Indonesia. Idaho. Japan. Wisconsin. England. Pennsylvania. Singapore. Texas. Germany. Rhode Island.
At any point in time, in any industrial community around the world, you’re likely to find an Ipsen Field Service Engineer not far away.
Ipsen’s team of global and local Field Service Engineers (FSEs) cover a lot of ground. While Ipsen’s global FSEs have the opportunity to visit many countries and encounter a variety of cultures on their trips to our customers’ facilities, Ipsen’s regional FSEs can choose to work in industrial communities close to home.
On any given assignment, Ipsen’s FSEs may interact with electrical systems, mechanical systems, water systems, and computer controls, as well as equipment designed specifically for the heat-treating industry. The job of the Ipsen technician is a daily test of a variety of diagnostic and repair skills, all gained through training in partnership with senior FSEs.
Fix a Furnace – See the World
“I earn a living, and I get to go see the world,” Warren Hungness Jr., a global Ipsen Field Service Engineer explained. Over his six years with Ipsen, Hungness has traveled throughout Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America. “My kids are grown up, so I’m able to take this opportunity to experience world travel while also doing an important job that I love.”
Hungness is proud of the work he does as an Ipsen Field Service Engineer. “Ipsen customers choose our equipment because it’s the most reliable and the best technology available in our industry. They choose our service teams because they know that we’re reliable – we’re going to get the job done and done right. And because of our collected and shared knowledge base, we’ll get the work done quickly.”
That same sense of purpose is echoed by regional Ipsen Field Service Engineer Anthony Tapia, who finds meaning in the variety of his work.
“Every stop I make means that I can do something new every day. Every single furnace is unique, but there’s a procedure to what we do. The procedures allow us to read the furnace like a book as each furnace tells its own story.”
– Anthony Tapia, Ipsen Field Service Engineer
Customers will also keep Ipsen FSEs on their toes. “We might be on site for a scheduled maintenance event, pump oil change or temperature uniformity survey, for example, but we may also uncover contamination in a different furnace. That can really challenge our knowledge and skill flexibility,” Tapia shared.
Dispatches from Ipsen USA
“It’s a little like herding cats,” Jennifer Nash, Ipsen’s Service Administration Manger said with a joking laugh. “(In 2025), there are currently 35 field service engineers (employed by Ipsen USA) working on service and repair projects that all require different types of support, depending on the project they’re assigned to.”
Nash has 11 years of experience at Ipsen making sure the right tools are in the hands of the right service technicians at every service call. She leads a team that includes three service administrators who were added to handle a growing number of Ipsen field service technicians.
Nash and her team ensure that calls are answered and every question or need can be addressed in a timely manner. “We’re constantly looking for ways to deliver more services to our field service engineers and our customers.”
At any given time of day, the administration department may be processing payroll or expenses, handling customer invoicing, tracking down parts shipments, or answering questions from Ipsen customers or Regional Service Managers.
“We’re able to help with a variety of resources like handling labor tracking data entry, developing quotes for service, reviewing and following up with part orders. Our team will also help our technicians with engineering support and any warranty or rework information,” Nash noted. “Collaborating with Ipsen’s exceptional technical support team empowers us to deliver additional essential and timely services,” she added.
The admin team in Cherry Valley, Illinois, as well as a dedicated field service manager and six regional managers, are all essential to the field service engineers’ success.
A two-person internal technical support team also provides field service engineers with in-depth technical information, engineering and repair strategies, and years of experience for FSEs that might be stumped by rare cases, non-standard equipment, or aftermarket modifications. “Our team has the ability to work with all of the departments within Ipsen to provide a one-stop shop for service support,” Nash explained.
Hiring and Onboarding Field Service Technicians
“We know that the furnace world is a niche, unique industry and it requires a certain skillset,” explained John Dykstra, Ipsen Chief Service Officer. “We’re looking for people who have experience both with mechanical and electrical systems. People who have worked on major capital equipment. These furnaces are complex pieces of equipment that require the ability to think through complex scenarios.”
“Successful field service engineers have got to be versatile,” added Cavan Cardenas, Ipsen’s Technical Training Lead. “Being an Ipsen Field Service Engineer will challenge a variety of skill sets. Working on a furnace, technicians will encounter plumbing, electrical, software, with regular maintenance and some engineering challenges during troubleshooting.”
The number one sign that a candidate will be successful? “A good attitude,” Cardenas answered. “A positive, problem-solving approach to the work has to be one of the candidate’s strongest attributes.”
Candidates will be given the tools and the training to gain confidence as an Ipsen Field Service Engineer, both through classroom learning and support with veteran FSEs in the field. “We start working with our new hires on preventative maintenance projects. Basic programs like replacing pumps or pump oil changes, changing elements and seals, and collaborative troubleshooting over the first three to six months of their career,” Dykstra explained. “Candidates will also be invited to participate in Ipsen U, our three-day intensive training program. New service techs that show long-term promise will then be invited to participate in our Ipsen Field Service Academy program that takes place over six months.”
The Ipsen Field Service Academy builds connections with fellow field service engineers, while studying Ipsen vacuum furnaces as they pass through assembly, go through QC testing, and after they have been in production.
Entrepreneurial Independence
“This is an entrepreneurial role,” Cardenas explained. “A lot of freedom comes with this job, but with that comes a commitment. Service calls aren’t limited to between 8am and 5pm, and it’s not uncommon for Ipsen Field Service Engineers to work on a weekend.”
“Ipsen Field Service Technicians can experience many different things during a day in the field,” Dykstra added. “Some can find themselves spending weeks, even months with the same customer, while others might visit several locations in one week. The circumstances are determined by the nature of the work.”
“I’m really proud of Ipsen’s Field Service team,” Dykstra continued. “The technicians are supportive, have very strong technical skills, and they’re willing to go above and beyond to ensure our customers’ success.”
“One thing I’m most proud of,” Dykstra added, “is the longevity of the technicians on our team.” The average tenure of an Ipsen Field Service Engineer is over 6 years, with a team that represents more than 225 years of combined experience. Several current FSEs have more than a decade in the field, with our three most senior techs being a part of the Ipsen team for more than 30 years each.
“Ipsen has invested in our FSEs’ success through training, specialized equipment, and a robust support system. It’s our way of giving our FSE team the best possible path to success in their career.”
– John Dykstra, Ipsen Chief Service Officer
Including our locations in Germany, India, China, and Japan, Ipsen has more than 120 specialized service technicians around the globe. If you are interested in a career in Ipsen Field Service, view our open positions on our careers page.