Field Service Technician

JBT Marel; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 48,216; Full time

Job summary

A food processing equipment company is seeking a Field Service Technician to provide high-quality installation, commissioning, and maintenance support. This role involves working with various technologies in a customer-facing environment and requires extensive travel (up to 80-90%). The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical and electrical skills, a solid technical background, and a commitment to customer service. If you have an associate's degree or equivalent experience, apply now to join a team dedicated to technical excellence.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of field service, maintenance, or installation experience in food processing or industrial automation.
• Valid driver's license and passport (or ability to obtain) for travel.
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and work in varied environments.

Responsibilities

• Install, commission, and test complex food processing equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical and electrical issues.
• Conduct preventative maintenance and audits.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Troubleshooting and analytical skills

Communication skills

Customer service mindset

Computer literacy

Education

Associates degree in a technical field

Tools

PLC systems

VFDs

Diagnostic software

Job description

Overview

The Field Service Technician (FST) is responsible for providing high-quality installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance support across JBT Marel's diverse portfolio of food processing equipment – including freezing, cooking, marination, linking, and end-of-line systems. This position combines mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and automation disciplines in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment. The FST plays a key role in ensuring customer satisfaction through technical excellence, clear communication, and adherence to safety and quality standards. Field Service Technicians are hands-on problem solvers and brand ambassadors, capable of working independently while collaborating closely with engineering, project management, sales, and service leadership. Travel is extensive (up to 80-90%) throughout North America, supporting business and customer needs alike.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

FIELD SERVICE EXECUTION – 65%

• Install, commission, and test complex food processing equipment across multiple technologies and product lines
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and control-related issues using schematics, diagnostic tools, and PLC/HMI interfaces
• Conduct preventative maintenance and equipment audits to minimize downtime and maximize performance
• Lead or assist with equipment upgrades, retrofits, rebuilds, and performance optimization
• Complete detailed service reports, documentation, and expense submissions accurately and promptly
• Ensure all work is performed safely and in compliance with site and company safety standards

CUSTOMER SUPPORT & COMMUNICATION – 25%

• Serve as the primary point of contact on site, always ensuring professional representation of JBT Marel
• Communicate findings, corrective actions, and recommendations clearly with both customer and internal stakeholders
• Provide operator and maintenance training, ensuring customers can safely and effectively run their equipment
• Identify and relay potential parts, upgrade, or service opportunities to Sales and/or Service Management teams
• Support warranty evaluations, failure analysis, and product performance feedback to internal teams

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT & COLLABORATION – 10%

• Provide structured feedback to Engineering and Product Management regarding product performance, reliability, and serviceability
• Participate in ongoing training to expand technical capability across multiple product lines and technologies
• Support mentoring and cross-training initiatives within the PF Service Organization
• Contribute to a culture of teamwork, innovation, and technical excellence

Skills

• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude with working knowledge of generalized machine automation, pneumatics, and control systems
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and PLC logic
• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills
• Strong communication and customer-service mindset with professional on-site presence
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, prioritize effectively, and perform under pressure
• Computer literacy: Microsoft Office Suite, diagnostic software, and CRM/service reporting tools
• Commitment to safety and adherence to all regulatory and customer site requirements

Qualifications

• Associates degree in a technical field (mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering technology) or equivalent hands-on experience
• Minimum 2+ years of field service, maintenance, or installation experience (food processing or industrial automation preferred)
• Experience with PLCs, VFDs, servos, and automated control systems a plus
• Must hold a valid driver's license and passport (or ability to obtain) for travel
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs and work in hot/cold/wet environments, and climb or maneuver on elevated platforms or in confined spaces

Work Environment & Travel

• Extensive travel required – typically 80-90%, with overnight stays (domestic, with potential for occasional international assignments)
• Work performed primarily in production or factory environments; may include hot, cold, wet, or noisy conditions
• Flexibility to work extended hours, weekends, or holidays during critical downtime events, emergency service events, or as customer production constraints apply

The estimated hourly pay range for this role is $30.00 - $35.00. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Starting salary will vary by location, qualifications, and prior experience.