Field Service Engineer
Caitlin May Consulting
Chicago, Illinois
Field Service Engineer – PVD Systems
Employment Type: Full-Time | Hybrid with Travel
Job Summary
The Field Service Engineer is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating systems at customer facilities throughout the United States, as well as select locations in Canada and Mexico. This role offers the opportunity to work hands-on with advanced industrial equipment while gaining broad exposure to diverse manufacturing environments and facilities across North America.
This position requires strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting expertise, the ability to independently coordinate service engagements, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer support. When not on-site, the Field Service Engineer provides remote technical assistance and collaborates with internal teams to ensure optimal equipment performance and customer satisfaction.
As a Field Service Engineer, you will be responsible for:
Installation, Maintenance & Repair
Travel to customer sites to install PVD coating machines, cleaning systems, and related turnkey equipment solutions.
Perform scheduled preventive maintenance in accordance with company standards.
Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical equipment issues and perform necessary repairs or component replacements.
Respond to emergency service requests to minimize customer downtime.
Ensure full compliance with safety regulations and industry best practices.
Customer Training & Technical Support
Deliver hands-on technical training covering machine operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Equip customers with the knowledge to operate equipment safely and efficiently.
Develop and maintain technical training materials and documentation.
Service Planning & Coordination
Independently schedule and coordinate service visits based on customer requirements.
Communicate visit scope, expectations, and timelines with customers.
Provide regular updates to the Service Manager regarding service activities and customer feedback.
Remote Support & Documentation
Provide remote troubleshooting and diagnostic support via phone, email, and remote-access tools when not traveling.
Maintain accurate documentation using reporting tools and ticketing systems.
Share technical insights with colleagues to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Safety & Continuous Improvement
Maintain a safe working environment at customer facilities and adhere to all company policies.
Stay current with trends and advancements in PVD technology and safety standards.
Contribute to improvements in service workflows and operational efficiency.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Bachelors degree in Engineering, Physics, or related technical field — or equivalent hands-on experience.
Minimum 3 years of hands-on field service engineering experience involving mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, customer service, and safety compliance.
Proven experience working with PVD coating machines or similar industrial equipment.
Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
Familiarity with software or digital tools used to track and ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
Ability and willingness to travel 70–80% of the time (majority within the U.S., with occasional travel to Canada and Mexico).
Experience using remote support tools and service ticketing systems.
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities in a fast-paced technical environment.
Solid understanding of industrial safety regulations and best practices.
Proficiency in English.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional language proficiency is a plus.
Position Impact
The Field Service Engineer plays a vital role in ensuring customer uptime, equipment performance, and long-term client relationships. This position directly impacts customer satisfaction and operational reliability while offering significant exposure to a variety of manufacturing sites and technical environments across North America.
Support for Your Career and Life
Competitive base salary aligned with experience
Opportunity for additional travel bonus incentives
High-impact, hands-on technical role with exposure to advanced PVD systems
Extensive travel providing professional growth and the opportunity to experience diverse customer environments across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Direct collaboration with leadership and technical teams
Long-term career growth within a specialized industrial technology field