Field Service Technician - Midwest Region

JBT Marel; Apex (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

life insurance

short-term and long-term disability

family leave

vision coverage

matched 401(k) plan

Job summary

JBT Marel is seeking a Field Service Technician to install, commission, troubleshoot, and maintain diverse food processing equipment across multiple product lines. You will diagnose mechanical, electrical, and control issues, perform preventative maintenance, and deliver on-site customer training.

The role requires strong problem-solving, safety compliance, and excellent communication. Expect extensive travel (80-90%), hands-on field work, and collaboration with engineering and product teams.

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent hands-on technical experience.
• 2+ years in field service, maintenance, or installation.
• Experience with PLCs, VFDs, servos, and automated control systems.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Reading schematics

PLC/controls knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Customer-service mindset

Safety compliance

Education

Associates degree in technical field

Hands-on experience

Tools

PLC systems

VFDs

Servos

Automation control systems

Job description

At JBT Marel, what we do matters, we know that the contribution of our employees leads to the success of our business.

Our purpose is to transform the future of food; this guides our vision of being the global leader in food and beverage technology, by harnessing the full power of JBT Marel to partner with our customers and pioneer sustainable innovation.

Our values show who we are at our best. As we Create with Collaboration, Serve with Integrity, Grow with Excellence, and Advance with Innovation.

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.

Main Job Duties

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

We are committed to our employees

and will provide you with development and opportunities to allow you to be the best version of yourself at work, at home, and in your community.

We foster a genuine inclusive team culture enjoying

collaborative working across our global teams to deliver world-class projects.

We encourage development

- ensuring new experiences and challenges at JBT Marel to feed your growth!

Benefits

JBT Marel offers benefits on day 1 of your employment. Including:

• Medical
• Dental
• life insurance
• short-term and long-term disability
• family leave
• vision coverage
• matched 401(k) plan

Commitment to Diversity

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is a fundamental value to JBT Marel and critical to our future success. A thoughtful, focused, and sustained effort to work towards our DEIB goals is not just a principled choice, but also a business imperative.

Use of Technology in Our Hiring Process

JBTMarel uses technology‑assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support the review of applications.

These tools help our recruiting teams identify skills and experience relevant to the role based on job‑related criteria.

All applications are reviewed by people, and AI is not used to make hiring decisions independently. We are committed to fair, consistent, and inclusive hiring practices globally.

Equal Opportunity Employment

JBT Marel provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and qualified applicants for employment. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. At JBT Marel, we apply this policy to all our employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. We make hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit and business needs at the time. JBT Marel will reasonably accommodate applicants who need adjustments to participate in the application or interview process. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact JBT Marel at 844-286-4524.