Application Guide

How to Apply for Field Service Engineer

at Tomra

🏢 About Tomra

TOMRA is a global leader in sensor-based sorting and resource recovery technology, helping food producers maximize quality and minimize waste. Working at TOMRA Food means contributing directly to a more sustainable food industry while being part of a supportive, field-based team. The company offers a home-based role with a fully equipped car, emphasizing trust and autonomy.

About This Role

As a Field Service Engineer, you'll be the on-site expert installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced optical sorting machines at customer facilities across Brittany. You'll also train operators and provide remote support, ensuring customers get the most from TOMRA's technology. This role is vital for reducing food waste and boosting customer efficiency.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a 1-hour drive to a customer site near Rennes for preventive maintenance on a sorting machine, followed by troubleshooting a calibration issue. After lunch, you might train operators on new features, then return home to complete service reports and prepare for the next day's visit. Occasionally, you'll travel further afield for installations or to support colleagues.

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🎯 Who Tomra Is Looking For

  • Technical degree in electro-mechanics, automation, or similar, with hands-on experience in field service or industrial maintenance.
  • Fluent in French and comfortable working independently in a home-based role, with willingness to travel extensively within Brittany and occasionally elsewhere in France.
  • Strong customer-facing skills and ability to train operators and maintenance staff clearly and patiently.
  • Self-motivated problem-solver who enjoys troubleshooting complex systems and representing a premium brand.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to work flexible hours when needed for customer emergencies.

📝 Tips for Applying to Tomra

1

Highlight your experience with optical sorting, food processing equipment, or similar high-tech machinery in your CV and cover letter.

2

Emphasize your ability to work autonomously from a home office and manage your schedule across a territory like Brittany.

3

Mention any specific experience with TOMRA equipment or competitors (e.g., Bühler, Key Technology) to show industry knowledge.

4

Demonstrate your customer training skills by giving examples of how you've successfully taught operators or maintenance teams in the past.

5

Since the role is home-based, explicitly state your location in Brittany or willingness to relocate, and confirm you have a suitable home office setup.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your technical expertise with sorting or food processing equipment, (2) your ability to work independently and manage travel across Brittany, (3) your passion for sustainability and reducing food waste, and (4) a specific example of how you've provided excellent customer support in the field.

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Visit TOMRA's website and read about their Food division, especially their optical sorting machines like the TOMRA 5C and their sustainability goals.
  • → Research common food processing applications in Brittany (e.g., seafood, vegetables, potatoes) to understand the customer base you'd support.
  • → Look up recent news or press releases about TOMRA Food to mention in your interview, showing you follow the company.
  • → Understand TOMRA's core values and how they integrate into their service culture, such as innovation and customer partnership.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you troubleshooted a complex technical issue on-site. How did you resolve it?
2 How would you handle a situation where a customer is frustrated with machine downtime?
3 What experience do you have with optical sorting technology or similar sensor-based systems?
4 How do you prioritize your schedule when multiple customers need support across a wide territory?
5 Why do you want to work for TOMRA, and how do you align with our mission of reducing food waste?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid being vague about your technical skills; be specific about equipment you've serviced and problems you've solved.
  • Don't downplay the travel requirement; if you're not genuinely willing to travel across Brittany and occasionally beyond, it will be a poor fit.
  • Avoid generic cover letters that don't mention TOMRA, optical sorting, or the food industry; tailor everything to this role.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

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Good luck with your application to Tomra!

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