Field Service Technician – Industrial Automation & Equipment

Columbia Machine, Inc.

United States

On-site

USD 55,000 - 90,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Vision insurance

Job summary

Columbia Machine, Inc. is seeking experienced Field Service Technicians to support three divisions: Palletizer, Concrete Products, and Columbia PSI (Packaging Systems).

You will provide on-site technical service during installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and maintenance of industrial equipment. Ideal candidates have strong PLC and electrical/mechanical troubleshooting skills and are willing to travel up to 75% to customer facilities.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required.
3–5 years of field service or industrial maintenance experience.
Experience with PLC programming and electrical troubleshooting.
Knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC systems (RSLogix/Studio 5000).
Concrete Products or Palletizer industry experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide on-site technical support and service to customers.
Travel to customer facilities up to 75% for installation, commissioning, and repairs.
Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and control systems.
Train customers on equipment operation and maintenance.
Prepare service reports and document solutions.
Collaborate with installation teams and sales.

Skills

Electrical troubleshooting

PLC troubleshooting

Allen-Bradley PLC

Mechanical troubleshooting

HMI systems

Reading schematics

Spanish helpful

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree or technical certificate

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC tools

CRM systems

Job description

At Columbia we come to work every day driven by the belief that innovation can transform industries, empower communities, and create a more efficient, sustainable world.

With operations spanning five continents and a commitment to excellence in service and support, our purpose extends beyond engineering advanced equipment. We are pioneering innovation and paving a better tomorrow with factory automation solutions worldwide.

Summary:

Columbia Machine is seeking experienced Field Service Technicians to join our service teams supporting three divisions: Palletizer, Concrete Products, and Columbia PSI (Packaging Systems).

These positions provide technical customer service and support during the installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and servicing of industrial equipment. Field Service Technicians work directly with customers to ensure equipment operates safely, efficiently, and reliably.

These positions require frequent travel, up to 75%, to customer facilities.

Our Divisions:

Provides installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and technical service for industrial palletizing equipment. Ideal candidates have experience with automated material-handling systems, conveyors, PLC-controlled machinery, and electrical and mechanical troubleshooting.

Concrete Products Division – Concrete Manufacturing Equipment

Supports the installation, commissioning, and servicing of concrete products manufacturing equipment. Candidates must have direct experience with concrete block manufacturing machinery, including block making, aggregate dosing, mixing, product forming, curing, and cubing.

Provides installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and technical support for automated bagging and palletizing equipment. Ideal candidates have experience with industrial packaging systems, PLC-controlled machinery, electrical controls, and automated production equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Customer Service and Technical Support

Provide technical assistance to customers in person, by phone, and by email.
Travel to customer facilities to troubleshoot, repair, install, and commission equipment.
Diagnose electrical, mechanical, and control system issues to minimize equipment downtime.
Provide customer training on equipment operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and safety features.
Maintain professional customer relationships and respond to service requests in a timely manner.
Provide after-hours technical support as needed.

Equipment Installation and Commissioning

Support and coordinate with electricians, assemblers, welders, and other personnel during equipment installation.
Verify proper electrical and mechanical installation and ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently.
Test PLC inputs and outputs, control interlocks, alarms, and safety devices during commissioning.
Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment, electrical circuits, and mechanical systems.
Complete equipment startup, testing, and commissioning according to established requirements.

Service Documentation and Continuous Improvement

Complete service reports, expense reports, and project documentation accurately and within established timelines.
Document equipment modifications, troubleshooting results, and recommended repairs.
Utilize CRM systems to maintain customer service records, track service activities, and document technical solutions.
Identify opportunities for equipment upgrades, replacement parts, and preventive maintenance.
Communicate technical findings and recommendations to customers, internal teams, and sales representatives.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and maintain current technical knowledge.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong industrial electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled industrial machinery.
Ability to connect to PLCs, diagnose faults, troubleshoot ladder logic, and make program modifications.
Experience with Allen-Bradley PLC systems, including RSLogix, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix.
Knowledge of HMI systems, including PanelView; PanelMate experience is beneficial.
Experience troubleshooting PLC inputs/outputs, motion controls, electrical interlocks, and alarms.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and mechanical drawings.
Understanding of industrial motors, sensors, and automated equipment.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently at customer locations and coordinate with installation teams.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to document service activities using CRM systems.
Spanish language skills are a plus.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED required.
Associate's degree or vocational/technical school education preferred.
3–5 years of relevant industrial equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, installation, or field service experience.
Experience with industrial automation, PLC programming, and electrical/mechanical troubleshooting required.
Previous experience with palletizing, material-handling, packaging, or related industrial equipment preferred for the Palletizer and Columbia PSI divisions.
Concrete Products Division requires 3–5 years of professional concrete products equipment experience, including electromechanical repair and concrete block manufacturing processes.

Additional Requirements:

Ability and willingness to travel up to 75% to customer facilities.
Valid driver's license and driving record meeting company vehicle policy requirements.
Ability to work in industrial manufacturing environments with exposure to noise, temperature variations, moving machinery, and other workplace hazards.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and perform physical activities such as standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and climbing.
Ability to follow established safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.
Availability to provide after-hours technical support as needed.
Ability to comply with applicable customer-required drug and alcohol testing policies.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation and Benefits:

Columbia Machine offers a full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, short and long term disability, 401(k), incentive compensation, paid holidays, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Equal Opportunity Employer - Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply. Columbia does participate in E-Verify. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The company does not sponsor employment visas or work authorization.

Job Type: Full-time