Field Service Engineer - Automation

GEA Germany GmbH; Oakdale (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

12 paid holidays and 136 hours PTO

7% 401(k) employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness incentive program

Employee Assistance Program

Health Savings/ Spending Accounts

Job summary

GEA Group is seeking a Senior Field Service Engineer to deliver advanced technical support for liquid filling and beverage equipment across the lifecycle. You will install, commission, troubleshoot, and optimize systems in varied environments, coordinating with customers and teams.

You will lead on-site activities, train customers, and produce detailed documentation while maintaining safety standards and high-quality service.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on experience installing, servicing, repairing, and troubleshooting liquid filling or similar production equipment.
• Strong knowledge of automation hardware, software, industrial networks, and electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics.
• Experience using diagnostic tools and troubleshooting software.
• Proven ability to lead equipment installations, commissioning, and field service activities.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.

Responsibilities

• Commission, validate, service, and optimize liquid filling and beverage equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, automation, software, and process issues on fillers and lines.
• Lead startup, commissioning, machine restarts, and software upgrades.
• Perform software and hardware modifications, retrofits, and upgrades.
• Diagnose equipment issues and recommend improvements or modernization opportunities.
• Coordinate on-site work with subcontractors, project managers, and customer teams.
• Provide technical training to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Develop SOPs, service documentation, and technical reports.
• Contribute field expertise to equipment layouts and new projects.

Skills

Automation hardware

Automation software

Industrial networks

Electrical systems

Mechanical aptitude

Schematic reading

Troubleshooting software

Field leadership

English communication

Microsoft Office

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Filling Equipment Certificate

Job description

Responsibilities / Tasks

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we're not just building equipment, we're building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 5 to over 11+ years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Working at GEA Group has significant benefits:

• Start strong - Medical, dental, and vision coverage begins on your first day


• Recharge and refresh - Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including a flexible floating holiday, and 136 hours of PTO to relax or explore


• Invest in your future - A 7% 401(k) employer match helps grow your retirement savings faster


• Keep learning - Take advantage of tuition reimbursement to further your education or skillset


• Live well - Our wellness incentive program rewards healthy habits


• Get support when you need it - Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program for personal or professional guidance


• Save smart - Flexible Health Savings and Spending Accounts to manage out-of-pocket expenses

What You’ll Do

As a Senior Field Service Engineer, you'll provide advanced technical support throughout the equipment lifecycle, from installation and commissioning to troubleshooting, upgrades, and optimization.

• Commission, validate, service, and optimize liquid filling and beverage equipment.


• Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, automation, software, and process issues on fillers and complete filling lines.


• Lead startup and commissioning activities, machine restarts, and software upgrades.


• Perform software and hardware modifications, retrofits, and equipment upgrades.


• Diagnose equipment issues and recommend improvements or modernization opportunities to customers.


• Coordinate on-site work with subcontractors, external technicians, project managers, and customer teams.


• Provide technical training to customers and internal stakeholders.


• Develop detailed SOPs, service documentation, and technical reports.


• Support equipment and product development by providing field expertise and input on equipment layouts and new projects.


• Provide remote troubleshooting and technical assistance through phone and Microsoft Teams when needed.


• Ensure all field activities are completed in accordance with applicable safety requirements.


• Serve as a technical leader on-site while remaining comfortable working independently with minimal supervision.

Your Profile / Qualifications

We're seeking a seasoned technical professional who combines hands-on mechanical expertise with strong electrical and automation troubleshooting capabilities.

• 10+ years of hands-on experience installing, servicing, repairing, and troubleshooting liquid filling, beverage, or similar production equipment.


• Electrical Engineering degree, Filling Equipment Certificate, or equivalent combination of technical education and hands-on industry experience.


• Strong knowledge of automation hardware, software, industrial networks, and electrical systems.


• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience troubleshooting complex production equipment.


• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical schematics.


• Experience using hand tools, diagnostic tools, and troubleshooting software.


• Proven ability to independently lead equipment installations, commissioning, and technical service activities.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.


• Ability to create clear technical documentation and SOPs.


• Proficiency with Microsoft applications.


• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable making decisions in the field.

Travel Requirements

• Ability and willingness to travel up to 80%.


• Domestic and international travel may be required.


• Valid driver's license required.

Salary & Benefits

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $100,000 - $130,000 per year. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States. The pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for the position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications, and other job-related reasons. You may be eligible for additional rewards, such as discretionary bonus (based on eligibility) and/or equity awards.

• Discretionary bonus (based on eligibility).


• Equity awards.

Equal Opportunity Statement

GEA is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will therefore receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, race, color, religion, world view, national origin, genetics, disability, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other protected characteristic required by applicable law. Applicants with disabilities are welcome and will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

About GEA Group

GEA is one of the largest suppliers of process technology for the food industry and a wide range of other industries. The international technology group focuses on process technology and components for sophisticated production processes in various end-user markets.