Remote Field Service Engineer - Specialized Equipment

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel allowance

Private health insurance

Retirement savings plan

International training and certific at

opportunities for career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Field Service Engineer to support South Africa operations from a home office, primarily around Cape Town. You will provide remote diagnostic support, guide on-site staff, and travel regionally for hands-on interventions as needed.

The role requires a degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, 5+ years in field service, and proficiency with PLCs and automation controls. A valid driver's license and willingness to travel up to 50% are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5 years' experience in field service or maintenance of complex industrial machinery.
• Proven ability to diagnose and repair electro-mechanical systems and PLCs.
• Excellent remote troubleshooting and ability to guide others through procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and ability to work independently in remote settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide remote diagnostic support for industrial machinery and complex systems.
• Develop and deliver remote training sessions for client staff.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues affecting equipment.
• Create detailed troubleshooting guides and best-practice documents.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to address recurring issues and improve reliability.
• Plan and execute on-site service visits for complex installations, repairs, and upgrades when needed.
• Maintain detailed records of service requests and resolutions in CRM.
• Ensure high customer satisfaction with prompt, accurate support.
• Stay updated with product developments and service bulletins.
• Identify potential failures and recommend preventative maintenance.

Skills

Remote troubleshooting

Technical communication

Independent work

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLCs

Industrial automation controls

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in advanced manufacturing technology, is looking for a highly skilled and motivated Remote Field Service Engineer to support their South African operations, with a focus on the Cape Town region. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to leverage your expertise from a home office. You will be responsible for providing remote technical support, troubleshooting complex issues, and guiding on-site personnel through the installation, maintenance, and repair of our state-of-the-art industrial equipment. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional technical acumen, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This role requires significant travel within the region for hands-on interventions when remote solutions are insufficient. We are seeking a dedicated professional who thrives in an independent work environment and is passionate about delivering cutting-edge technical solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide remote diagnostic support and technical assistance for industrial machinery and complex systems.
• Develop and deliver remote training sessions for client technical staff on equipment operation and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network issues affecting equipment performance.
• Create detailed technical documentation, including troubleshooting guides and best practice manuals.
• Collaborate with internal engineering and product development teams to address recurring issues and improve product reliability.
• Plan and execute on-site service visits for complex installations, repairs, and upgrades when remote resolution is not feasible.
• Manage service requests and maintain detailed records of all interactions and resolutions in the CRM system.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through prompt, accurate, and professional technical support.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest product developments, service bulletins, and industry best practices.
• Proactively identify potential equipment failures and recommend preventative maintenance strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in field service, technical support, or maintenance of complex industrial machinery.
• Proven expertise in diagnosing and repairing electro-mechanical systems, PLCs, and industrial automation controls.
• Excellent remote troubleshooting skills, including the ability to guide others through complex procedures.
• Strong proficiency with remote access tools, diagnostic software, and technical documentation.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage time effectively and work independently in a remote setting.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel extensively within South Africa (up to 50% of the time).
• Familiarity with CRM systems and service management software.
• Ability to adapt to a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Benefits

This remote position offers a highly competitive salary and the flexibility of working from home. Benefits include a generous travel allowance, comprehensive private health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and opportunities for international training and certification. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, providing ample resources for skill development. You will be part of a globally recognized organization at the forefront of technological innovation, contributing to impactful projects from your base in or near Cape Town.