Field Service Technician

Job Title: Field Service Technician

Job Description

The Field Service Technician provides expert technical support for advanced equipment both in the field and at the facility, working closely with research and development and engineering teams to develop, test, and refine new technologies. This role combines hands-on troubleshooting, prototype assembly and testing, and customer-facing service, including occasional domestic and international travel. The technician documents all service and test activities thoroughly to support continuous improvement and ensure reliable, high-performing equipment for customers.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting for equipment in the field and at the facility, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
• Diagnose mechanical and electrical issues on complex industrial equipment and implement effective corrective actions.
• Assist in building, assembling, and validating prototypes and new designs, including setting up and running rigorous machine tests.
• Support research and development activities by executing test plans, collecting data, and providing feedback on equipment performance and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, R&D specialists, and other technical staff to refine product performance and improve system reliability.
• Work directly with customers to understand equipment issues, provide hands-on support, and deliver training on proper operation and maintenance.
• Document all service activities, test results, and findings in a clear and accurate manner to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare detailed reports on equipment performance, test outcomes, and service interventions for internal stakeholders.
• Participate in the development and refinement of troubleshooting procedures, test protocols, and best practices.
• Travel domestically and internationally to customer sites to perform installations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and training as needed.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety and quality while working in both lab and field environments.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and customers to set expectations, provide updates, and ensure high levels of satisfaction.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to perform mechanical troubleshooting on industrial equipment.
• Experience supporting research and development or field service engineering activities.
• Strong understanding of industrial technology concepts and applications.
• Ability to work with both mechanical and electrical systems in an industrial environment.
• Demonstrated experience in technical problem-solving and root-cause analysis.
• Capability to assemble, test, and validate prototypes and new equipment designs.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with engineers, R&D specialists, and customers.
• Ability to document tests, service activities, and findings clearly and accurately.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally for field service work.
• Bachelors degree in Industrial Technology, Engineering, or at least 3+ years of experience in an R&D or Field Service Engineer role.
• At least 2+ years of experience with extrusion equipment preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working directly with research and development teams and engineering groups to develop new technologies.
• Experience in industrial technology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Prior hands-on experience with extrusion equipment is strongly preferred.
• French language skills are a plus and may support international customer interactions.
• Interest in solving complex technical problems and working in a puzzle-like, learning-focused environment.
• Comfort working in both lab and field settings, including customer sites.
• Strong organizational skills to manage documentation, reporting, and multiple concurrent tasks.

Work Environment

This position operates in a mixed office, lab, and field environment. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday for a 40-hour workweek, with opportunities to earn overtime. The technician shares an office with two other R&D technicians and spends a significant amount of time working in the lab on equipment testing and prototype development. The role includes regular travel, with domestic trips approximately once per month and international travel about once per quarter. Travel-related work includes hands-on service, troubleshooting, and customer training at various customer facilities. The environment emphasizes collaboration with R&D and engineering teams, continuous learning, and involvement in developing new technologies. A travel bonus is provided for each trip, and the culture supports curious, puzzle-solving professionals who enjoy tackling complex technical challenges.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Urbandale, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52000.00 - $60320.00/yr.

Travel bonuses of $8,000-$10,000 annually (conservative) Activities bonus of $750 per quarter or $2,250 the first year Companywide bonus - roughly $2,000 per year ask for benefits package

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Urbandale,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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.