Industrial Automation Field Service Specialist (Food Processing)

Your Week, At a Glance

You start in Western Illinois, gear loaded and itinerary set. With 60–75% travel, you’ll be on-site at food processors across North America installing, commissioning, repairing, and training operators on custom automation and capital equipment. You move seamlessly from electrical diagnostics at 480VAC, 3Ø to mechanical adjustments, controls calibration, and customer coaching—always balancing technical depth with clear communication and time management.

Role Snapshot

• Location: Western Illinois (On-site) - Relocation Expenses Fully Covered
• Compensation: Hourly: $30-35/hr, x2 = $60 on overnight service calls, Could be $120- $145,000 / yearly based on hourly rate + benefits (based on qualifications), expenses paid on company card
• Travel: 60–75%
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Industry: Custom Capital Equipment / Food Processing Systems

About the Company

Join a privately held manufacturer known for in-house engineering, fabrication, and controls. They design, build, and integrate turnkey food processing and automation systems—delivering complete solutions to processors across North America.

What You’ll Own

• Prepare for each day by reviewing work requirements and staging tools, parts, and supplies to optimize service outcomes.
• Install, maintain, and repair electrical, electronic, and mechanical components on complex systems.
• Travel to customer facilities, manage the service schedule, and proactively communicate any delays.
• Respond to emergency calls, including nights and weekends, when customers need urgent support.
• Document incoming equipment condition, record test measurements, and capture photos as needed.
• Diagnose issues, source replacement parts, calibrate systems to manufacturer specifications, and explain corrective actions to the customer.
• Participate in ongoing company training on the latest technologies and methods.
• Spot and report opportunities for upgrades, service agreements, and additional value-added services.
• Support existing accounts by investigating complaints, conducting tests, and resolving problems on-site or via phone/computer.
• Deliver complete installations by studying system requirements, ordering parts, assembling components, and performing acceptance testing.
• Keep personal tools and equipment in top working order through troubleshooting, maintenance, and supply management.
• Create accurate process documentation and timely, detailed service/installation reports.
• Protect customer trust by safeguarding confidential service information.
• Advance your knowledge through educational opportunities.
• Develop clear process documents to support customer training.
• Collaborate with technical teams across departments and share information effectively.
• Foster strong, positive relationships with customers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Sharp analytical skills and attention to detail; able to read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, plans, and manuals.
• Hands-on experience with 480VAC, 3Ø in an Industrial environment.
• Customer-first mindset with a drive to exceed expectations.
• Proven ability to work independently and get it right the first time.
• Strict adherence to company procedures and safety rules.
• Strong team orientation to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Flexibility to work variable shifts and adapt to changing schedules.
• Willingness to work overtime when required.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Background in food processing, packaging, or sanitary equipment environments.
• Experience managing service contracts or after-sales support teams.
• Knowledge of preventive/predictive maintenance programs.
• Comfort with project management or ERP systems.

Physical & Work Environment

• Regular travel is expected for this role.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Periods of extended sitting.
• Frequent driving of a vehicle; must have a valid driver’s license and be physically able to drive.
• Travel by car, train, and/or plane.
• Standing, walking, and climbing as needed.
• Bending, twisting, and stooping.
• Operate tools and equipment safely.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Long-term growth with a scaling manufacturer of engineered systems.
• Deep technical problem-solving with meaningful customer interaction.
• Autonomy to refine and elevate field service processes.
• Direct impact on satisfaction, service revenue, and operational excellence.
• Collaborative, people-first culture that rewards initiative and innovation.

Keywords / Skills for Matching

Electrical • Electrical Operations • Automation • Controls • PLC • Industrial Equipment • Panel Shop • Capital Equipment • Preventive Maintenance • Leadership • UL Panels • Food Equipment Manufacturing • Project Management • Allen Bradley • Siemens • Schneider Electric • MES • SCADA • Man Machine Interface (MMI) • Inputs / Outputs • Electrical Switch Gear • Motor Control Center (MCC) • Single Line Diagram • Electrical Drawings • Pumps, Valves, and Fittings • Heat Exchangers • Conveyors • Fillers / Depositors • Instrumentation / Sensors • Flometers / Gauges • Piping Systems • Tanks / Reactors / Mixers • Grinders • Size-Reduction Equipment

You Should Be Proficient In

• Creating Preventive Maintenance Plans
• Heavy Equipment Repair
• Mechanical Troubleshooting Skills
• Electrical Installation
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• Electrical Repair
• Conduit Pulling
• Pneumatics Troubleshooting
• Tape Measure Reading
• Service
• Maintenance and Repair Skills
• Conduit Bending
• Industrial Electrical Experience
• Rigging & Load Handling
• Field Service Readiness
• Industrial Electrical Systems
• Workplace Safety & EHS Management
• Equipment Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
• Mechanical Systems & Component Repair
• Electrical Panel Installation
• Machine Safety Inspections