Technical Service Specialist

OTC•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

The Technical Service Specialist provides hands-on diagnostic, preventive maintenance, testing, balancing, commissioning support, and technical service for industrial finishing systems at customer facilities. The role supports reliable performance of paint booths, prime and hardcoat applications, curing ovens, ventilation and filtration equipment, and related process systems. Working independently and with IFM operations, engineering, and customer maintenance teams, the Specialist identifies equipment and process deficiencies, documents measurable findings, recommends corrective actions, and delivers safe, responsive service. This is an individual-contributor technical role without direct employee supervisory or departmental P&L responsibility. The position is part of OTC Industrial Technologies’ Finishing, Dispensing & Filtration (FDF) – Industrial Finishing Maintenance (IFM) group. Location is as assigned, with customer-site and regional travel as required. The Specialist is expected to meet performance expectations for technical accuracy and testing quality, equipment reliability and reduced downtime, timely preventive maintenance and service reporting, customer satisfaction, safety compliance, and effective resolution or escalation of technical issues.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three or more years of hands-on experience with industrial finishing systems, paint booths, ovens, industrial ventilation, air handling, or comparable process equipment.
Demonstrated skill in mechanical and electrical troubleshooting, airflow measurement, pressure testing, and interpreting equipment operating data.
Ability to read technical drawings, schematics, airflow diagrams, equipment manuals, and test specifications.
Ability to use and care for calibrated measurement tools and prepare clear technical reports.
Strong customer communication, independent problem-solving, organizational, and safety skills.
Valid driver's license and ability to meet applicable company driving requirements; willingness to travel.

Nice To Haves

Technical diploma, associate degree, or equivalent relevant training.
Experience with automotive or industrial prime, topcoat, and hardcoat systems, dry scrubbers, filtration, VFDs, HVAC/air-makeup systems, and oven balancing.
Experience supporting equipment commissioning, process optimization, industrial maintenance contracts, or OEM technical service.
Familiarity with PLC/process controls and relevant finishing-system safety and environmental requirements.

Responsibilities

Inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, test, and optimize industrial paint booths, prime and hardcoat booths, curing ovens, air-handling equipment, exhaust systems, filtration units, fans, dampers, and related finishing infrastructure.
Establish and document paint booth operating baselines based on customer priorities and observed performance concerns; compare results with approved design criteria and historical operating data.
Measure downdraft airflow using appropriate velocity matrices; evaluate crossdraft conditions, booth pressurization relative to adjacent flash zones, and overall airflow distribution.
Assess dry scrubber performance, differential pressure, impaction and air/solid separation; inspect supply plenum filters, perforated plates, exhaust split flows, and filter bank pressure drops.
Record variable-frequency-drive (VFD) operating conditions, fan speeds, damper positions, booth temperatures, relative humidity, static pressures, and air volume measurements using calibrated instruments.
Perform oven airflow and thermal balance assessments, including supply-air temperature and flow, air changes by zone, longitudinal air speed, entrance/exit conditions, fan operation, air seals, and damper settings.
Diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, ventilation, filtration, and control-related issues; perform authorized adjustments and repairs or coordinate escalation to qualified specialists.
Support startup, commissioning, system validation, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement projects; verify performance following approved corrective actions.
Review drawings, airflow diagrams, technical data, operating manuals, and startup records to understand design intent and troubleshoot discrepancies.
Use calibrated diagnostic equipment, including pitot tubes, manometers, anemometers, pressure gauges, temperature/humidity instruments, and other approved test devices.
Produce accurate field reports with test methods, readings, conditions, findings, recommendations, and customer follow-up actions; complete service documentation within established timelines.
Communicate technical findings clearly to customers and IFM stakeholders; coordinate with engineering, operations, vendors, and customer maintenance or production personnel.
Follow applicable OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout procedures, confined-space and fall-protection rules where applicable, customer safety protocols, and company procedures; perform specialized work only when trained and authorized.
Travel to customer facilities as required and perform other related technical service duties as assigned.