Intermediate Field Solutions Technician – Indiana

Panther Systems is the leading supplier of manufacturing intelligence and quality control solutions for pulp, paper and nonwoven manufacturers. Becoming a great company took a lot of time and dedication, so we are patient and selective when it comes to growing our family.

Panthers are software engineers, database administrators, testers, technicians, account managers — and we are family. We work and play well together. Panthers celebrate one another’s personal and professional achievements, and we face challenges together.

It’s true, that we work hard and put in some extra hours, because we will never let down our customers. Still, we know why we work, and we are always there when our families need us. Our family-first outlook is the foundation for a positive workplace. Perhaps, this perspective is what makes coming to work something we look forward to doing again and again. Employees can grow personally and professionally along with our company.

Panther Systems offers employees paid personal days, 100% health coverage, matching 401k, travel opportunities, access to the latest technologies and a family-first company philosophy.

The Position

Panther Systems is hiring for Intermediate FIeld Solutions Technician. This team member provides onsite and offsite continuing services on quality measurement and control systems (QCS) by configuring, installing, testing, and troubleshooting PC/server-based process control systems utilizing Microsoft programming applications and SQL databases. The Intermediate Field Solutions Technician provides consistently high levels of professional service and fulfill Panther’s service agreements with customers.

You will follow a process and exercise independent judgment to provide regular onsite routine systems maintenance, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, configure systems to meet customer needs and analyze control equipment performance. You will resolve equipment performance issues on installed systems, provide on-call and remote support to customer sites and collaborate with peers and customer resources. This position requires a customer-focused and clear communicator who is comfortable working with managers, engineers end users. The successful candidate will be able to install our solutions and train our customers how to use and Panther’s solutions in industrial settings.

Responsibilities

  • Provide mechanical equipment maintenance on scanning platforms that use sensors, including basis weight (using radioactive isotopes), moisture, caliper, and temperature to measure product qualities; maintain motors, drives, belts, bearings, encoders, switches, etc.
  • Maintain customer computer and network equipment by performing regular computer maintenance, including system backups, software updates, maintenance jobs, HMI display configuration and hardware installation.
  • Maintain running processes by regularly servicing customer field instrumentation interfaces, including PLC and DCS systems interconnecting with other systems, using different OPC, serial and other communication.
  • Ensure customer process operations/ system equipment operate within specifications by performing regular verifications of sensors and field instrumentation; inspecting, repairing, validating, analyzing and calibrating sensors and field instrumentation for accuracy; recommending upgrades and product improvements; and contributing to the creation and maintenance of system documentation and training materials.
  • Improve system efficiency by troubleshooting and resolving system performance issues; provide technical support including emergency on-call support, using software diagnostics and/or remote access; determine root causes of problems and create workaround solutions.
  • Manage communication with customers by engaging in face-to-face conversations, video/telephone calls, emails and text; utilize Panther software tools to log and record problems, create change requests and submit service reports.
  • Support and participate in product installations remotely and at customer sites.
  • Understand and analyze customer processes and how Panther-provided software products interact with customer’s equipment; make recommendations for making improvements.
  • Maintain customer education of Panther products by delivering training to customer operators, including system operation, equipment care and radiation safety.
  • Improve value to Panther customers by accepting assignments to special projects, researching and collaborating with others.
  • Support sales of Panther products and services by representing a positive and knowledgeable image to the customer; provide superior customer service; identify sales and service opportunities for Panther.
  • Protect Panther’s intellectual property by keeping information confidential.

Required Skills

  • Strong knowledge of process control systems and equipment and field instrumentation.
  • Intermediate electrical/electronic skills, including the use of meters and general-purpose test equipment.
  • Intermediate electro/mechanical skills.
  • Perform software configuration in a Microsoft Windows environment.
  • Microsoft Excel, Word and Access.
  • Knowledge of IT network architecture, concepts and Windows operating systems.
  • Knowledge of electro-mechanical design and layout, instrumentation interfacing, cable and conduit layout.
  • Ability to read and understand schematics drawings, P&ID drawings, and network drawings.
  • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to multi-task, prioritize work, accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Work independently under general supervision.
  • Learn new tasks quickly and willingness to accept new responsibilities.
  • Strong customer-facing skills.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally with employees and customers.
  • Listening to information and following instructions.
  • Exercise sound judgment, discretion and maintain confidentiality.
  • Manage a demanding workload, balance priorities and produce timely results.
  • Understand, read, write and speak English proficiently.
  • Valid driver’s license and able to drive.
  • Basic algebra and mathematics
  • Understand English/metric weights and measures and how to calculate conversions.
  • Understanding OPC technology is highly desirable.
  • Process variables of paper machines is a plus.

Additional Requirements

  • Frequent travel: 30-60% depending residence location.
  • Driving record, personal insurance and personal finance must be satisfactory to enable travel activities such as renting and driving of rental cars, purchase of airline tickets, reservation and payment for lodging, and purchase of meals.
  • Travel to unfamiliar locations, read maps and follow directions.
  • On-call, after-hours or weekend call-in duty. This will include the need to carry a mobile phone and laptop PC, remain accessible to contact and provide remote online support.
  • Teleworking Flexibility: Low workplace flexibility.

Education and Experience

  • Technical training in process controls, instrumentation, electrical and mechanical design concepts or pulp and paper science.
  • 4+ years of experience with quality control systems (QCS), manufacturing execution systems (MES), software testing, and/or electrical
  • instrumentation in a continuous manufacturing environment.
  • 3+ years of experience with troubleshooting electrical and mechanical control processes.
  • Experience within the software solutions industry (pulp and paper operations or manufacturing process control environment is preferred).
  • Experience with PC and network systems. Exposure to project management and quality assurance is additionally desired.
  • Military technical ratings and/or military experience is desirable.
  • Any equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience will be considered.

Interpersonal Communication

You will communicate regularly with your supervisor, team members across Panther’s matrix organization and customers, requiring detailed exchanges of information, documentation and problem solving.

Work Environment

This position requires frequent work in heavy industrial environments with exposure to hazardous conditions, which include but are not limited to steam, high-speed machinery, chemicals, dust/particulates and noise. Duties include work in pulp and paper mills with exposure to hazards, requiring strict adherence to company and customer safety requirements. Daily use of personal protection equipment and other protective devices is required. Regular travel means exposure to transportation, lodging, food, water, weather and environmental hazards.

To Apply

Please send letter and resume to Panther’s HR with INTERMEDIATE FIELD SOLUTIONS TECHNICIAN in the subject line.