Field Service Technician - PA location
Description
Field Service Technician – Level 1
Packaging Equipment | Traysealing Systems
About the Role
The Field Service Technician Level 1 supports the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of traysealing equipment and associated packaging systems at customer facilities. This includes mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, vacuum, and heating systems used to seal trays and produce modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).
Working under the guidance of senior technicians and technical support personnel, this technician performs routine service tasks, develops troubleshooting skills, and helps customers maintain safe, reliable equipment operation. Success requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, clear communication, and a willingness to learn in a field service environment.
This position requires travel up to 80% of the time on a continuous basis, including frequent overnight stays and occasional weekend or extended-hour assignments.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, demonstrated through education, training, or hands-on experience.
Ability to use hand tools, measuring instruments, and basic diagnostic equipment safely.
Ability to read and follow technical instructions, equipment manuals, and basic drawings.
Strong communication skills and a professional, customer-focused approach.
Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
Willingness and ability to meet the position’s ongoing travel requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
Technical certification, vocational training, or an associate degree in electromechanical technology, industrial maintenance, automation, or a related field.
Experience maintaining or servicing packaging, food processing, or other industrial equipment.
Familiarity with traysealers, conveyors, tray denesters, film handling systems, or related packaging machinery.
Basic knowledge of pneumatic components, vacuum systems, sensors, motors, and temperature controls.
Exposure to human-machine interfaces (HMIs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and variable-frequency or servo drives.
Familiarity with lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding, and food manufacturing sanitation requirements.
Experience using electronic service reporting or maintenance management systems.
Responsibilities
Perform routine preventive maintenance and equipment inspections according to manufacturer procedures and assigned service scope.
Troubleshoot basic mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and vacuum issues with guidance from senior technicians or technical support.
Assist with installation, startup, commissioning, and functional testing of traysealing equipment and associated systems.
Inspect and adjust components such as conveyors, tray handling mechanisms, film feed assemblies, sealing tooling, gaskets, and cutting systems within established procedures.
Support tray and film changeovers, recipe setup, and operating adjustments under appropriate supervision.
Assist in investigating sealing defects, film tracking problems, tray handling issues, and MAP performance concerns.
Verify equipment operation following service and communicate findings, completed work, and outstanding issues to the customer and service team.
Provide basic operator and maintenance instruction within the technician’s training and experience.
Complete accurate, timely service reports documenting symptoms, diagnostic steps, work performed, parts used, labor hours, and follow-up recommendations.
Escalate complex faults, recurring failures, safety concerns, and work outside the assigned scope to the service manager or technical support team.
Follow company and customer safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, required personal protective equipment, and site hygiene practices.
Maintain company tools, service equipment, and assigned spare parts in good condition.
Skills and Competencies
Mechanical aptitude: Understands how machine components function and performs basic adjustments and repairs accurately.
Structured troubleshooting: Collects relevant information, follows diagnostic procedures, and verifies results before concluding an issue is resolved.
Technical learning: Builds knowledge of traysealing processes, machine controls, and packaging materials through training and hands-on experience.
Customer communication: Explains service findings clearly, sets realistic expectations, and maintains professionalism during equipment downtime.
Documentation: Produces clear service records that support follow-up work, parts identification, and technical review.
Safety and judgment: Recognizes personal limits, follows approved procedures, and seeks assistance when needed.
Organization and accountability: Manages assigned tasks, travel, tools, and reporting requirements reliably.