What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Field Service Engineer – Advanced Systems (Electron Beam) position at German American Chambers of Commerce?
Location: Lombard, IL OR remote
Travel: Approximately 25-30%
About pro-beam
pro-beam is a global leader in electron beam technology, delivering advanced welding and additive manufacturing solutions for the most demanding industrial and research applications for over 50 years. Its systems are trusted in industries where precision and reliability matter most, including aerospace, defense, automotive, and energy.
The U.S. subsidiary in Lombard, IL serves as the operational hub for commissioning, service, training, and customer support across North America. The U.S. team operates within a global matrix organization, working closely with engineering, project management, and development teams headquartered in Germany.
About the Role
pro-beam USA is seeking a Senior Field Service Engineer with experience in complex industrial systems to support commissioning activities, advanced troubleshooting, and technical leadership across North America.
This is not a traditional high-travel field service role. Travel is typically in the 30–40% range and focused on complex system-level challenges, rather than routine maintenance or installation work.
This position is centered on advanced troubleshooting, technical escalation, and supporting commissioning in non-standard scenarios. A significant portion of the work is performed remotely — guiding field engineers, reviewing system behavior, and diagnosing issues before or instead of onsite intervention.
This role is best suited for engineers who enjoy solving non-routine problems and working on complex, highly customized systems.
Key Responsibilities
Commissioning & Technical Leadership
- Provide technical leadership for machine commissioning and start-up activities, both at the Lombard facility and at customer sites across North America
- Take ownership of technical outcomes for complex or first-of-kind system installations, particularly in non-standard scenarios
- Perform advanced system-level troubleshooting on EB welding and additive manufacturing equipment, resolving issues that exceed the scope of junior field engineers
- Serve as the primary internal escalation point for technically complex system-level issues
Training & Knowledge Transfer
- Design and deliver training programs for pro-beam customers, ranging from machine operators to advanced engineering users
- Mentor and develop Field Service Engineers and Technicians new to EB technology
- Create and maintain training materials, troubleshooting guides, and standard operating procedures
- Contribute to commissioning runbooks and service documentation
Automation, Controls & Systems
- Perform and lead targeted PLC diagnostics and adjustments (Siemens / TIA Portal preferred; others considered)
- Support HMI configuration and visualization adjustments
- Diagnose and resolve issues across electrical, high-voltage, vacuum, and motion control subsystems
Customer & Cross-Functional Interface
- Act as the senior technical point of contact for key customer accounts
- Coordinate closely with engineering and project teams in Germany on technical issues and system improvements
- Support proposal and quoting phases with technical input
- Champion a strong safety culture, particularly around high-voltage, radiation (X-ray), and vacuum systems
Qualifications
Required:
- 5–10 years of hands-on experience with complex industrial equipment
- Strong system-level troubleshooting capabilities
- Experience in commissioning, field service, or applications engineering roles
- Working knowledge of PLC diagnostics (programming not required)
- Strong communication skills and ability to train others
- Willingness to travel approximately 30–40%
Preferred:
- Experience with electron beam systems
- Experience with vacuum systems, high-voltage equipment, or comparable complex machinery
- Experience with additive manufacturing systems
- Experience mentoring or leading technical teams
- Familiarity with Siemens (TIA Portal, drives, etc.)
- Experience working in a multinational or German engineering environment
What Success Looks Like
Within the first 6 months, you will:
- Independently diagnose and resolve complex system-level issues with limited reliance on support from Germany
- Serve as a trusted technical escalation point within the U.S. organization
- Contribute to strengthening internal technical expertise through hands-on support and knowledge transfer
Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly rate: $50–$55/hour overtime
- PTO: 15 days per year
- 401(k) with company match
- Health insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, including dental)
- Visa sponsorship may be considered on a case-by-case basis
Why Join pro-beam
- Work with technology at the frontier of precision manufacturing
- Take on a senior, high-impact role with real ownership
- Collaborate with world-class engineers in Germany
- Join a team that values deep technical expertise and quality
- Play a key role in building pro-beam USA’s long-term technical capability
Salary : $50 - $55