the field.
• Comfort working independently with minimal supervision in remote and on-site settings.
• Detail-oriented approach with a focus on accuracy, quality, and thorough documentation.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, communication platforms, and industrial software tools.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to travel extensively, typically 50-75%.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Comfort working in both office and industrial environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in machine building or custom equipment manufacturing is preferred.
• Experience with industrial installation and startup is beneficial.
• Exposure to food or consumer goods manufacturing environments is an advantage.
• Experience in chemical or process industries is valuable.
• Knowledge of hydraulic or fluid systems beyond core requirements is a plus.
• Experience with specialized materials processing equipment is a plus but not required.
• Ability to perform basic PLC programming in addition to troubleshooting is an asset.
• Preferred technical diploma or associate degree in a relevant field, though not strictly required.
• Interest in working in a niche market with consistent work and opportunities to deepen expertise.
• Motivation to gain knowledge in different technical areas and continually grow skills.

Work Environment

This role combines work on a clean shop floor with frequent travel to diverse customer sites. In the shop, you work in a well-organized, clean environment with access to modern tools, test equipment, and industrial software. At customer facilities, you may encounter a range of industrial settings, including manufacturing plants and processing facilities, which can involve exposure to noise, dust, and active production areas. Travel is primarily within the U.S. and Canada, with occasional international trips, and typically ranges from 50-75%. The position offers consistent work in a niche market, along with the opportunity to work on custom machinery, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and continuously expand your technical skills across hydraulics, pumps, fluid systems, dispensing systems, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial electrical systems. Attire is appropriate for both shop and industrial environments, with adherence to safety and protective equipment requirements as needed.

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 - $34.00/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 22, 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.