Systems Maintenance Specialist

Job Title: Systems Maintenance Specialist
Location: Houston/Webster, TX
Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 per annum
Sector: Electrical/Machinery Protection

Systems Maintenance Specialist

As a Systems Maintenance Specialist, you will serve as a key technical expert supporting the deployment, maintenance, and optimization of our advanced condition monitoring systems. You will provide hands-on service and remote support to customers across the energy, petrochemical, and industrial sectors, ensuring the reliability and availability of rotating machinery such as reciprocating compressors, gearboxes, and critical drive systems.

This role combines technical troubleshooting, system integration, field diagnostics, and customer-facing support, ideal for someone with a background in industrial automation, rotating equipment, or vibration analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

• Install, configure, and commission condition monitoring systems and networks on customer machinery.
• Conduct routine system maintenance, firmware updates, and software and hardware troubleshooting (IT Networks, sensor networks, SIL-certified components, data acquisition units).
• Provide Level 1 and 2 technical support (remote or onsite) to customers and internal engineering teams.
• Analyze machine condition data to identify trends, early warning signs, and failure modes; escalate serious findings with root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with Reliability and Maintenance teams at customer sites to improve predictive maintenance strategies.
• Train plant personnel on system operation, data interpretation, and basic maintenance
• Document all field activities and write service and diagnostic reports using company documentation standards.
• Provide feedback to Product and Engineering teams on customer system performance and feature requests.
• Global Customer Helpdesk service duties with focus on hardware and software topics

Collaboration:

• Ensure the Values and Behaviors and code of conduct are practiced.
• Promote and maintain a positive work environment, encourage a culture with a growth mindset to improve employee engagement and teamwork.  
• Ensure assignment scheduling, reporting, training is kept up to date.
• Promote business in the overall Americas region.
• Support and implement global projects, processes, guidelines, and procedures as required.

Safety & Quality:

• Maintain a zero Lost-Time Incidents goal annually.
• Lead by example, reinforcing a culture of safety and continuous improvement. 
• Promote quality & safety initiatives within the organization.
• Actively participate and encourage continuous improvement activities.  

Education/Experience/Knowledge:

• Minimum 2-year college degree in information systems, automation, electronics, or relevant field.
• Technical degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Technology (or equivalent experience) desired.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation electrical engineering rotating equipment support, or
• Experience in digital solutions (hardware and software) IoT / cloud solutions, IT infrastructure in industrial applications
• Excellent IT knowledge, especially of common VPN remote access systems
• Knowledge of signal processing, sensor calibration, or industrial fieldbus communication (Modbus, OPC, etc.)
• Experience with condition monitoring systems, vibration analysis, or predictive maintenance technologies.
• Familiarity with reciprocating compressors, centrifugal equipment, or large-scale drive systems.
• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients and provide clear instructions or explanations.
• Comfortable working in hazardous-area environments (ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 preferred)
• Excellent communication skills and a customer-service mindset
• Are highly self-driven, responsible, well-organized, and able to handle several tasks at the same time
• You are highly self-driven, responsible, well-organized, and able to handle several tasks at the same time
• Willingness to travel up to 50% domestically and occasionally internationally.

Preferred but Not Required:

• Familiarity with SIL-rated systems (SIL 2 or SIL 3)
• Vibration Analysis Certification (CAT I or II per ISO 18436
• Experience with Root Cause Analysis (RCA) or Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA)

Skills/Competencies: 

• Knowledge of computer electronics, including hardware components and software applications. Familiarity with various operating systems, programming languages, and database systems.
• Minimum of three years’ industrial field experience, preferably in refining or petrochemical plant applications, in installing and maintaining low voltage (24VDC, 120VAC) electrical instrumentation and computer related equipment including troubleshooting and repair.
• Must have working knowledge of network systems and protocols, particularly TCP/IP. Ability to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot network connections. This includes tasks like configuring switches, firewalls, troubleshooting network issues, and ensuring network security and performance as well as basic Cyber Security knowledge
• Ability to diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues. This includes the ability to use diagnostic tools and follow troubleshooting procedures.
• Extensive knowledge using a variety of test equipment, including digital multi-meter, 4-20ma signal generator, and oscilloscope.
• Ability to use basic hand tools.
• Ability to read and understand both electrical loop diagrams and P&ID diagrams.
• Ability to travel to client sites as needed, which may involve ~20-50% travel as necessary.
• A valid driver’s license, use of dependable transportation, and a certificate of insurance.
• The ability to obtain, if not already in possession of, a US passport and TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card.
• Capable of lifting heavy objects, up to 50 pounds, on a periodic basis.
• Participate in onboarding and regular company-wide random drug screening program and background checks. If there are any reasons or exceptions that should be considered, please provide this information during the interview process.
• Strategic thinking, teamwork, self-awareness, able to work in a culturally diverse environment. Excellent communication skills include the ability to adapt the message and communication style to the audience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and experience in site management.
• Strong knowledge of email, word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.