What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Field Service Engineer - Electron Beam Systems position at german-american-chambers-of-commerce?
Senior Field Service Engineer – Electron Beam Systems
Location: Lombard, IL
Travel: approx. 30-40%
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 direct experience in electron beam (EB) systems to support commissioning activities, advanced troubleshooting, and technical leadership across North America.
This role goes beyond standard installation-focused field service responsibilities and is primarily centered around:
- supporting complex technical challenges at the system level
- contributing to commissioning activities, particularly in non-routine scenarios
- serving as a key technical escalation point for EB-related topics in the U.S.
In addition, this position plays an important role in transferring technical knowledge, mentoring team members, and contributing to the continued development of the U.S. organization.
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 EB 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 field service cases
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 Field Service Technicians who are new to EB technology, building their technical competency over time
- Create and maintain technical training materials, troubleshooting guides, and standard operating procedures to build institutional knowledge within the U.S. team
- Contribute to commissioning runbooks and service documentation to ensure knowledge is captured and transferable
Automation, Controls & Systems
- Perform and lead targeted PLC diagnostics and adjustments (Siemens / TIA Portal preferred; other platforms considered)
- Support HMI configuration and visualization adjustments as required during commissioning and service
- 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 during commissioning and ongoing service
- Coordinate closely with pro-beam's engineering and project management teams in Germany on technical issues, design feedback, and system improvements
- Support proposal and quoting phases with technical input on service scope, complexity, and resource requirements
- Champion a strong safety culture in all field activities, with particular attention to high-voltage, radiation (X-ray), and vacuum safety protocols
Qualifications
Required:
- 5–10 years of hands-on experience with electron beam systems
- Strong understanding of EB system architecture, including high-voltage power supplies, vacuum systems, beam optics and alignment, as well as motion and control integration
- Proven ability to troubleshoot complex system-level issues
- Experience in commissioning, service, or applications engineering roles
- PLC experience (diagnostics and adjustments; programming not required)
- Strong communication skills and ability to train others
- Willingness to travel approximately 30–40%
Preferred:
- 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 EB-related customer issues, with limited reliance on support from Germany
- Serve as a trusted technical escalation point within the U.S. organization for advanced system-level challenges
- Contribute to strengthening internal EB expertise within the team 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)
Why Join pro-beam
- Work with technology at the frontier of precision manufacturing: EB systems used in aerospace, defense, and advanced research
- Take on a senior, high-impact role with real ownership of commissioning outcomes and team development
- Collaborate with world-class EB engineers at pro-beam's German headquarters
- Join a team that values deep technical expertise, operational excellence, and quality from the start
- Contribute directly to building pro-beam USA’s long-term technical capability and market position in North America
Salary : $50 - $55