How to apply for Field Service Technician

About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh AeroTech, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is a global leader in aviation ground support equipment, with trusted brands like Jetway®, LEKTRO®, and JetAire®. Working here means contributing to critical infrastructure that keeps airports running safely and efficiently, with a strong focus on innovation and community impact. The company's commitment to safety and resilience makes it an ideal place for technicians who want to make a tangible difference in the aviation industry.

About the role

As a Field Service Technician, you'll be the on-site expert responsible for assembling, installing, maintaining, and repairing passenger boarding bridges and other Oshkosh AeroTech products at airports across the US. This remote role requires extensive travel to customer sites, where you'll troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, often under time-sensitive conditions. Your work directly ensures the safety and operational readiness of airport gate equipment, supporting the daily travel of millions of passengers.

A typical day

A typical day might start with a early morning flight to a customer airport, followed by on-site diagnostics and repairs on a passenger boarding bridge before the first flight arrives. You'll coordinate with airport operations, document your work, and possibly train customer staff on equipment use. By evening, you might be traveling to the next site or returning home, ensuring equipment is ready for the next day's operations.

Who Oshkosh Corporation is looking for

• Proven experience in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic troubleshooting, preferably with large industrial equipment or aviation ground support systems.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively (up to 80%+) and work in varied environments, including outdoor airport conditions.
• Strong customer-facing skills, with the ability to communicate technical issues clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Self-motivated and safety-conscious, able to work independently with minimal supervision while adhering to strict safety protocols.

Tips for this application

• Highlight any experience with aviation ground support equipment (e.g., Jetway®, LEKTRO®) or similar heavy machinery in your resume and cover letter.
• Emphasize your flexibility and willingness to travel extensively, as this is a remote field role with frequent customer site visits.
• Showcase specific examples of troubleshooting complex mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic systems, using quantifiable results where possible.
• Mention any safety certifications (e.g., OSHA, MSHA) or training that demonstrate your commitment to workplace safety.
• If you have experience with Oshkosh AeroTech products, explicitly state it—this is a major differentiator.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your hands-on experience with passenger boarding bridges or similar aviation equipment; (2) your ability to work independently in remote, high-pressure field environments; (3) your track record of providing excellent customer service while resolving technical issues; and (4) your enthusiasm for Oshkosh AeroTech's mission to enhance safety and resilience in aviation.

Research before applying

• Learn about Oshkosh AeroTech's product lines, especially Jetway® passenger boarding bridges, LEKTRO® tugs, and JetAire® ground support equipment.
• Understand Oshkosh Corporation's overall mission and values, particularly their focus on safety, innovation, and community impact.
• Research common issues and maintenance procedures for passenger boarding bridges to speak knowledgeably during interviews.
• Explore recent news about airport expansions or upgrades where Oshkosh AeroTech equipment might be involved, to show industry awareness.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Describe a time you diagnosed and repaired a complex mechanical or electrical issue on a passenger boarding bridge or similar equipment.
• How do you prioritize safety when working on live equipment at a busy airport?
• Walk us through your process for communicating technical problems and solutions to non-technical customers.
• What experience do you have with Jetway® or other Oshkosh AeroTech products, and how would you leverage that in this role?
• How do you manage travel schedules and maintain work-life balance in a remote field service position?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to demonstrate flexibility for extensive travel—this role requires being on the road frequently, and candidates who seem reluctant to travel will be overlooked.
• Not providing concrete examples of hands-on troubleshooting experience; vague descriptions of mechanical skills can be a red flag.
• Neglecting to mention safety certifications or training; in this field, safety is paramount, and omission may suggest a lack of focus on it.