Job Description

NOW HIRING: Lead Field Service Engineer

American Crane & Equipment Corporation · Douglassville, PA

Full-Time | On-Site | Non-Exempt | Travel: 10–20%

What This Role Really Is

This isn't a desk job with a binder of PowerPoints. The Lead Field Service Engineer is the person who makes sure every technician who touches a crane or hoist for American Crane knows what they're doing — and can prove it.

You'll own the development and delivery of structured technical training programs that turn industrial electrical knowledge into real-world technician capability. Think: PLC troubleshooting walkthroughs with technicians gathered around a control panel. Hands-on demonstrations of motor-control systems. Practical assessments that separate "I watched a video" from "I can isolate the fault."

You're part instructor, part curriculum developer, part technical mentor — and the reason our field service team operates with consistency, safety, and confidence across every job site.

What You'll Do

Technical Training Program Development

• Design, build, and continuously improve structured training programs covering electrical fundamentals, industrial controls, PLC systems, motor controls, and troubleshooting
• Create lesson plans, technical presentations, hands-on exercises, practical assessments, and training reference materials
• Establish structured learning pathways that progressively develop technician knowledge and practical capability
• Translate engineering documentation, OEM materials, and technical specs into practical instructional content
• Review and update training materials as equipment, technology, and procedures evolve

Technical Instruction & Mentorship

• Deliver classroom, shop-based, and field-based technical instruction
• Conduct hands-on demonstrations of electrical equipment, control systems, diagnostic methods, and troubleshooting procedures
• Explain PLC logic, motor controls, and industrial electrical systems using practical, real-world examples
• Adjust instructional approach based on each technician's background and experience level
• Mentor developing technicians — provide constructive feedback and identify growth areas
• Evaluate technical understanding through practical demos, written assessments, and observed performance

Electrical Safety Training & Qualification Support

• Reinforce compliance with ACECO's electrical safety program and applicable safety requirements
• Provide technical instruction on NFPA 70E principles, lockout/tagout, arc-flash hazards, PPE, and safe use of electrical test equipment
• Support electrical safety qualification training in coordination with Safety and designated electrical authorities
• Evaluate and document technician competency within the scope of assigned training responsibilities

Training Records & Qualification Management

• Maintain accurate technician training records — course participation, assessment results, qualification status, and refresher schedules
• Develop and maintain training matrices, checklists, schedules, and competency documentation
• Identify overdue, incomplete, or expiring training requirements and flag them to leadership

Technical Resource & Field Support

• Serve as a go-to technical resource for field service technicians and leadership on industrial electrical and controls systems
• Participate in field visits to observe technician performance, provide on-site instruction, and reinforce best practices
• Support investigation of recurring technical issues to identify training-gap root causes
• Coordinate with Engineering and OEMs to clarify technical information and incorporate equipment changes into training

Who Thrives Here

This role is built for someone who gets genuine satisfaction from watching a technician go from uncertain to confident — and who has the technical depth to earn credibility on the shop floor, not just in the classroom.

You'll do well here if you:

• Can explain a VFD fault code to a 20-year veteran and a first-week apprentice in the same afternoon — and adjust your delivery for each
• Get frustrated by tribal knowledge and undocumented procedures, and want to fix that
• Default to showing, not telling — you'd rather open a control panel than click through slides
• Think safety training should be practical and respected, not a box to check
• Take ownership of training quality the way a technician takes ownership of a service call

This probably isn't the right fit if:

• You'd rather be the one doing the troubleshooting than teaching others how to do it
• You prefer unstructured mentoring over building documented, repeatable programs
• You're uncomfortable being observed, evaluated, or asked to defend your instructional approach

What We're Looking For

Required

• High school diploma or GED
• 3+ years of hands-on industrial electrical or controls experience (field service, industrial maintenance, controls troubleshooting, or comparable)
• Demonstrated experience explaining technical information through instruction, mentoring, safety talks, or technician onboarding
• Ability to independently develop structured training, onboarding programs, procedures, or standardized work processes
• Experience documenting and maintaining technical training or workforce qualification records
• Experience troubleshooting PLC-based control systems and industrial motor-control equipment
• Ability to read, interpret, and explain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts
• Working knowledge of NFPA 70E, lockout/tagout, arc-flash protection, and electrical hazard identification
• Proficiency with electrical diagnostic equipment (multimeters, clamp meters, insulation testers)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook
• Valid driver's license

Preferred

• Associate's or bachelor's degree, technical diploma, or military technical training in electrical, electronics, or industrial automation
• Prior experience as a technical instructor or trainer in industrial, military, or technical education environments
• Experience developing technical curricula or apprenticeship programs
• Familiarity with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms
• Experience with industrial Ethernet networks, motion-control systems, and servo technology
• Experience with learning management systems (ADP preferred)

What Success Looks Like 

First 30 Days — Learn the Landscape

• Complete company onboarding, safety orientation, and facility tours (Plant 2 and field sites)
• Review existing training materials, curricula, qualification records, and documentation
• Meet with Field Service leadership, Engineering, Safety, and key technical personnel
• Observe current technician training sessions and field activities
• Identify immediate gaps in training documentation and qualification tracking

Days 31–60 — Build the Foundation

• Begin developing or restructuring core electrical and controls training modules
• Deliver your first hands-on training session (shop-based or classroom)
• Establish or improve training record-keeping systems and competency tracking
• Start building structured learning pathways for technicians at different skill levels
• Coordinate with Engineering on equipment documentation for instructional development

Days 61+ Own the Program

• Deliver multiple training sessions across electrical fundamentals, PLC systems, and safety topics
• Present a training roadmap and gap analysis to Field Service leadership
• Have established repeatable qualification processes that technicians and leadership trust
• Begin field visits to observe and reinforce technician performance on-site
• Demonstrate that training quality, documentation, and technician readiness are measurably improving

Why Join Our Team at American Crane?

What's In It for You?

• Competitive hourly compensation based on experience and qualifications
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
• Opportunity to shape a training program from the ground up and leave a lasting mark on the service organization

What to Expect From Our Hiring Process

We keep it straightforward and respectful of your time:

• Application review — we actually read them
• Virtual interview with our Talent Acquisition team
• In-person interview with Service leadership — expect questions about your technical foundation and learning approach
• Facility walkthrough so you can see the environment firsthand
• Offer and onboarding — typically within 2 weeks of final interview

Work Environment & Schedule

• On-site at Plant 2 in Douglassville, PA with field travel (approximately 10–20%)
• Combination of office, technical training, manufacturing shop, and customer field-service environments
• Hands-on work around industrial electrical systems, control panels, and machinery under supervision
• Potential exposure to electrical hazards, moving equipment, suspended loads, industrial noise, and varying temperatures
• Required compliance with electrical safety procedures, lockout/tagout, and PPE standards

Requirements & Compliance

Employment in this position is contingent upon the ability to meet the following requirements:

• Authorization to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship
• Ability to verify identity and employment authorization in compliance with Form I-9 requirements
• Eligibility to access information or technology governed by U.S. export control laws, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810, EAR, and/or ITAR, where applicable
• Willingness to undergo a background check in accordance with applicable laws
• Willingness to undergo a pre-employment drug screen and randomized drug screening during employment
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet applicable company driving requirements
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 10–20%
• Willingness to complete electrical safety training and develop required technical qualifications
• Ability to safely lift and move tools, equipment, and training materials weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and access industrial equipment as required
• Ability to work at heights or on elevated platforms when appropriately trained and authorized
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online through our Career Center.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screen, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

American Crane & Equipment Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The company maintains and observes employment policies that do not discriminate against any person because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability, age, ancestry and any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. This applies to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, overtime, job classifications, work assignments, promotions, demotions, layoffs, terminations, transfers, and all other conditions of employment.

This position requires:

• Valid proof of identity and authorization to work in the U.S. (Form I-9)
• Eligibility to access information or technology governed by U.S. export control laws, including 10 C.F.R. Part 810. If government authorization is required for access to controlled technology, employment or start date may be delayed or withdrawn in accordance with applicable law
• Certain positions and projects may require the ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to nuclear facilities in compliance with NRC regulations (10 C.F.R. Parts 26 & 73)
• As a condition of employment, individuals in this role must obtain and maintain a valid REAL ID-compliant driver's license or valid U.S. Passport

The pay for this position is dependent on circumstances including an applicant's skills and qualifications, certain degrees and certifications, prior job experience, market data, and other relevant factors.

American Crane & Equipment Corporation offers a wide array of comprehensive benefit programs and services including medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts to our benefits-eligible employees. Additional benefits include retirement savings plans like 401(k) and paid time off, paid holidays, and disability coverage. Some benefits offerings are subject to any legal requirements or limitations, employee eligibility status, and where the employee lives and/or works.

NOTE: American Crane & Equipment Corporation is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for employment opportunities, unless they have a written agreement for the position they are contacting us about. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at American Crane & Equipment Corporation without a valid written search agreement in place for that position will be deemed the sole property of American Crane & Equipment Corporation, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by American Crane & Equipment Corporation as a result of the referral or through other means.