Field Service & Commissioning Technician – Industrial Machinery

Field Service & Commissioning Technician – Industrial Machinery

Location: Greater Chicago Area (near Aurora, IL) Travel: ~40–50% (project-based across North America)

German-based manufacturer of custom-built industrial machinery used in demanding production environments such as aerospace and energy.

The U.S. team is responsible for installing and bringing these systems into operation at customer sites across North America, working closely with engineering teams in Germany.

This is a hands-on, field-based role focused on installing, starting up, and troubleshooting large industrial machines at customer sites.

You will work directly on custom-built capital equipment, supporting customers during machine installation and bringing systems into operation.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience in:

• machine building
• equipment installation
• field service
• industrial maintenance

What you'll do:

• Support installation and startup of industrial machinery at customer sites
• Perform hands-on troubleshooting (mechanical, electrical, basic controls)
• Work with PLC-controlled systems during startup and troubleshooting
• Work with systems involving pneumatics, sensors, motors, and wiring
• Assist with machine setup, adjustments, and performance stabilization
• Support customer training during system handover
• Document work performed and communicate with engineering teams

Important to know:

• The focus is on working on machines, not programming them
• Travel is planned and project-based, not constant emergency service

What we're looking for:

• 2–6 years of hands-on experience with industrial machinery or equipment
• Experience working directly on machines during installation, startup, or troubleshooting in real production environments strongly preferred.
• Background in one of the following: machine building / assembly, field service / installation, industrial maintenance
• Comfortable reading schematics or blueprints
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems
• Hands-on experience working with PLC-controlled equipment required (troubleshooting, I/O checks, basic adjustments). No PLC programming required.
• Willingness to travel ~40–50%

Why this role:

• Move beyond repetitive maintenance or assembly work into full machine startup and commissioning
• Work on complex, custom-built equipment in real production environments
• Structured onboarding — you won't be sent out on your own
• This is a long-term opportunity to grow into more advanced commissioning and technical responsibilities as the team expands

Compensation & benefits:

• $35 – $40/hour
• Overtime paid (1.5x after 40 hours)
• Uncapped performance-based bonus potential
• 20 days PTO
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Medical & dental insurance
• Car allowance