Field Service Expert Appleton, WI
SUMMARY:The
Field Service Expert - Automation is responsible for providing Distributed Control System (DCS) and automation support services to Voith's Pulp and Paper customers throughout North America. This role supports both existing installations and newly commissioned Voith equipment, with work performed primarily at customer sites and, when appropriate, through remote support channels.
The primary objective of this position is to ensure that customer automation systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently while maximizing equipment performance and production uptime. The Field Service Expert delivers technical expertise in the installation, checkout, commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, optimization, maintenance, and emergency support of automation systems engineered and supplied by Voith.
Key responsibilities include diagnosing and resolving control system issues, implementing modifications to existing control loops and operator interface displays, and performing small-scale engineering tasks and system upgrades. The role requires programming, configuring, and maintaining control applications using
Rockwell Automation and
Siemens PCS 7 platforms, while ensuring compliance with established standards and customer requirements.
The Field Service Expert maintains accurate documentation of project activities, progress, delays, technical challenges, scope changes, and customer requirements. Detailed service reports are prepared following each assignment, outlining work completed, system modifications, issues identified, corrective actions taken, and recommendations for future improvements.
In addition, the position provides technical training and knowledge transfer to customer operations and maintenance personnel, enabling effective troubleshooting, maintenance, and long-term reliability of automation systems. The role also includes conducting site assessments and process audits to identify opportunities for operational improvements, system optimization, and increased production efficiency.
This position requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. Work is performed in accordance with established processes, procedures, and best practices, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
RESPONSIBILITIES:- Provide automation and control system services to customers in the Pulp and Paper industry for both existing equipment and newly installed systems.
- Perform commissioning, startup, checkout, troubleshooting, and emergency support for Voith automation systems, including Clean Line, DuoShake, OCC Systems, Paper Machine Sections, and Winders.
- Diagnose, repair, and optimize automation systems to improve equipment reliability, performance, and production efficiency.
- Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues associated with new or modified control loops, HMI/operator interface screens, and related automation components supplied by Voith.
- Execute small-scale automation system upgrades, enhancements, and modifications as required.
- Develop, modify, and maintain control logic, loops, and operator displays using Siemens / Rockwell Automation programming platforms and software.
- Maintain accurate and detailed records of service activities, including project progress, delays, technical issues, scope changes, and equipment deliveries.
- Prepare comprehensive service reports documenting work performed, system modifications, faults identified, corrective actions taken, and recommendations for future improvements.
- Deliver technical training to customer maintenance and operations personnel on proper equipment operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair practices.
- Conduct site audits and process assessments to identify opportunities for operational improvements, system optimization, and increased production efficiency.
- Promote Voith products, spare parts, and service offerings while working at customer facilities.
- Collaborate with customers to review critical spare parts requirements and provide recommendations for inventory management to improve equipment uptime and reliability.
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships through professional technical support and responsive service delivery.
- Ensure all work is completed in compliance with applicable safety standards, customer requirements, and company procedures.
QUALIFICATIONS:- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline, with a minimum of 5 years of process control experience in the paper manufacturing industry.
- Demonstrated experience performing onsite PLC programming, troubleshooting, and modifications on both Siemens and Rockwell Automation control platforms.
- Working knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems, with the ability to diagnose and resolve equipment-related issues.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving skills in industrial manufacturing environments.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 60% to customer locations, including occasional international travel.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with customers, project teams, and stakeholders.
- Strong customer service and relationship management skills, with a commitment to delivering high-quality technical support.
- Experience within the paper and pulp industry, including paper machine operations and process control systems, preferred.
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish preferred, with the ability to communicate effectively in both languages.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Employees in this position are regularly required to walk, stand and use hands to finger, handle or feel. They are frequently required to reach with hands and arms. They are occasionally required to sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear and regularly required to lift 10 pounds and occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. Safety glasses, hearing protection and other PPE are required in designated areas.
* This job description is not all encompassing, however, is intended to be a general description of the responsibilities of this position.
Don't meet every single requirement but think you would be a good fit for our team? We encourage you to apply - your unique skills may be just what we need for this or other roles!
