Field Service Engineer

Actalent; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Field Service Engineer (Mechanical/Marine) to provide technical direction and hands-on support for complex mechanical systems on US Navy aircraft carriers, submarines, and other ships. The role covers shipboard installation, overhaul, maintenance, and testing of turbines, pumps, and generators, with occasional weekend work and offshore travel.

The ideal candidate holds a Mechanical Engineering degree, with at least 3 years' experience in heavy rotating machinery and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on ship experience with technician-to-engineering progression.
• Experience with heavy rotating oil-lubricated machinery.
• Ability to read and interpret assembly and machining drawings.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide field service direction for mechanical and marine systems on naval vessels.
• Oversee shipboard installation and overhaul of steam turbines, pumps, trip throttle valves, and generators.
• Lead disassembly, inspection, and repair of complex rotating machinery.
• Perform maintenance and overhaul activities on complex rotating machinery.
• Technically troubleshoot rotating machinery and related systems to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Travel to shipyards and vessels for on-site engineering support (multi-week assignments).

Skills

Field service experience

Rotating machinery troubleshooting

Reading drawings

Communication with customers

Report writing

Overtime/weekend readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Machining equipment

Precision measurement devices

MS Office (Word/Excel)

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Field Service Engineer (Mechanical/Marine)

Job Description

This Field Service Engineer role focuses on providing technical direction and hands-on support for complex mechanical systems on US Navy aircraft carriers, submarines, and other support vessels. You will oversee the shipboard installation, overhaul, maintenance, and testing of equipment such as steam turbines, pumps, trip throttle valves, and electrical generators. The position combines field-based engineering oversight with detailed inspection, troubleshooting, and comprehensive report writing, often in an industrial environment where odd hours and weekend work are common.

Responsibilities

• Provide field service technical direction for mechanical and marine systems on naval vessels, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and support ships.
• Oversee the shipboard installation and overhaul of equipment such as steam turbines, pumps, trip throttle valves, and electrical generators.
• Lead and support the disassembly, inspection, and repair of complex rotating, oil-lubricated machinery.
• Perform maintenance and overhaul activities on complex rotating machinery, ensuring adherence to engineering standards and procedures.
• Technically troubleshoot complex rotating machinery and associated systems to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Read and interpret assembly and machining drawings to guide maintenance, repair, and installation activities.
• Use tooling, machining equipment, and precision measurement devices to support accurate assembly, alignment, and quality control.
• Prepare, navigate, and generate detailed technical reports using word processing and spreadsheet software, documenting inspections, repairs, test results, and recommendations.
• Communicate professionally and clearly with internal and external customers, including shipyard personnel and other stakeholders, to provide technical guidance and status updates.
• Support overtime and weekend work as necessary to meet project schedules and operational requirements.
• Travel to shipyards and vessels to perform on-site engineering support, typically for multi-week assignments several times per year.
• Provide engineering oversight to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant execution of all maintenance, overhaul, and testing activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on ship experience in a technician-type role with progression into engineering responsibilities.
• Experience working with heavy rotating oil-lubricated machinery.
• Ability to perform maintenance and overhaul activities on complex rotating machinery.
• Ability to read and interpret assembly and machining drawings.
• Knowledge and experience using tooling, machining equipment, and precision measurement devices.
• Proven ability to technically troubleshoot complex rotating machinery and related systems.
• Meticulous attention to detail in all technical and documentation tasks.
• Ability to communicate professionally with internal and external customers.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to navigate and generate complex reports in word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Willingness and ability to support overtime and weekend work as needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Mechanical engineering degree is preferred for this role.
• Prior experience in ship repair or naval environments is highly beneficial.
• Background in a technician role onboard ships transitioning into engineering work is ideal.
• Familiarity with US Navy vessels such as aircraft carriers, submarines, and support ships is advantageous.
• Strong written communication skills for complex technical report writing.
• Comfort working independently in the field while coordinating with diverse technical teams.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily industrial and shipboard, involving work on naval vessels such as aircraft carriers, submarines, and support ships, as well as shipyards. You will work around heavy rotating machinery, steam turbines, pumps, valves, and generators in active marine and industrial settings. Odd hours and weekend work are not uncommon, particularly during critical maintenance and overhaul periods. Travel is required approximately 25% of the time, with typical trips lasting about 3–4 weeks, around four times per year. When not traveling, you will work either in a facility in the Chesapeake area or at local shipyards, providing on-site suppor