LCS Field Service Tech

Automation & Controls Engineer

Krones Process Group North America (KPGNA) is a company specializing in process engineering and control system integration, employing Chemical, Mechanical, and Electrical engineers. We focus on providing automated process system solutions tailored for the food, beverage, and dairy sectors, offering custom designs and professional services aimed at optimizing manufacturing operations.

KPGNA operates as a subsidiary of Krones AG, a global entity with a workforce exceeding 16,000 employees worldwide. We are currently looking for an Automation & Controls Engineer to become part of our expanding team.

This position necessitates excellent communication abilities, adaptability in a dynamic environment, and a robust understanding of repair and preventive maintenance for process equipment.

Job Purpose or Summary:

As an LCS Field Service Technician you will be responsible for on-site service, repair, and refurbishment of process equipment used in beverage and liquid food processing, including dairy and personal care applications. Typical work includes rebuilding and troubleshooting pumps, valves, heat exchangers, process tanks, and instrumentation, as well as supporting sanitary piping projects as assigned by the LCS Service Manager.

This role is primarily field based at customer production facilities. Our Field Service Technicians are expected to follow all Krones Process Group North America work instructions and safety policies, maintain high-quality workmanship in sanitary process environments, and actively participate in Continuous Improvement and Lean initiatives. As a Field Service Technician with Krones Process Group North America you will progress in your position through a structured Skills Matrix, which provides clear expectations for advancement, accountability, and professional growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform on-site service, repair, and preventive maintenance for process equipment at beverage and liquid food processing facilities.
• Rebuild and/or troubleshoot:
  • Centrifugal and positive displacement pumps
  • Manual and automated sanitary valves
  • Plate-and-frame and other sanitary heat exchangers
  • Process tanks and associated components
• Layout, fit, weld, and finish sanitary piping systems and components per drawings and specifications.
• Perform sanitary GTAW (TIG) welding of food-grade piping and fittings, including grinding and polishing to required surface finishes.
• Assist with installation, modification, and repair of process piping systems, manifolds, and skids.
• Utilize appropriate test equipment and tools to diagnose mechanical and basic electrical issues on process systems.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, P&IDs, blueprints, and, when required, basic electrical schematics.
• Understand and apply 3-A Sanitary Standards and other applicable sanitary design requirements for food-grade tank fabrication, repair, and process piping.
• Safely operate power industrial trucks (PITs), overhead cranes, and other shop or field equipment as required.
• Identify equipment or process deficiencies at customer sites and provide feedback/recommendations for improvement.
• Develop skills and competencies in line with the Skills Matrix; actively pursue cross-training opportunities in fitting, sanitary welding, grinding, and polishing.
• Provide on-the-job training and mentoring to newer team members as directed by the LCS Service Manager.
• Maintain current safety training and certifications as required by company and customer standards.
• Accurately complete all required documentation, including time sheets, Field Service Reports, service checklists, expense reports, and nonconformance reports.
• Use company timekeeping and reporting systems accurately and in a timely manner.
• Represent the company professionally at customer sites, maintaining strong customer relationships and clear communication regarding job status, issues, and recommendations.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

*An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma
• Maintenance Technician Certification or equivalent technical training preferred.
• Advanced education in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or process technology a plus.
• Formal welding training or certification (GTAW/GMAW) is a plus.

Experience / Training Mechanical & Electrical

• Strong mechanical aptitude with primary experience in mechanical troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance of industrial/process equipment.
• Experience working with pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and process tanks in sanitary or food/beverage environments preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and perform basic electrical troubleshooting (e.g., sensors, motors, control devices) is preferred.

Experience / Training Tank / Equipment Repairs

• Hands-on experience with GTAW and GMAW welding processes, especially on stainless steel.
• Experience in the fabrication, modification, and repair of stainless-steel tanks and associated equipment.
• Ability to perform internal and external weld repairs in sanitary applications, including grinding and finishing to specified standards.
• Must be able to pass a 6G 100% penetration weld test on scheduled pipe and tube within the first 90 days of employment.

Experience / Training Piping

• Experience with sanitary pipefitting, including layout, cutting, fit-up, and installation of stainless steel piping and components.
• Familiarity with orbital welding and/or hygienic piping systems (clamp, weld, and flanged connections) is a plus.
• Experience in skid or module assembly for process systems is beneficial.

Professional Skills

• Ability to lead and manage small field projects with multiple team members and/or subcontractors, including planning work, coordinating tasks, and communicating status.
• Knowledge of both metric and standard measurement systems and proper use of precision measuring tools.
• Basic computer proficiency required (e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word, electronic time and expense systems, and basic reporting tools).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, equipment manuals, and written work instructions.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills in a production environment.

Soft Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact professionally with customers, vendors, and internal teams.
• Demonstrated capacity for teamwork and collaboration in both field and shop settings.
• Effective problem-solving abilities and general project coordination skills.
• Good organizational and time-management skills; able to prioritize work and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal, including documentation of service activities and customer communication.
• Self-starter with a high level of initiative and ownership for assigned tasks and customer satisfaction.

Physical / Working Demands

• Work is performed in both manufacturing/shop environments and at customer production facilities (beverage, dairy, liquid food, and personal care plants).
• Moderate physical effort required, including:
  • Frequent standing and walking
  • Regular lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling of objects weighing 3050 pounds (approximately 45% of time)
  • Stooping, kneeling, bending, and crouching (approximately 35% of time)
  • Manual dexterity and computer/keyboard use (approximately 20% of time)

• Exposure to high noise levels is possible; noise levels may fluctuate from 82 to 110 decibels.
• During summer months or in certain plant areas, exposure to heat and humidity may occur.
• Use of common tools and equipment, including:
  • Hand tools and power tools
  • Measuring devices (e.g., calipers, micrometers, tape measures)
  • Welders and related welding equipment
  • Overhead cranes and material handling equipment