Field Service Engineer

The opportunity

We are seeking a practical, experienced engineer to join our R&D team in a predominantly hands-on role. The position combines machine scoping, product testing and installation development with customer-facing technical service. You will help us expand coupler compatibility across new excavator models and bring new Rhinox technologies to market.

This role is distinct from the Technical Support Manager position. Its primary focus is field engineering and product development; dealer onboarding, customer installations and warranty work provide the supporting service function.

Key responsibilities

1. Machine scoping and coupler range expansion

• Visit machine dealers, manufacturers and customer sites to survey new and existing excavator models for compatibility with Rhinox couplers and attachments.
• Measure mounting and installation requirements, hydraulic connections, electrical interfaces, available space and relevant machine features.
• Produce clear, accurate scoping packs with measurements, photographs, observations and fitting requirements for the design team.
• Verify newly launched and updated machine models, flagging changes that could affect existing fitting kits or product fitment.
• Fit, test and validate prototype or newly designed fitting kits and provide feedback to improve repeatability and installation efficiency.

2. New product and technology validation

• Support practical integration and field trials of Rhinox HFR coupler safety technology, future tilting couplers and other hydraulic attachments.
• Investigate machine hydraulic circuits, auxiliary connections, operating pressures and flow-rate requirements for attachment compatibility.
• Assist with mechanical, hydraulic and basic electrical installation and functional testing, involving specialist engineers when needed.
• Record test conditions, results, anomalies, corrective actions and design improvement opportunities for the R&D team.
• Support prototype demonstrations, commissioning and structured validation ahead of wider product release.

3. Dealer onboarding and initial installations

• Carry out complete first-installation coupler and fitting kit builds for new dealers and key customers.
• Provide hands-on training and close support to dealer engineers, helping them become capable of carrying out subsequent installs independently.
• Demonstrate fitting methods, safe operating checks, commissioning steps and practical fault-finding.
• Identify repeated installation issues and contribute evidence and improvements to fitting guides, checklists and training resources.
• Undertake additional customer installations where development priorities and available capacity permit.

4. Field service, warranty and product improvement

• Attend authorised service and warranty visits to investigate mechanical, hydraulic and basic electrical issues with Rhinox products.
• Carry out approved repairs, replacements, product modifications and corrective actions to documented procedures.
• Collect evidence for root-cause investigations, including clear photographs, measurements, serial information and fault descriptions.
• Record service visits, commissioning results and open actions in Rhinox systems; escalate technical or safety-critical issues to the Technical Support Manager.
• Highlight recurring failures and field trends so R&D can implement permanent improvements and reduce repeat visits.

5. Engineering standards and collaboration

• Work to Rhinox quality, safety, installation and inspection procedures, relevant machine manufacturer instructions and applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with design engineers, technical support, service coordination and the sales team to turn field findings into practical product improvements.
• Maintain accurate, traceable records of scoping visits, validation tests, installations, warranty work and follow-up actions.

Skills and experience

Essential

• Experience in field service, heavy plant fitting, mechanical engineering or similar practical engineering work.
• Strong mechanical fault-finding and fitting skills, including hands-on experience with heavy machinery or construction equipment.
• Working knowledge of hydraulic components, circuit diagnosis and pressure testing, with willingness to develop flow and integration knowledge.
• Ability to take accurate measurements, use engineering tools, read basic drawings and communicate technical findings clearly.
• Confidence working independently at customer premises with a professional, safety-conscious and practical approach.

Desirable, not essential

• Experience with excavators, quick hitches and other attachments.
• Knowledge of auxiliary hydraulics, flow requirements, installation and commissioning.
• Basic 12V/24V electrical diagnostics, including switches, solenoids and wiring faults.
• Fabrication, machining, prototype work or practical product validation experience.

Rhinox-specific coupler, safety-system and installation training will be provided.

Development opportunity

This position provides a route from traditional plant maintenance into R&D-led engineering. As the product range develops, there may be opportunities to progress into advanced diagnostics, validation, specialist product development and, by mutual agreement, CAD or other technical responsibilities.

What we offer

• A varied role combining hands-on engineering, customer visits and new product development.
• Training and professional development
• Growth By Sharing bonus scheme and company healthcare package.
• 24 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with an additional day's leave for every five years of service, in line with company policy.
• Equipment and resources appropriate to the field role, with opportunities to help shape future Rhinox products.

The person we are looking for

You enjoy understanding how machines work, diagnosing problems and finding practical engineering solutions. You are comfortable with field work and customer contact, but want the opportunity to do more than traditional servicing. A willingness to learn, reliable recording of technical findings and an interest in developing new products matter as much as existing quick-hitch experience.