Field Service Engineer

Job Title: Field Service Engineer

Job Description

The Field Service Engineer installs, commissions, maintains, and repairs specialized systems that support access control, locking mechanisms, air flow, lighting controls, HVAC, and plumbing within laboratory environments. This role focuses on troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical systems, delivering high-quality service in the field, and ensuring that equipment operates safely, reliably, and according to specifications. The position offers the opportunity to work with unique, one-of-a-kind systems used in animal research labs across the country.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair access control systems and locking mechanisms to ensure secure and reliable operation.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to air flow systems, lighting controls, HVAC equipment, and plumbing components.
• Perform preventative maintenance on all assigned products according to manufacturer specifications and a predetermined schedule.
• Provide warranty service and support on all products in accordance with company and manufacturer guidelines.
• Deliver emergency service and support on all products, responding promptly to urgent customer needs.
• Review system installations to verify proper setup, configuration, and compliance with design specifications.
• Begin and support system commissioning activities, including functional testing and verification of system performance.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to guide installation, troubleshooting, and repair work.
• Document service activities accurately, including maintenance performed, parts used, and issues identified or resolved.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers in laboratory environments to explain findings, recommended actions, and system status.
• Collaborate with internal teams to share field feedback, support continuous improvement, and ensure consistent service quality.
• Follow all safety procedures and site-specific protocols when working in laboratory and research environments.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2 years of field service experience working with mechanical and electrical systems.
• Minimum 2 years of experience reading and interpreting blueprints and technical drawings.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working around HVAC or plumbing systems, either professionally or through relevant hands-on experience.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems.
• Field service experience, including on-site maintenance, repair, and customer support.
• Ability to perform preventative maintenance according to detailed specifications and schedules.
• Experience with repair and maintenance of complex equipment in technical environments.
• Ability to travel extensively, including frequent overnight stays.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with laboratory and research staff.
• Ability to work independently in the field with minimal supervision while managing time and tasks effectively.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in laboratory, research, or similar controlled environments.
• Comfort working around animal research facilities and related equipment.
• Mechanical aptitude and interest in working with unique, specialized systems.
• Flexibility to handle varying workloads, including periods of increased hours during training or peak demand.
• Strong organizational skills to manage travel, expenses, and service documentation.
• Valid driver's license

Work Environment

This role is a field-based position with approximately 100% travel M-F to customer sites, primarily animal research laboratories and related facilities, including universities and pharmaceutical companies. The work is not labor-intensive but requires careful attention to detail and adherence to laboratory protocols. Travel includes flights, hotels, and rental cars; the company covers these costs and provides a per diem for hotel and food, though the engineer may need to pay expenses up front (approximately $2,500 per week) and then receive reimbursement. A company vehicle, typically a small van, is provided for use in the field. The expected workload is approximately 400-500 hours per year, with higher hours during training periods. Occasionally, the engineer may need to remain on-site through a weekend; when this occurs, additional time off is provided at another time. Work is performed around specialized mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems in controlled lab environments, supporting unique, one-of-a-kind equipment used in animal research.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $33.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Chicago,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.