Senior Field Service Engineer / Technician – Agricultural Machinery _at Kerchanshe Group, Ethiopia

– The Senior Field Service Engineer/Technician is responsible for delivering high-level technical service, diagnostics, repair, and maintenance support for a wide range of agricultural machineries in field and workshop environments.The role requires a highly experienced, independent, and self-driven professional capable of handling complex technical issues with minimal supervision while ensuring maximum machine uptime, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.This position plays a critical role in strengthening after-sales service performance, supporting dealership standards, and maintaining strong customer relationships across agricultural operations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Technical Service & Diagnostics

• Perform advanced troubleshooting, fault diagnosis, and repair of agricultural machinery, including tractors, harvesters, sprayers, and implements.
• Diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and electronic system failures using modern diagnostic tools and techniques.
• Analyze recurring equipment issues and provide root cause analysis with corrective and preventive solutions.
• Execute major overhauls, engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, and hydraulic system servicing.

Field Service Operations

• Independently plan, organize, and execute field service assignments in remote and rural locations.
• Respond promptly to customer breakdown calls and ensure timely resolution to minimize downtime.
• Carry out on-site repairs, emergency interventions, and technical support under challenging field conditions.
• Ensure proper handling, usage, and accountability of service vehicles, tools, and equipment.

Preventive Maintenance & Inspection

• Conduct scheduled preventive maintenance services in accordance with manufacturer standards.
• Perform Pre-Delivery Inspections (PDI), commissioning, and installation of new machinery.
• Inspect machinery condition and provide professional recommendations for maintenance and performance improvement.

Customer Support & Relationship Management

• Provide professional technical advice and guidance to customers on machine operation, maintenance, and best practices.
• Deliver on-site operator training to ensure proper usage and care of equipment.
• Maintain strong customer relationships through reliable, responsive, and high-quality service delivery.
• Handle customer complaints effectively and ensure proper follow-up and resolution.

Team Support & Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor, coach, and support junior technicians and field service staff.
• Share technical knowledge, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices within the service team.
• Assist in developing technical capabilities and improving overall team performance.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare accurate and detailed service reports, job cards, and field service documentation.
• Record faults, repairs performed, parts used, and service time accurately.
• Support warranty claims processing by providing clear technical reports and failure analysis.
• Maintain proper documentation in line with dealership and manufacturer requirements.

Parts & Service Coordination

• Coordinate with the parts department to ensure timely availability of required spare parts.
• Recommend critical spare parts stocking based on field experience and failure trends.
• Ensure proper parts usage and minimize wastage or misapplication.

Compliance & Safety

• Adhere strictly to company safety standards, operational procedures, and manufacturer guidelines.
• Ensure safe working practices in field and workshop environments.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of tools, equipment, and working areas.

Qualification and Skills

Education:-

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Agricultural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience:-

• Minimum of 7–12 years of progressive experience in agricultural machinery service, preferably within an authorized dealership environment.
• Proven hands-on experience with major agricultural equipment brands and systems.

Strong exposure to dealership service operations, standards, and customer handling.

Technical Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of:

• Diesel engines and fuel systems
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Electrical and electronic control systems
• Transmission and drivetrain systems
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and service bulletins.
• Proficiency in using diagnostic tools, scanners, and service software.

Behavioural Competencies

• High level of independence and self-motivation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
• Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Customer-focused mindset
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks
• Strong discipline, reliability, and integrity

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Machine uptime and availability
• First-time fix rate
• Service response and turnaround time
• Customer satisfaction and feedback
• Accuracy and quality of service reports
• Reduction in repeat failures
• Compliance with safety and service standards

Working Conditions

• Extensive travel to rural and remote agricultural areas
• Exposure to outdoor environments, dust, and varying weather conditions
• Long working hours during peak agricultural seasons
• Requirement to work under demanding field conditions with minimal supervision

Additional Requirements

• Valid driving license (mandatory)
• Willingness to travel frequently and stay in field locations when required
• Strong physical fitness to handle fieldwork demands