Service Engineer

The field engineer who loves solving problems as much as they love the freedom to travel.

📍 Chicago, IL (HQ) | ✈️ 50–70% travel | 🏭 Food & Specialty Coffee Processing | 💼 Full-Time

About MPE

Modern Process Equipment has been the go-to technical partner for North America's food processing industry for nearly 60 years. Our industrial grinders, Chain-Vey conveyor systems, and complete processing solutions power over 90% of coffee processors on the continent-plus leading companies in specialty foods, craft brewing, pet food, and beyond.

We're a family-owned company based in Chicago with operations on three continents. Big enough to matter, small enough that your work is always visible. When you succeed, MPE succeeds.

What You Won't Find Here

Before the details, here's what this role is NOT:

• Monotony – Every customer site is different-boutique coffee roasters, large-scale processing plants, craft breweries. No two days look alike.
• Being stuck in a cube – If variety and travel energize you, this job is designed around that lifestyle-not despite it.
• Going it alone – You'll have the full backing of our engineering, sales, and operations teams. You're in the field, but never on your own.

The Role

You're the person customers call when something's wrong-and the one they remember when everything goes right.

As a Service Engineer, you'll travel to customer facilities across North America to install MPE equipment, diagnose complex problems, and make sure our systems run at peak performance. One week you're commissioning a new grinder at a specialty roaster in Portland. The next, you're troubleshooting a conveyor system at a major food manufacturer in Texas.

This isn't a desk job, and it's not for everyone-but for the right person, it's a career that genuinely doesn't get old.

What You'll Do

Technical Excellence

• Install and commission MPE equipment at customer facilities nationwide
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, and process-related issues-often under pressure
• Perform preventive maintenance and system optimization to maximize uptime
• Deliver hands-on training that empowers customers to operate their equipment confidently

Customer Partnership

• Represent MPE as the trusted technical face of the company-your professionalism builds lasting relationships
• Translate complex technical information clearly for operators, plant managers, and executives alike
• Identify opportunities for customers to get more from their MPE systems

Documentation & Collaboration

• Write clear, detailed service reports and technical documentation after each visit
• Coordinate your own scheduling and travel logistics efficiently
• Feed field insights back to our engineering and sales teams-your perspective from the floor is invaluable

Who Thrives in This Role

Technical Foundation

• Hands-on experience with processing equipment, ideally in food or industrial manufacturing
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills-you've debugged real problems in real facilities
• Comfortable with PLCs, motors, drives, and industrial control systems
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel domestically 50–70%; occasional trips to Canada/Mexico

Problem-Solver Mindset

• You work through problems methodically and don't leave a site until the issue is solved
• Curiosity drives you-you want to know 'why' it works, not just 'how' to fix it
• You adapt when customer needs shift the schedule-flexibility isn't an afterthought, it's part of the job

People Skills That Set You Apart

• You explain technical concepts in plain language without making customers feel talked down to
• Customer success is personal to you-you're not done when equipment is running, you're done when they're confident
• You're a natural collaborator who works well across departments
• You show up professionally and inspire confidence from the moment you walk in the door

Growth Orientation

• You're always adding to your technical knowledge-this industry moves, and so do you
• You take feedback seriously and use it to get better
• You're building a career in technical service, not just filling a role

What You'll Get

Professional Growth

• Comprehensive training on MPE equipment and systems-you'll become one of the most knowledgeable people in the industry
• Ongoing education and skill development supported by the company
• Access to world-class food and specialty coffee operations most engineers never see up close
• A clear path for advancement within a growing, stable company

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Referral bonuses
• And yes-an endless supply of exceptional coffee. You'll visit some of the world's finest roasters. Perks are real.

Culture That's Actually Different

• Family-owned and people-first-our 85 team members genuinely support each other
• A leadership team that listens to field feedback and invests in your development
• Company commitment to community impact and charitable giving
• Work that matters: when an MPE system runs right, food gets made. That's tangible impact every day.

Ready to Apply?

If you're a technically sharp problem-solver who wants a career with real variety, real travel, and real impact-we want to hear from you.

Apply now at Careers at MPE.

Modern Process Equipment is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team