Field Service Engineer (Controls)

JBT Marel; Sint-Niklaas; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Ongoing technical development opportunities

Competitive salary package

Job summary

JBT Marel is seeking a Field Service Engineer (Controls) in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. In this role, you will travel internationally to support customers by installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced automation systems.

Your expertise will ensure peak performance of equipment, while you deliver exceptional service and build strong customer relationships. The ideal candidate has a technical background in electrical engineering and experience in industrial automation.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Field Service or Controls Engineering.
• Experience in troubleshooting PLC-based systems.
• Fluency in English and Dutch, basic French required.

Responsibilities

• Perform troubleshooting and maintenance on automation systems.
• Carry out preventive maintenance and equipment upgrades.
• Support customer equipment installations and training.

Skills

Troubleshooting with PLC-controlled machinery

Knowledge of electrical systems

Problem-solving skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Education

Technical qualification in Electrical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

JBT Marel is a global leader in food processing technology, delivering innovative solutions that help customers improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability. We are looking for a highly skilled Field Service Engineer (Controls) to join our team in Sint‑Niklaas, Belgium. In this role you will travel internationally to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize advanced automated food processing systems, serving as a trusted technical expert.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Field Service Engineer (Controls), you will support customers across the globe throughout the lifecycle of their equipment, providing expert technical service and ensuring peak performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform troubleshooting, diagnostics, and corrective maintenance on electrical, pneumatic, and PLC‑controlled systems.
• Carry out preventive maintenance, equipment rebuilds, upgrades, and optimization activities.
• Support equipment installations, commissioning, and start‑up activities at customer sites worldwide.
• Deliver technical training to customers on equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting in English, French, and Dutch.
• Diagnose complex automation and controls issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
• Follow all JBT Marel and customer health, safety, and food safety requirements, maintaining the highest standards at all times.
• Document all service activities accurately, including reports, findings, recommendations, and improvement opportunities.
• Identify spare parts requirements and recommend upgrades or modifications to improve equipment performance.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships, acting as a trusted technical advisor.
• Collaborate closely with Technical Support, Engineering, Project Management, and Customer Care teams to ensure successful project execution and service delivery.
• Provide flexible support, including weekend work and occasional emergency response activities when required.

About You

You are a customer‑focused and technically driven controls engineer who enjoys solving complex problems in a fast‑paced international environment. You thrive on travel, enjoy working independently, and are passionate about delivering exceptional service.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Has

• Strong troubleshooting experience with PLC‑controlled machinery and industrial automation systems.
• Solid knowledge of electrical and pneumatic systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• A proactive and hands‑on approach to technical challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build customer trust.
• The ability to work independently while maintaining close collaboration with global teams.
• Flexibility to travel extensively on a global basis and support customer needs outside standard working hours when required.

Education, Knowledge & Experience

• Technical qualification in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Controls, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a Field Service, Controls Engineering, Automation, or similar technical role.
• Experience troubleshooting PLC‑based systems and industrial automation equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, pneumatic drawings, and technical documentation.
• Experience working in food processing, manufacturing, packaging, or industrial machinery environments is advantageous.
• Fluent in English and Dutch, both written and spoken. A basic level of French is required.
• Valid driver’s licence and passport with the ability to travel internationally.

What We Offer

• A challenging and rewarding global role with extensive international exposure.
• Opportunities to work with advanced food processing and automation technologies.
• Ongoing technical and professional development opportunities.
• A collaborative and supportive international team environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Company vehicle, laptop, mobile phone, and travel‑related expenses.
• Career growth opportunities within a global industry leader.

Commitment to Safety

As a member of our team, you are expected to actively contribute to our safety culture, follow all company policies and procedures, and help ensure a safe working environment for colleagues, customers, and partners.