*** This position is based in Salem, Oregon with travel required throughout North America and some international locations ****
West Salem Machinery is looking for an Intermediate Field Service Technician who independently performs troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance on industrial machinery manufactured by our facility. Using their expertise in mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems, this role leads service visits, assists with installations, and provides maintenance recommendations. The role utilizes strong problem-solving skills and works with minimal supervision to efficiently manage service assignments.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Technical Service & Troubleshooting:
- Perform independent diagnostics, repairs, and maintenance on industrial machinery.
- Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and basic electrical issues with minimal supervision.
- Assist with new equipment installations and ensure proper functionality.
Customer Support & Service:
- Serve as the primary technician for mid-level service calls and warranty repairs.
- Communicate service findings and recommendations to customers.
- Provide guidance on spare parts and preventive maintenance.
Team Collaboration:
- Share troubleshooting techniques and best practices with the team.
- Work closely with the WSM team internal/external to solve issues.
- Maintain accurate service reports and customer interactions.
- Identify recurring issues and suggest improvements in service procedures.
Customer Relations:
- Represent WSM during high-level customer interactions, providing professional and expert service that reinforces the company’s reputation.
Skills & Abilities:
- Ability to read and speak English sufficiently to understand and communicate easily with others and complete all paperwork within established timelines.
- Mechanical and technical aptitude – Able to weld and fabricate industrial machinery.
- Strong understanding of mechanical systems – Bearings, seals, machined parts, electrical motors, gearboxes, drive belts, couplings, industrial hardware (nuts, bolts, fasteners).
- Knowledge of different types of metals, materials, etc.
- Ability to read blueprints, technical drawings (2D & 3D), equipment manuals, bills of materials, and other manufacturing-related documents.
- Ability to trouble-shoot technical issues and identify possible solutions to customer problems, including the ability to communicate effectively with customers over the phone.
- Must be able to operate independently and effectively.
- Must be able to pass background checks and/or other screenings on demand, as required by customers to perform work onsite (i.e., clear DMV driving record, no safety violations, clean drug test, etc.).
- Must have a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with all levels of people in a customer’s operation – millwrights, maintenance planners, maintenance supervisors or managers, and plant managers.
- Multi-tasking – this position requires you to keep multiple projects “in process” and meet urgent customer requests.
- Computer skills – Prior experience working with enterprise CRM’s, MS Word and Excel, Adobe.
- “Can do” attitude and good team player. Ability to work in a shop/industrial environment.
Education & Experience:
- High school or equivalent education
- Class C Oregon Driver’s License is preferred, and a valid passport is required for international travel.
- Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and basic electrical functions of industrial machinery is highly valued.
- Experience as a field service technician for large equipment, assembler in a manufacturing operation, or other similar role is preferred.
- Comprehensive knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Comprehensive knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Physical Requirements:
- Travel throughout North America and some international locations.
- Sitting at a desk working on a computer, calculator, phone, paperwork (when not traveling to offsite customer locations for equipment installation and service).
- Standing, walking up to several hundred feet, climbing stairs/ladders/scaffolding, bending, lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. with the ability to maneuver as necessary to service equipment.
- Must be able to access and inspect all areas of machinery and work, operate, and repair equipment in all seasons and climatic conditions.
- Must learn and adhere to all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout.
- Must wear safety gear, such as a respirator, earplugs, goggles, hardhat, vest, and gloves as required.
Working Conditions:
Indoor manufacturing office setting. May be exposed to distracting noise levels, such as from office equipment. While traveling for service, work may be required in an industrial machine shop setting. The work environmental characteristics in this setting include:
- Exposure to high, precarious places on occasion and outside weather conditions.
- Exposure to cold and heat from large areas with openings to the outdoors.
- Exposure to fumes or airborne particles and risk of electrical shock.
- Exposure to shop machinery, moving equipment (cranes, forklifts, and other moving equipment) and electrical hand tools at the jobsite.
The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Typical Hours / Shift: This is a fulltime salaried, exempt position. Normal work hours expected are 6:30 am to 3:00 pm Monday-Friday (unless traveling)
Benefits: Paid time off, holiday pay, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401k program, flexible spending account, and various other programs based on current Company policies (i.e., cost sharing programs for job-related clothing like uniforms and work boots, when required by the job).
All hires must meet Company requirements for a criminal background check and drug screening.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $72,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Experience:
- Hydraulics: 2 years (Preferred)
- Industrial equipment: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- US Passport? (Preferred)
Location:
- Salem, OR 97304 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Salem, OR 97304 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Salem, OR 97304: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Willingness to travel:
- 75% (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Salem, OR 97304