Field Service Technician

Starfish Partners; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Starfish Partners is seeking a Field Service Technician – Industrial Automation with a mechanical focus to install, commission, and service automated equipment across North America. The position requires extensive travel and hands‑on troubleshooting at customer facilities.

Responsibilities include diagnosing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control systems issues, performing preventive maintenance, and delivering accurate service documentation.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands‑on experience servicing, repairing, installing, or maintaining industrial machinery or automation equipment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with pneumatic systems and industrial equipment installation.
• PLC knowledge or troubleshooting experience is a plus.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings, schematics, manuals, and equipment documentation.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain a passport.
• Spanish or French language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Install, test, and commission industrial automation and production equipment at customer facilities.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls‑related equipment issues.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and evaluate equipment condition to identify potential failures before they result in downtime.
• Diagnose equipment performance issues and recommend appropriate repairs or improvements.
• Coordinate and oversee outside contractors or additional technicians during larger installation projects.
• Maintain a professional, customer‑focused approach while working independently at customer locations.

Skills

Field service experience

Mechanical troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

Pneumatic systems

Reading schematics

Customer service

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Technical/trade school training

Associate degree in mechanical/electrical/automation

Job description

Field Service Technician – Industrial Automation (Mechanical Focus)

Compensation: $35-$40 per hour

Travel: 75% overnight (On site when not traveling)

Location: Must be within 1 hour of Barton Hills, MI

Position Overview

We are working with an established global manufacturer of industrial automation and motion-control equipment seeking a Field Service Technician to support customers throughout North America.

This is a hands‑on technical position responsible for installing, commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining automated equipment at customer facilities. The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical and electrical background, enjoys solving equipment problems in the field, and is comfortable traveling extensively.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, test, and commission industrial automation and production equipment at customer facilities.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls‑related equipment issues.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and evaluate equipment condition to identify potential failures before they result in downtime.
• Diagnose equipment performance issues and recommend appropriate repairs or improvements.
• Utilize electrical test equipment, measurement tools, and standard mechanical tools during service activities.
• Work closely with engineering, project management, and customer personnel during installations, repairs, upgrades, and maintenance projects.
• Complete service documentation, reports, and related administrative requirements accurately and on time.
• Provide technical support to customers as part of a rotating on‑call schedule.
• Assist with gathering technical information needed to develop service and repair quotations.
• Coordinate and oversee outside contractors or additional technicians during larger installation projects.
• Maintain a professional, customer‑focused approach while working independently at customer locations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; technical/trade school training or an associate degree in a mechanical, electrical, automation, or related discipline preferred.
• 4+ years of hands‑on experience servicing, repairing, installing, or maintaining industrial machinery or automation equipment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with pneumatic systems and industrial equipment installation.
• PLC knowledge or troubleshooting experience is a plus.
• Comfortable working with PC‑based industrial automation and diagnostic software.
• Ability to read and understand technical drawings, schematics, manuals, and equipment documentation.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple service requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain a passport.
• Spanish or French language skills are a plus.

Travel

This is a high-travel field position requiring up to 75% travel. Candidates should be comfortable working at customer facilities, adjusting schedules based on project requirements, and occasionally supporting work outside normal business hours. The original description specifically calls for up to 75% travel and a flexible schedule.

Ideal Background

Candidates coming from industrial automation, robotics, material handling, machine building, manufacturing equipment, or other electromechanical capital equipment environments should translate well into this position.