Field Service Engineer

Job Title: Field Service Engineer

Job Description

The Field Service Engineer supports advanced vacuum wafer-handling robotic systems used in semiconductor process equipment through expert troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and customer-facing technical service. This role combines hands-on work with complex electromechanical and automation systems, detailed failure investigations, and direct collaboration with OEMs and end users. You will play a key role in resolving critical equipment issues, improving reliability, and enabling high-volume manufacturing performance, with opportunities to grow into application engineering responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end failure investigations of robotic systems, including mechanisms, motors, cables, connectors, encoders, electronics, and software.

• Perform forensic teardown, non-destructive and destructive analysis, and controlled replication of failure conditions to understand system behavior.

• Distinguish symptoms, mechanisms, and root causes even when working with incomplete or conflicting data.

• Apply structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5-Why, Ishikawa diagrams, fault-tree analysis, and hypothesis testing to identify root causes.

• Identify multi-factor root causes related to design, process, parts and suppliers, environment, and usage for robot handling errors, motion failures, communication faults, and vacuum system abnormalities.

• Validate root cause findings through data analysis, targeted experiments, and repeatability of results.

• Write and review detailed failure analysis and RMA reports, clearly documenting root causes, corrective actions, and preventive measures.

• Provide technical support for vacuum wafer-handling robots to OEMs and end users via phone, email, and in-person visits.

• Assist with installation, commissioning, and servicing of vacuum wafer-handling robots integrated into semiconductor process equipment.

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on robotic systems, including robot motion system service, precision alignment, and contamination control.

• Support wafer-handling accuracy, end-effector alignment, and high-vacuum performance to meet demanding production requirements.

• Serve as a technical resource for OEMs and end users, offering guidance on complex issues and system performance.

• Manage customer escalations with structured communication, detailed action plans, and thorough resolution of technical problems.

• Compile service data into customer-ready reports and presentations using CRM and other reporting tools.

• Lead system upgrades, retrofits, installations, and multi-tool deployments for semiconductor capital equipment.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and customer support teams to improve system reliability and service processes.

• Travel domestically and internationally to customer sites to perform field service, troubleshooting, and project work.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of field service experience supporting semiconductor equipment, robotics, automation, or high-precision electromechanical systems.

• Strong mechanical and electronics troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose complex issues in electromechanical systems.

• Experience analyzing logs and diagnostic data to identify faults in vacuum robot systems.

• Proven ability to write, review, and present detailed failure analysis and RMA reports.

• Experience communicating effectively with end users and OEM engineering teams and managing technical escalations.

• Proficiency with CRM software and customer-facing documentation tools for tracking service activities and preparing reports.

• Experience in troubleshooting and supporting capital equipment in semiconductor or similar high-tech environments.

• Hands-on experience with field service engineering, technical support, and travel-based customer service work.

• Ability to perform root cause analysis using structured methodologies and data-driven approaches.

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required by customer and project needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience working in semiconductor fabrication environments, including adherence to cleanroom protocols and contamination control.

• Knowledge of high-vacuum systems and wafer-handling robotics used in semiconductor process tools.

• Experience with robot software, motion control systems, and automation software for high-precision equipment.

• Familiarity with structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, and Ishikawa.

• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments where uptime and yield are critical.

• Experience in electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical systems related to robotics and semiconductor capital equipment.

• Interest in career growth with potential to progress into an Application Engineer role.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bedford, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Full benefits, generous PTO

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bedford,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.