Field Service Engineer - CNC Machinery - Tempe, AZ
Job Description
The Field Service Engineer will install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair CNC machines at customer sites. This advanced, customer-facing role requires deep technical expertise in CNC machinery, strong diagnostic abilities across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and software systems, and the confidence to work independently in the field. The position involves frequent travel and direct interaction with customers to ensure optimal machine performance, minimal downtime, and high levels of customer satisfaction.
Responsibilities
- Install and commission CNC machines at customer sites, including setup, calibration, alignment, and integration with existing production systems.
- Diagnose and resolve complex mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and software-related issues on CNC machines and related automation equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair automatic tool changers and pallet systems to restore reliable and efficient operation.
- Perform ballscrew and axis support bearing replacement and alignment to maintain machine accuracy and performance.
- Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs to improve machine reliability, reduce unplanned downtime, and extend equipment life.
- Provide rapid response to emergency service calls and critical machine failures, ensuring minimal disruption to customer operations.
- Maintain accurate and detailed service logs, diagnostic reports, and repair documentation for each service visit.
- Communicate clearly with customers to explain findings, recommended actions, and repair status, ensuring a professional and positive service experience.
- Provide feedback and technical insights to internal engineering and product development teams based on field observations.
- Follow all safety protocols, industry standards, and customer-specific requirements when working with high-precision CNC machinery and related systems.
- Collaborate with a smaller local team to coordinate service schedules, share technical knowledge, and support overall service quality.
- Participate in training opportunities to continuously improve technical skills and stay current with evolving CNC and automation technologies.
Essential Skills
- Minimum 3 years of experience troubleshooting automatic tool changers and pallet systems.
- At least 3 years of experience in CNC machine operations with strong hands-on exposure to production environments.
- Proven experience in troubleshooting CNC machinery, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and software-related issues.
- Demonstrated experience with ballscrew and axis support bearing replacement and alignment.
- Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and control system diagrams.
- Solid understanding (approximately 8/10 proficiency) of servo motors, drives, PLCs, and automation systems.
- Strong hydraulic and pneumatic troubleshooting and repair skills (approximately 8/10 proficiency).
- Proficiency in documenting service activities, including detailed service logs, diagnostic reports, and repair records.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear interaction with customers and internal teams.
- Ability and willingness to travel frequently to customer sites within the assigned territory, including overnight stays when required.
- Clean driving record suitable for frequent travel to customer locations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in a field service role supporting CNC machines or similar industrial machinery.
- Hands-on experience with PLC-based control systems and automation integration.
- CNC troubleshooting, including servo motor systems, drives, and control interfaces.
- Comfort working independently in customer environments while representing the company in a professional manner.
- Strong customer service mindset with the ability to build trust and maintain long-term customer relationships.
- Interest in ongoing training and professional development to deepen expertise in CNC and automation technologies.
Work Environment
This role is primarily field-based, with frequent travel to customer sites within your territory and up to approximately 50% travel, including occasional overnight stays. You will work with high-precision CNC machinery and related automation systems in a variety of customer production environments. When not at customer sites, you will operate from a clean office equipped with the tools and resources needed to plan service work, complete documentation, and collaborate with colleagues. You will be part of a smaller local team of around 30 people, fostering close collaboration, internal growth opportunities, and a friendly, charismatic culture. A clean driving record is required due to the travel-intensive nature of the role.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tempe, AZ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $40.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Tempe,AZ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email ... for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.