Assistant Project Controller Jobs in Portland, OR

Field Project Manager & Service Technician

Position Summary
The Resident Field Service Technician serves as the primary technical liaison between our client and its manufacturing partner, providing on-site support for machine installations, commissioning, maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role ensures maximum machine uptime, maintains customer satisfaction, and delivers technical support for complex CNC machine tools and manufacturing systems.

The successful candidate will bring advanced controls, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and CNC troubleshooting skills, independently diagnosing and resolving equipment issues while coordinating with customers, contractors, engineering teams, and service personnel. This role requires strong project management capabilities, exceptional communication skills, and a commitment to safety, quality, and customer service.

As a resident technician, this individual acts as a trusted advisor to on-site personnel while representing the company professionally — mentoring junior technicians, supporting customer training, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts that enhance machine performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. Reports to the Operations Support Manager, Operations department.

Employment Type: Full time - Hourly

Key Responsibilities

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

• Perform advanced troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of CNC machine tools and associated equipment.
• Diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and servo control system issues.
• Troubleshoot and repair spindle assemblies, gearboxes, ball screws, linear guide systems, drive components, and other critical machine elements.
• Analyze and troubleshoot open-loop and closed-loop axis control systems.
• Perform CNC machine geometry verification, positioning compensation, and machine calibration activities.
• Conduct preventative maintenance inspections and recommend corrective actions to improve equipment reliability and performance.
• Support machine startups, commissioning activities, and production readiness evaluations.

Machine Installation & Alignment

• Lead and coordinate machine installations, relocations, retrofits, and major repairs.
• Manage installation schedules and coordinate activities between internal personnel, customers, and third-party contractors.
• Perform precision machine leveling, alignment, and geometric verification.
• Utilize laser measurement equipment for positioning, straightness, squareness, and geometric accuracy evaluations.
• Conduct machine acceptance testing and ensure all performance specifications are achieved prior to customer sign-off.
• Support machine upgrades and modernization projects as required.

CNC Systems & Manufacturing Support

• Configure and support 5-axis machining systems, including TRAORI setup and optimization.
• Troubleshoot automatic tool changers (ATC), tool management systems, and related automation equipment.
• Assist customers with machine optimization, process improvements, and operational best practices.
• Support machine parameter management, compensation routines, and performance tuning activities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to identify root causes and implement long-term corrective actions.

Customer Support & Training

• Serve as the primary on-site technical representative for the customer.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customer personnel at all organizational levels.
• Provide maintenance, operational, and troubleshooting training to customer maintenance and production teams.
• Communicate machine status, service activities, risks, and recommendations to both customer and internal leadership.
• Gather customer feedback and provide recommendations regarding product performance, service improvements, and future enhancements.
• Ensure all work is completed safely, professionally, and in accordance with customer and company standards.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Mentor and provide hands-on training to Junior Field Service Engineers and technicians.
• Support knowledge transfer initiatives and development of technical best practices.
• Assist management with identifying opportunities to improve service delivery, machine reliability, and customer satisfaction.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in the machine tool, CNC manufacturing, or industrial equipment field.
• Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting servo-controlled machine systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, hydraulic diagrams, mechanical drawings, and engineering blueprints.
• Experience performing machine geometry, alignment, calibration, and precision measurement activities.
• Knowledge of CNC controls, machine compensation methods, and machine tool performance verification.
• Experience leading field installations, service projects, or equipment commissioning activities preferred.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively manage customer expectations in demanding production environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and service-related software applications.
• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree, apprenticeship, military technical training, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours to support customer operations and project schedules.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining a high level of accountability.
• Must comply with all customer, company, and site-specific safety requirements.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in industrial manufacturing environments for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. on an occasional basis.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, precision measuring instruments, and diagnostic equipment.
• Ability to safely access and navigate manufacturing facilities, machine platforms, confined workspaces, and customer locations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical degree, associate degree, or equivalent technical training in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field.
• Experience supporting large CNC gantry mills, machining centers, or aerospace manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with Siemens and Fanuc CNC control systems.
• Laser alignment and machine geometry certification or equivalent experience preferred.

Location
Portland, OR

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation: $30-$43 p/hour (Annually $62,000 - $89,000)
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401(k) with company match.
• Travel requirement: Approximately 10–20% domestic and international travel.
• Opportunity to support innovative manufacturing technologies and advanced CNC systems in a dynamic technical environment.

About Lean Synergy Solutions
Lean Synergy Solutions is a Veteran-owned and operated recruiting firm that specializes in aligning top-tier talent with high-impact roles across a variety of industries. Our team, consisting of military veterans and industry specialists, brings a mission-driven approach to workforce solutions. Focused on placing skilled professionals in key roles, we help organizations navigate transformation with precision. We are committed to supporting transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and civilian professionals by providing access to meaningful, long-term career opportunities in government, public, and private sector positions.