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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a field engineer. Feel free to use our field engineer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a field engineer.

 

Who is a Field Engineer?

A Field Engineer or field technician is a technician whose work environment is not normally office-based, but rather on the client’s site, where they handle and resolve a wide range of engineering-related problems. Their occupations frequently require long hours of work that can extend throughout the week.

They repair, install, and maintain various pieces of engineering equipment or computers. As a field technician, you must be an expert in your subject of study. Problem-solving abilities and ingenuity are also beneficial while diagnosing issues and assisting your clients in developing effective machinery and systems.

Field engineers install and maintain equipment, machines, and systems by applying theoretical knowledge of engineering ideas and practical designs. They also provide field services to clients by supervising activities and ensuring the machinery functions properly.

As a field engineer, you might work in sectors that require on-site equipment management. Some field engineers, for example, operate as part of the maintenance staff at airports, as well as in warehouses and factories. You may be required to install or repair machines at the client’s home or place of business. To solve difficulties, you must apply scientific and mathematical theories. Some field engineers also work in banking, installing and maintaining automated teller machines (ATMs).

Field engineers must be detail-oriented to accurately diagnose system or mechanical faults. Most of the time, they will troubleshoot the systems while they are in use, without interfering with the workflow or halting activities. Their inventiveness also aids them in making recommendations or implementing appropriate solutions to ensure the seamless operation of equipment.

 

What are the types of field engineers?

Aside from working as a general field engineer, you can specialize in a certain industry sector, such as:

Medical Field Engineer: You Install, maintain, and troubleshoot medical equipment as a medical or biomedical field engineer. It is also your responsibility to set up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and scanners as well as the servicing ultrasound, X-ray, and ventilator equipment.

Mechanical Field Engineer: for this profession, you will work in the transportation, energy, or industrial industries. Lastly, it is your responsibility to inspect and troubleshoot equipment and machinery to ensure proper operation.

IT Field Engineer: Field engineers in IT install and service IT equipment and ensure that computer systems work smoothly. In the event of a failure, you diagnose the issue and recommend a remedy to restore functionality.

Automotive field engineer: As an automotive field engineer, you examine and repair automobiles in collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and assembly plants. You sometimes go to clients’ homes to help them with automotive difficulties.

 

What Do Field Engineers Do?

Conducting research: Before offering solutions for a machine failure or system malfunction, you must first understand the root cause and scope of the issue. The preliminary study, which includes observation, system checks, and tests, assists you in identifying problems with the equipment and developing remedies.

Maintaining equipment: As a field engineer, you supervise the upkeep of various pieces of equipment and machinery. In hospitals, for example, you develop a routine maintenance schedule and troubleshoot any problems to ensure ultrasound machines and MRIs work as intended. If you discover any red flags during maintenance, you must fix or replace the parts to guarantee the machines function properly.

Installing new machines and equipment: Field engineers’ primary responsibility is to install new equipment according to the manufacturer’s specifications. You must also modify the settings to meet the needs of your employer. For example, huge machinery requires new configurations to carry out manufacturing following factory standards, and you must make the adjustments before your business uses the machine.

Testing machinery: Before you begin manufacturing, you should test the machinery after it has been installed. Testing comprises performance and safety inspections to ensure that the equipment fulfills compliance criteria. It also ensures that the installation process followed the manufacturer’s instructions as well as the client’s specifications. Following testing, you can make final tweaks to increase productivity.

Writing reports: As a field engineer, you must document all maintenance and repair work performed on the equipment. The reports maintain track of system issues that need to be checked regularly and offer solutions to increase productivity.

 

Field Engineer Job Description

Below are the field engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a field engineer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The job description of a field engineer includes the following activities:

• Communicate with clients to ascertain their needs and clarify complicated issues.
• Conduct site visits, schedule monitoring, and technician supervision.
• Carry out field operations including providing technical support and troubleshooting on-site concerns.
• Ensure on-site efficiency and safety every time.
• Carry out cost estimates, project design approval, and contract preparation.
• Analyze data, keep track of expenses, and write progress reports.
• Oversee the testing, maintenance, installation, and planning of equipment.
• Reduce risk, ensure compliance, and assess the environmental effect.
• Direct employees, contractors, engineers, and other on-site workers
• Attend meetings with clients and stakeholders.
• Write reports and submit them to superiors and other key personnel.
• Conduct on-site research and studies.
• Manage field activities and put engineering designs into action.
• Troubleshoot construction or machinery issues.
• Resolve faults or other emergency occurrences.
• Oversee repairs and technological advancements.
• Install new technologies and systems.
• Inspect and test material and machinery for safety.
• Maintain the onsite equipment properly.
• Oversee and direct the onsite personnel (e.g. technicians).

 

Qualifications

The basic requirement for this job requirement is as follows:

• Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or similar field
• Knowledge of computer, algebra, trigonometry, and applied calculus.
• Previous experience as a field engineer or in a similar function.
• A thorough grasp of field project technical issues, including machinery and equipment.
• Understanding of safety regulations.
• An analytical mind and good problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work in inclement weather.

 

Essential Skills

Aside from academic credentials, the following key abilities will influence your field engineering employment prospects:

1. Knowledge of technical maintenance: Technical maintenance knowledge and expertise are essential as a field engineer. You must be able to repair and service numerous pieces of equipment. That is, having a thorough understanding of how many systems work helps you diagnose and solve faults in the system. Aside from basic maintenance, your technical maintenance skills can help you troubleshoot problems and find efficient solutions.
2. Ability to think critically: You perform numerous tests and system checks on machinery or equipment during maintenance. The capacity to think critically allows you to identify an issue based on test results. The ability also allows you to quickly figure out a solution and ensure little job interruption during repairs.
3. Effective communication abilities: As a field engineer, you collaborate with a variety of professionals and engineers. Communication skills are required while brainstorming repair ideas or describing maintenance operations to technicians. You must also be able to write to submit reports and reviews of completed testing and repairs. You may be required to offer written suggestions to improve the machinery or provide maintenance methods on occasion.
4. Ability to pay keen attention to details: Despite routine checks and tests, diagnosing issues in a system or machinery is difficult. You may miss some flaws in the system or deliver the incorrect diagnosis if you lack a sharp eye for detail.

 

How to Become a Field Engineer

Below are  the steps you need to take to become a field engineer:

1. Get Relevant education: Employers prefer field engineers to have a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a related engineering field. Engineers must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam after graduation to become Engineers in Training. A few engineers hold degrees in fields such as mathematics, physics, or computer science. Before working in the area, students of non-engineering subjects may be needed to complete a conversion course or professional qualification. A qualification in any technical discipline may be suitable for some professions. Employers typically require a certain degree for others, such as those in chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineering.

Get some experience: Some engineering schools allow students to acquire practical experience while still in school. Students can learn from seasoned professionals through job shadowing, cooperative programs, and internships.

2. Obtain Professional Qualifications: It is not normally necessary to join a professional body to obtain your first graduating employment. However, you will gain access to networking opportunities, training events, discussion forums, and the most recent business news. All of these factors assist graduates in entering, developing, and specializing in their field. Furthermore, joining a chartered body is required if you want to be assessed for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). It is not normally necessary to join a professional body to obtain your first graduating employment. However, you will gain access to networking opportunities, training events, discussion forums, and the most recent business news. All of these factors assist graduates in entering, developing, and specializing in their field. Furthermore, joining a chartered body is required if you want to be assessed for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or an Incorporated Engineer (IEng):

Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE): The CIBSE offers membership and a variety of training courses to prospective building service engineers at all levels, from beginner to advanced.

Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE): Courses include personal growth and leadership, as well as process safety and sustainability. IChemE training is peer-reviewed to ensure that best practices are reflected.

Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE): Membership in the Engineering Council UK-registered professional body allows access to a variety of professional development courses.

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET): IET Advantage is a membership option that assists recent graduates in becoming CEng or IEng registered.

Institution of Engineering Designers (IED): The only professional association in the UK representing persons involved in engineering and technical product design.

Institute of Food Science and Technology (IFST): The only professional body in the UK that covers all aspects of food technology.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE): Membership is available, as is access to a variety of management and technical training courses.

Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE): IStructE offers both student and graduate membership and provides professional accreditation and training courses for structural engineers.

3. Obtain the necessary skills for being a Field Service Engineer: A wide range of skills are required to succeed at this level when working with both management and more junior roles. This role requires a thorough understanding of the following skills: Electronic Equipment Installation, Electronic Troubleshooting, Field Engineering, Field Operations, Field Service, On-Site Preventive Maintenance, Service Delivery, Technical Services, and Technical Troubleshooting.  Although numerous talents are required for success in this career, some employers may be ready to provide on-the-job training if you excel in other areas.
4. Obtain work placements and internship experience: Choosing and completing the appropriate qualifications is vital, but it is rarely sufficient on its own. To have the best chance of landing your desired job, you’ll need some work experience, as employers prefer candidates who have supplemented their theoretical knowledge earned throughout their education with applicable experience. Many organizations give permanent opportunities to graduates who have excelled in their internship or placement programs, so participating in one can truly pay off. While some engineering and technology degrees include a placement or sandwich year, not all do. As a result, you may need to look for your opportunities. Large organizations frequently promote paid engineering internships and industrial placements. Smaller organizations may lack the resources for this, but that does not imply they do not give opportunities.
5. Consider Engineering apprenticeships: Engineering apprenticeships allow the more practical-minded to apply their talents in a technical setting. They entail earning a national diploma in engineering or a similar field while obtaining paid on-the-job training at one of several cooperating companies. If you want to study at a higher level, an engineering degree apprenticeship is an option.

Gatwick Airport, KPMG, Morrisons, Network Rail, and the Royal Air Force (RAF) all offer engineering apprenticeships ranging from intermediate to degree level. Some organizations, particularly small enterprises, prefer this strategy since it ensures that whatever their apprentices learn will directly help their organization. The job varies depending on the business, however, it could range from operating machines in factories to building telecommunications systems.

6. Postgraduate engineering courses: While postgraduate study is not required for many engineering positions, Master’s and Ph.D. degrees can allow you to enhance your knowledge, develop sector-specific skills, and make industry connections. They are also in high demand in fields like product design and research & development. Some larger corporations offer bursaries to encourage students – and possibly future workers – to pursue a Master’s degree. If you want to be a Chartered Engineer (CEng), you’ll require a Master of Engineering (MEng) or Engineering Doctorate (EngD) from a reputable engineering university.
7. Obtain your Engineering License: In the United States, any engineers who provide direct services to the general public must be licensed by the state. After earning a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, students can apply for a license. Individuals must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying to become licensed. Engineers can become Professional Engineers after four years of experience and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam (PEs). Several states demand ongoing education to keep your license current. Employers may accept licenses from other states if the original licensing standards are equivalent to or greater than the new state’s.
8. Engineering graduate schemes: Several significant firms, including BAE Systems, BP, and Nestlé, provide graduate engineering and manufacturing programs. There will be official application processes, such as submitting a CV and cover letter, followed by an assessment center and several levels of interview. If you join Accenture’s software engineering graduate scheme, you will design, construct, test, and deploy innovative technical solutions for the company’s clients. The salary varies depending on where you work; in London, you’ll earn £29,000 (plus a £5,000 bonus), while those in other locations would earn £25,700 (plus a £1,000 bonus). A degree in a related discipline, such as computer science or software engineering, is required for admission to the program.

 

Where to Work as a Field Engineer

As a field engineer, you will work in various industries which include the following:

• Construction sites
• Factories
• Information and Technology Centres
• Financial Institutions to install and maintain automated teller machines (ATMs).
• Airports as part of the maintenance crew
• Warehouses

 

Field Engineer Salary Scale

A field engineer’s annual pay in the United States is $68,337, with an additional $10,000 for overtime. According to the ONS, the average annual salary for a field engineer in the United Kingdom is £27,191. When you first start your job, you may expect to make roughly £20,000 per year. Your income will rise to around £38,000 as you develop experience and expertise in field engineering. Aside from the base income, your compensation package includes a variety of benefits. Most firms offer medical insurance as well as a transportation allowance or a company vehicle. When you work overtime, your hourly compensation is higher than when you work regular hours. To motivate staff, several organizations offer paid vacations and bonuses.

 

Science, Technology, and Engineering

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