Job Title: Field Service Engineer (FSE) / Field Service Technician (FST)

Location: Primarily Southeastern United States (extensive travel required)
Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Field Service Engineer (FSE) or a Field Service Technician (FST) with growth potential into an FSE role to join a growing industrial services organization. This position focuses on the startup, commissioning, servicing, and optimization of industrial lumber dry kilns and material handling systems.

The role involves hands-on fieldwork, technical problem-solving, project coordination, and training client personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and high-performing operations. Candidates will work closely with internal teams, contractors, and customers to deliver successful equipment implementations and long-term system performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Travel to large-scale kiln construction sites to perform commissioning activities, including fan installation and balancing, actuator calibration, airline termination, hydraulic pusher setup, and kiln heat balancing

• Perform startup and calibration of pneumatic and mechanical conveying equipment such as blowers, metering bins, fuel hoppers, and cyclones

• Conduct audits of existing kiln systems and prepare technical findings to support project recommendations

• Work closely with site superintendents and millwrights to ensure quality construction and proper installation practices

• Serve as on-site liaison and project coordinator between customers and multiple contractors (electrical, controls, concrete, fire protection, silo, etc.)

• Assess existing equipment performance and prepare technical reports with recommendations for system improvements

• Provide on-site and office-based engineering support and technical guidance

• Contribute field experience toward continuous product and process improvement initiatives

• Develop and implement improvements related to safety, quality, cost reduction, and system performance

• Support supplier and contractor evaluations for equipment, services, and labor

• Communicate functional and safety requirements clearly to customers and internal teams

• Assemble OEM documentation and prepare system manuals prior to commissioning

• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

• Willingness to travel 50% or more, including extended deployments

• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude

• Proficiency with hand tools and diagnostic equipment

• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills

• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work in hot environments and confined spaces

• Physically capable of lifting up to 50 pounds

• Ability to follow site safety rules and maintain a safe working environment

• Experience with troubleshooting, investigation, and technical report writing

Preferred / Desired Skills

• Knowledge of the lumber industry, particularly dry kilns and heating systems

• Experience with industrial automation and PLCs

• Familiarity with industrial heat plant operation and maintenance

• Experience using multimeters, megohm meters, and ammeters

• Experience with package boilers or sloped grate systems

• Familiarity with sawdust gasification and material handling systems

• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings

• Experience with motor controls and electrical control devices

• Strong problem-diagnosis and troubleshooting skills

Education & Experience

Field Service Engineer (FSE):

• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Engineering or Technology (e.g., Mechanical, Electromechanical, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, Wood Science/Technology), or

• Equivalent combination of education and 5–10 years of relevant industrial, manufacturing, or field service experience

• Millwrights or HVAC technicians with strong electrical and mechanical maintenance experience in sawmill or similar environments will be considered

Field Service Technician (FST):

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Minimum 1 year of mechanical or electrical maintenance experience in an industrial or processing environment

• Recent graduates or apprentices in Mechatronics or Electrical programs are encouraged to apply

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel extensively, including nights and weekends

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable motor vehicle record

• Ability to pass pre-employment screening

• Authorization to work in the United States

Equal Opportunity Statement

This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status.