Field Service Engineer (Controls)

John Bean Technologies N.V.; Sint-Niklaas; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Laptop

Mobile phone

Travel-related expenses

Job summary

JBT Marel in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, is seeking a Field Service Engineer (Controls) to travel internationally and install, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize advanced automated food processing systems. You will be a trusted technical expert with strong controls knowledge and exceptional customer service.

You will diagnose automation issues, perform preventive maintenance, and support installations at customer sites worldwide while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure peak system

Qualifications

• Strong troubleshooting experience with PLC-controlled machinery and industrial automation systems.
• Solid knowledge of electrical and pneumatic systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive and hands-on approach to technical challenges.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with customers.
• Ability to travel extensively and collaborate with global teams.

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 installations, commissioning, and start-up activities at customer sites worldwide.
• Provide technical training to customers in English, French, and Dutch.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Electrical systems

Pneumatic systems

Communication

Education

Electrical Engineering / Automation / Mechatronics

Tools

PLC diagnostics

Job description

Are you ready to take your controls expertise around the world? At JBT Marel, what we do matters. We are a global leader in food processing technology, delivering innovative solutions that help customers improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability. To support our growing global customer base, 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. You will serve as a trusted technical expert, combining strong controls knowledge with excellent customer service skills to ensure our equipment operates at peak performance.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Field Service Engineer (Controls), you will play a key role in supporting customers across the globe throughout the lifecycle of their equipment.

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, identifying root causes and implementing 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.

• 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 too.
• Valid driver's license 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

At JBT Marel, safety is our highest priority. 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.

JBT Marel Vision & Values

In partnership with our customers, we are transforming the way food is processed. Our vision is of a world where quality food is produced sustainably and affordably. Our core values are: Unity | Innovation | Excellence

Learn more about JBT Marel at www.jbtmarel.com

Follow us on LinkedIn: JBT Marel

#LI-CM1 #LI-REMOTE

At JBT Marel, we’re transforming the future of food through technology, innovation, and collaboration. Our work helps make the global food system more sustainable — and it’s powered by thousands of talented people around the world. We value collaboration, integrity, innovation, and continuous growth — and we believe the best ideas come from diverse perspectives working together. If you’re looking for meaningful work and the chance to make a real impact, explore opportunities at JBT Marel and get ready to transform the future of food.