LCS Field Service Tech

LCS Field Service Technician

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 LCS Field Service Technician 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. Must be a self starter.

Job Purpose or Summary:

As an LCS Field Service Technician you will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of sanitary process equipment used in industries such as food, beverage, dairy, and pharmaceuticals. This role requires hands-on technical expertise in mechanical systems, stainless steel piping, and hygienic design standards, along with frequent travel to customer sites.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Equipment Service & Maintenance
  • Perform preventive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on sanitary process equipment, including: Pumps (centrifugal and positive displacement), Valves (manual and automated), Heat exchangers (plate-and-frame, tubular), Tanks and vessels
  • Troubleshoot mechanical and basic electrical issues to restore equipment functionality
• Installation & Fabrication
  • Install and modify: Sanitary piping systems, Process skids and equipment assemblies
  • Perform pipefitting tasks: Layout, measurement, cutting, and fit-up
  • Conduct sanitary TIG (GTAW) welding on stainless steel systems
  • Grind and polish welds to meet hygienic standards
• Technical Interpretation
  • Read and interpret: P&IDs (Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams), Mechanical drawings and blueprints, Basic electrical schematics
• Compliance & Standards
  • Ensure all work meets: 3-A Sanitary Standards, FDA and food-grade requirements
  • Follow all company and customer safety policies and procedures
  • Properly use PPE and maintain safe work environments
• Reporting & Documentation
  • Complete: Field service reports, Maintenance logs, Inspection checklists
  • Communicate findings, repairs, and improvement recommendations to customers and supervisors

*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.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education
  • High school Diploma
  • Diploma/Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or related Engineering (highly preferred)
• License and Certification
  • Must hold and maintain a valid driver's license and an insurable driving record.
  • TIG welding certification (sanitary welding preferred)
• Experience
  • 2–5+ years in plant maintenance or field service, preferably in sanitary or process industries
  • Hands-on experience with stainless steel piping installation and maintenance (preferred)
• Technical Skills
  • Experience with pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and process systems
  • Basic electrical and PLC troubleshooting (preferred)
  • Understanding of hygienic design principles
• Additional Skills (Preferred)
  • Knowledge of stainless-steel piping systems, fittings, and welding techniques
  • Ability to read P&IDs and isometric piping drawings
  • Knowledge of food, pharma, or water treatment processes

Physical / Working Demands

• Work is performed in both manufacturing/shop environments and at customer production facilities (beverage, dairy, liquid food, and personal care plants). Frequent travel to customer sites is required, including extended overnight trips (up to approximately 70% travel).
• Travel may be by company vehicle, commercial air, or other modes of transportation, as needed.
• Hotel and travel-related expenses are covered via a company-provided expense account and credit card; per diem is reimbursed via expense reports and paid by direct deposit.
• Frequent travel to client sites
• Work in industrial and hygienic environments
• May involve confined spaces and elevated work areas
• Moderate physical effort required, including: Frequent standing and walking, Regular lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling of objects weighing 30–50 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
• Ability to understand spoken and written instructions, with sufficient visual acuity to read drawings, digital screens, and instrument displays.
• Required personal protective equipment (PPE) includes, but is not limited to: Protective-toed safety shoes, Safety glasses with side shields; face shields as required, Welding helmet and appropriate welding PPE, Hard hat and hearing protection, as required by site, Respirator, when required by specific tasks or customer/site requirements
• Must complete and maintain appropriate OSHA and/or Krones Process Group North America safety training and comply with all company and customer safety and environmental policies/procedures.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe working environment: Place environmental, health, and safety requirements as a priority in performing work duties. Promptly notify immediate supervisor of any safety violation, hazardous condition, injury, illness, or near-miss and recommend corrective actions when possible.

*The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.