Senior Field Service Technician - CNC / PLC

Field Service Technician – CNC / PLC SystemsLocation: Fully onsite at customer facilities Primary Locations: Palmdale, CA and Kinston, NC Type: Direct Hire Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week; flexibility required for shifts, weekends, and overtime as neededCompensation• California: Up to $170,000 for a highly qualified fit • Other locations: Up to $150,000 for a highly qualified fit • Average compensation is typically around $120,000, depending on experience level and fit • Relocation may be considered for qualified candidates • Candidates open to relocation or travel should be considered, even if they are not currently localOverviewWe are seeking a hands-on Field Service Technician to support advanced CNC/PLC-controlled equipment in customer manufacturing environments. This role is focused on troubleshooting, diagnostics, calibration, machine optimization, service support, and customer training.The most important requirement for this position is direct experience working with CNC/PLC-controlled systems. Candidates with strong CNC/PLC troubleshooting experience will be considered across experience levels, including more junior candidates.This position requires daily onsite presence at customer facilities and involves hands-on work with complex industrial automation equipment. The technician will work directly with CNC and PLC systems, perform diagnostics, calibrations, mechanical adjustments, and process optimization to ensure reliable machine performance.The role also includes supporting machine acceptance activities, responding to technical incidents, coordinating with internal service teams, documenting service work, and providing hands-on training to customer personnel.Key ResponsibilitiesCNC / PLC Troubleshooting & Service Support• Troubleshoot and repair CNC/PLC-controlled systems, including alarm analysis, fault tracing, and root-cause identification • Diagnose system issues using CNC and PLC software tools • Perform machine calibrations, adjustments, alignments, and process optimization tasks • Support corrective maintenance and repair activities on advanced industrial machinery • Replace plug-and-play modules and support component-level troubleshooting as needed • Disassemble, replace, adjust, and validate mechanical components • Respond to customer technical incidents and provide timely service supportMachine Calibration, Acceptance & Optimization• Support machine acceptance procedures, functional testing, and performance validation • Perform calibration and alignment activities on 5-axis CNC machinery • Use tools such as Renishaw laser interferometers, granite squares, dial indicators, and laser trackers • Optimize machine processes to improve reliability, accuracy, and operating performance • Support commissioning and service activities for complex automated machinery • Assist with startup, validation, and customer handoff activitiesCustomer Support & Training• Deliver hands-on customer training on proper machine operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures • Work directly with customer personnel in a dynamic manufacturing environment • Communicate technical findings, service status, and recommended actions clearly and professionally • Coordinate with internal service teams to plan and execute service interventions • Communicate relevant project and service information to project coordinators and internal stakeholdersDocumentation & Technical Content• Create and maintain service reports, project records, technical documentation, and customer-facing updates • Contribute to service documentation, troubleshooting guides, preventive maintenance procedures, and corrective maintenance manuals • Develop technical content for operation, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance manuals • Maintain accurate records of machine issues, actions taken, parts replaced, and follow-up recommendations • Comply with internal policies, customer site requirements, and performance expectationsRequired Experience• Hands-on experience with CNC/PLC-controlled systems is the top requirement • Experience troubleshooting CNC and PLC systems, including alarm tracing and root-cause analysis • Experience with CNC machine tools, industrial automation equipment, or advanced manufacturing systems • Ability to read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical schematics • Ability to work onsite at customer facilities full-time • Flexibility to support first, second, or third shift as needed • Availability to work weekends, overtime, and more than 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week when required • Strong communication skills and ability to work directly with customer teams • Ability to work independently in a field service or customer-facing technical rolePreferred Experience• 5+ years of experience in field service, commissioning, maintenance, or technical service roles • Experience commissioning or servicing 5-axis CNC machines • Experience in aerospace, aeronautics, advanced manufacturing, or industrial automation environments • Experience with Siemens Sinumerik / Sinumerik Operate CNC software • Experience with Siemens TIA Portal V15 PLC software • Experience rebuilding cable connectors, including Ethernet, Profibus, power cables, and Harting connectors • Experience aligning 5-axis CNC machines using Renishaw laser interferometers, granite squares, dial indicators, or laser trackers • Ability to replace, adjust, and validate mechanical assemblies and machine components • Experience with C++ / Visual Studio Code • Ability to work with SQL Server Management Studio • High school diploma, associate degree, technical certification, or degree in Computer Science, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field preferredIdeal ProfileThis role is ideal for a hands-on technician with strong CNC/PLC troubleshooting experience who is comfortable working directly at customer sites. The strongest candidates will have experience with industrial automation, machine tools, Siemens controls, machine calibration, mechanical adjustments, and field service support.Candidates do not need to be local if they are open to relocation or travel. More junior candidates may also be considered if they bring strong CNC/PLC systems experience and align with compensation expectations.