Field Service Engineer - California (LA to Bay Area)

Job Description:

MTS designs, installs, and supports advanced test systems used by automotive, aerospace, biomedical, and industrial customers to evaluate the performance and durability of real-world products. In this role, you will work hands-on with these systems at customer sites, supporting equipment that engineers rely on every day in laboratory and test environments.

What This Role Looks Like

This is a field-based, customer-facing technical role focused on installing, maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting complex servo-hydraulic and electro-mechanical test systems at customer sites. You will work in laboratory and test environments using tools, test equipment, and diagnostic skills to restore and optimize system performance. Training on MTS-specific technology is provided, and strong hands-on technical aptitude is essential.

Travel: This role involves regular travel to customer sites, primarily in California from Los Angeles to Bay Area, with some work in the Reno, NV area. Travel is approximately 60-80%, with heavier travel during the first year due to onboarding and training, including time at MTS headquarters in Minnesota and regional training classes. Candidates should be comfortable with a travel-oriented role and interested in working in varied customer environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, maintain, calibrate, and repair computer-controlled servo-hydraulic and electro-mechanical test systems
• Diagnose issues across controllers, hydraulics, data acquisition systems, sensors, transducers, fixtures, and grips
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control-system issues using hands-on diagnostic methods
• Perform calibrations independently for assigned customer systems
• Manage service documentation, assigned assets, and customer communication professionally
• Work directly with customer engineering and lab teams in a service-oriented environment
• Maintain technical training and compliance with MTS quality and safety standards

Who This Role Is a Good Fit For

We are open to candidates at different stages of their careers. The common thread is hands-on technical aptitude, willingness to travel, and interest in growing into an independent field service role. Training and mentorship are provided.

Pathway A: Early-Career Technical Professionals

You may be a good fit if you have:

• Hands-on technical experience gained through internships, co-ops, labs, maintenance roles, automation, robotics, manufacturing, or military service (typically 2–4 years combined)
• An associate degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Technology, or similar, or a 4-year Engineering Technology degree
• Comfort working with tools, wiring, mechanical assemblies, and technical systems, with interest in growing into an independent field service role

Field service experience is not required for early-career candidates. Structured onboarding, shadowing, and technical training are provided.

Pathway B: Experienced Technicians / Field Service Professionals

You may be a good fit if you bring:

• 5–10+ years supporting electro-mechanical, hydraulic, or industrial equipment
• Experience in field service, installation, system startup, or maintenance
• Comfort owning customer relationships and troubleshooting complex systems with minimal supervision

Core Expectations for All Candidates

• Comfort with a field-based role involving regular travel, especially during the first year, with increasing flexibility as independence grows
• Willingness to learn and follow structured training and mentorship during onboarding
• Strong communication skills and professional interaction with customers
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company vehicle requirements

Experience That Is Helpful (Not Required on Day One)

• Exposure to hydraulics, instrumentation, sensors, controls, or automation
• Calibration, diagnostics, or test-equipment experience
• Hands-on mechanical and/or electrical troubleshooting
• Familiarity with common electrical and mechanical diagnostic tools and test equipment

What You’ll Gain

• A best-in-class benefits package: http://myitwhr.com
• Direct responsibility for service and support of complex servo-hydraulic and electro-mechanical systems used in real customer test environments
• A clear path to independent responsibility in a field-based service role, supported b