What are the responsibilities and job description for the Service Engineer position at Modern Process Equipment?
Service EngineerModern Process Equipment (MPE) · Chicago, IL · Full-timeChicago, IL (HQ)Full-timeFood & Specialty Coffee50-70% travel ABOUT MPENearly 60 years as the go-to technical partner for North America's food processing industryOver 90% of North American coffee processors run MPE grinders and conveying systemsFamily-owned, Chicago-based - Over 100 members, operations on three continentsIndustries served: specialty coffee, food manufacturing, craft brewing, pet food & moreTHE ROLEYou'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 across North America installing MPE equipment, diagnosing complex problems, and ensuring our systems run at peak performance. One week you're commissioning a grinder at a specialty roaster in Portland; the next, troubleshooting a conveyor at a major food manufacturer in Texas. No two visits alike.WHAT THIS ROLE IS NOTNOT MONOTONOUSEvery customer site is different - boutique roasters, large-scale processors, craft breweries. No two days look alike.NOT A DESK JOBIf variety and travel energize you, this job is built around that lifestyle - not despite it.NOT SOLO WORKYou're in the field with full backing from engineering, sales, and operations. Never on your own.RESPONSIBILITIESTECHNICAL 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 confidentlyCUSTOMER 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• Identify opportunities for customers to get more from their MPE systemsDOCUMENTATION & 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 engineering and sales - your perspective from the floor is invaluableREQUIREMENTSTECHNICAL FOUNDATION• Hands-on experience with processing equipment, ideally in food or industrial manufacturing preferred• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills - real problems in real facilities• Comfortable with PLCs, motors, drives, and industrial control systems• Valid driver's license; ability to travel domestically 50-70%• Occasional travel to Canada/MexicoPROBLEM-SOLVER MINDSET• Works through problems methodically and doesn't leave a site until the issue is resolved• Curiosity-driven - wants to know why it works, not just how to fix it• Adapts when customer needs shift the schedule - flexibility is part of the jobPEOPLE SKILLS• Explains technical concepts in plain language without talking down to customers• Customer success is personal - not done when equipment runs, done when they're confident• Natural collaborator who works well across departments• Projects professionalism and inspires confidence on-siteGROWTH ORIENTATION• Actively adds to technical knowledge - this industry moves fast• Takes feedback seriously and uses it to improve• Building a career in technical service, not just filling a roleBENEFITSCompetitive salaryHealth, dental & vision401(k) with matchPTO & holidays For the right person, this is a career that genuinely doesn't get old.Ready to see the world and solve hard problems? Apply today.