Service Mechanic

About the role

A service mechanic primarily performing shop repairs of high-speed separators and decanters at the Service Center, with occasional travel (approximately 10%) to customer sites in the western U.S.

Responsibilities

• Disassemble and inspect machines to determine required repair scope.
• Perform diagnostic tests such as vibration analysis, bearing temperature measurement, visual crack detection, wear assessment, oil quality evaluation, and cause of excessive noise.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and use precision measuring equipment for dimensional inspection of parts and T.I.R. inspection of rotating equipment (e.g., shafts and bowls).
• Conduct liquid dye penetrant examinations to evaluate component condition.
• Determine whether components should be replaced or repaired, documenting conditions on inspection forms.
• Balance rotating assemblies and perform complete mechanical repairs, from disassembly to reassembly and installation.
• Travel to customer sites for removal, installation, and field repairs of separation equipment.
• Assess equipment performance to distinguish between equipment malfunction and process changes.
• Obtain O&M manuals and parts lists (internally or externally) to prepare quotes.
• Maintain close coordination with the service manager and/or service sales engineer for shop and field projects.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; certification as a skilled technician in a technical field (e.g., centrifuges, automatic transmissions, food production machinery, rotary compressors, or turbines).
• Experience with vibration analysis, alignment, and balancing equipment.
• Ability to disassemble, rebuild, test, and adjust separation equipment to optimize performance.
• Capability to work independently at customer sites after training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of food industry experience, preferably servicing food machines like separators and decanters.
• Familiarity with Andritz Frautech products and competitors’ equipment (e.g., Westfalia, Alfa-Laval, Pieralisi).
• Experience with high-speed separators and decanters in food and other industries across the western U.S.

Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and proficiency with hand tools.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and interpret engineering drawings.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Understanding of controls, electrical power requirements, motor interlocks, and instrumentation.
• Strong customer focus and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently at customer sites.