Service Technician

Service Technician

Cantrell-Gainco builds equipment that helps food processors improve product yield, quality, and efficiency. We are looking for a hands-on Service Technician who enjoys troubleshooting equipment, solving problems, and helping customers keep their operations running.

Position Summary

The Service Technician installs, tests, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains food processing equipment at customer sites and in our facility. This position works with electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, weighing, and control systems. Success requires strong troubleshooting skills, safe work habits, dependable follow-through, and clear communication with customers and coworkers.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Installation, Service, and Repair

• Travel to customer sites to install, start up, inspect, troubleshoot, and repair equipment.

• Find the cause of equipment problems and make repairs to restore safe, reliable operation.

• Troubleshoot electrical circuits, wiring, sensors, motors, control panels, and equipment controls.

• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical components, pneumatic valves and cylinders, and vacuum systems.

• Maintain, test, and calibrate weighing equipment, including hopper scales, bench scales, floor scales, checkweighers, and sizing lines.

• Service product inspection and processing equipment, including X-ray systems, metal detectors, and wing segmenters.

• Perform preventive maintenance and recommend repairs or adjustments to help prevent repeat failures.

• Complete equipment inspections and functional testing before shipment.

Customer Support and Training

• Teach customers how to safely operate, clean, and maintain their equipment.

• Provide technical support by phone, video, or other remote tools.

• Explain equipment problems, repair options, and service needs in clear, practical terms.

• Provide service support outside normal business hours, including nights and weekends, as needed.

• Support equipment demonstrations, product testing, and trade shows.

• Help develop service instructions, training materials, and equipment videos.

Documentation, Teamwork, and Safety

• Complete accurate service reports describing problems found, work performed, parts used, and recommended follow-up.

• Communicate recurring equipment problems and customer feedback to Engineering, Manufacturing, and other internal teams.

• Coordinate with customers and coworkers to prepare for service visits, including parts, tools, and site requirements.

• Follow company and customer safety rules, including lockout/tagout, required protective equipment, and food plant sanitation procedures.

• Maintain company tools, test equipment, and work areas.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills and hands-on experience repairing industrial or automated equipment.

• Mechanical ability, including using hand tools, power tools, and electrical test equipment.

• Understanding of pneumatic systems, including valves and cylinders.

• Ability to read electrical diagrams, equipment drawings, and service instructions.

• Basic computer skills and the ability to learn equipment software and control systems.

• Ability to work independently, use sound judgment, and ask for help when needed.

• Clear communication skills, a customer service mindset, and the ability to remain professional when equipment is down or customers are under pressure.

• Ability to organize work, complete service records, and follow through on commitments.

• Willingness and ability to travel to customer sites and work varying schedules based on service needs.

A college degree is not required. Relevant hands-on experience, technical training, or a combination of both will be considered.

Preferred Experience

• Three or more years of industrial maintenance, field service, or related equipment repair experience.

• Food or poultry processing equipment and plant environments.

• B&R control systems and PLC troubleshooting.

• X-ray inspection systems and metal detectors.

• Hopper scales and controls, bench and floor scale calibration, checkweighers, and sizing lines.

• Cantrell-Gainco Wing Segmenters and Yield Plus systems.

• Vacuum systems.

• PC-based equipment controls, operating systems, and basic networking.

• Technical school, apprenticeship, military technical training, or an associate degree in electronics, industrial maintenance, or a related field.

Work Environment and Schedule

This position works in our facility and at customer food processing plants. Work may involve standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and using tools around industrial equipment. Customer environments may be cold, wet, noisy, or subject to washdown and sanitation requirements.

Travel, overnight stays, and occasional evening or weekend work are required based on customer and service needs.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening. New hires must provide documentation establishing their identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Cantrell-Gainco is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.