Field Service Engineer - Extruded Food Technology

GEA; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food processing technology supplier is looking for a Technical Field Service Engineer with expertise in Extruded Food Technology systems. This role involves installing, maintaining, and optimizing equipment across the UK and internationally. Ideal candidates will have a relevant engineering qualification and 3–5 years of field experience. Responsibilities include troubleshooting extrusion systems, providing customer training, and collaborating with internal teams. The position involves significant travel and offers an opportunity to work with advanced food processing solutions.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of field experience in food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of extrusion systems and downstream processing.
• Experience with automation and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the installation and start-up of food processing equipment.
• Perform maintenance and troubleshooting on extrusion systems.
• Provide technical support and training to customers.
• Recommend process improvements for efficiency.
• Maintain detailed service records and prepare reports.
• Collaborate with teams to align with customer satisfaction.
• Participate in on-call rotation for emergency support.

Skills

Field experience with complex process equipment

Strong organizational skills

Customer relationship skills

Problem-solving mindset

Willingness to travel

Fluency in English

Education

NVQ/HNC/HND in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering

Job description

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Technical Field Service Engineer to join our team, with a focus on Extruded Food Technology systems. In this role, you will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and optimization of extrusion and downstream equipment. You will support customers across the UK, Ireland, and internationally, ensuring reliable operation and maximum performance of their production lines. ( The role will primarily cover the Manchester to Leeds corridor)

Responsibilities

• Installation & Commissioning: Lead the installation and start‑up of extruded food processing equipment, ensuring all systems meet technical and operational requirements.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform planned maintenance, fault diagnosis, and repairs on extrusion systems and associated equipment such as cutters, conveyors, dryers, and forming machines.
• Technical Support & Training: Provide hands‑on support and technical guidance to customers. Train operators and maintenance staff on equipment use and best practices.
• System Optimization & Upgrades: Recommend and implement process improvements, equipment upgrades, and control system optimizations to increase line efficiency and reliability.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed service records including diagnostics, repairs, part replacements, and operational feedback. Prepare clear service reports for customers and internal teams.
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, automation, and sales teams to ensure alignment and customer satisfaction.
• Emergency Support: Participate in an on‑call rotation for emergency support when needed to minimise customer downtime.

Qualifications

• NVQ/HNC/HND in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering or related discipline.
• 3–5 years field experience with complex process equipment in food manufacturing.
• Specific experience with extruded food processing systems (snacks, cereals, pet food, etc.) is advantageous.
• Automation and control system knowledge is advantageous (PLC troubleshooting, etc.).
• Knowledge of extrusion systems and downstream processing (e.g., forming, drying, cutting).
• Proficiency in reading mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic drawings.
• Willingness to travel extensively across the UK, Ireland, and internationally.
• Strong organisational skills, structured working style, and problem‑solving mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills.
• Fluency in English; other languages (e.g., Italian, French, German) are a plus.
• Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

GEA is one of the world's largest suppliers of systems and equipment for the food industry, committed to innovation, performance, and quality. Our Food Processing Division provides advanced solutions in extrusion, forming, cooking, and cooling technologies, helping manufacturers of extruded food products achieve peak efficiency, consistency, and product quality.