field engineer

Although the industry and client you work for dictate the exact responsibilities, some of the typical tasks of a field engineer include:

• conducting research: before recommending solutions for a machine failure or system error, you need to determine the underlying cause and extent of the problem. The initial research through observation, system checks and tests help you identify issues in the equipment and develop solutions.
• maintaining equipment: as a field engineer, you oversee the maintenance of different equipment and machinery. For instance, in hospitals, you ensure ultrasound machines and MRIs are working as expected by developing a routine maintenance schedule and troubleshooting any problems. If you find any red flags during maintenance, you need to repair or change the parts to ensure the machines are working as expected.
• installing new machines and equipment: the primary role of field engineers is to install new equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions. You also need to adjust the settings to suit your employer's needs. For instance, large machinery needs new configurations to carry out production according to the factory's standards, and you have to make the adjustments before your employer uses the machine.
• testing machinery: after installation, you should test the machinery before manufacturing begins. Testing includes performance checks and safety evaluation to ensure the equipment meets the compliance standards. It also ascertains that the installation process followed the manufacturer's instructions and the client's requirements. After testing, you can perform final adjustments to boost productivity.
• writing reports: as a field engineer, you should document every maintenance procedure or repair work done on the equipment. The reports keep track of the issues in the systems that require routine checks and recommend ways to improve productivity.

As a field engineer, you will work in various professional environments, from manufacturing and energy to construction or finance. Regardless of the industry, you spend most of your workday on-site instead of in an office. For instance, you need to be at the site to maintain and repair construction equipment in construction. Aside from fieldwork, you have to work at the office when studying installation processes or researching solutions for repairs and issues in equipment.
 

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include medical professionals, scientists and researchers. Alternatively, in manufacturing, you might be working in close proximity to production operatives and assembly workers, while in construction, you could be working with specialists that could include, but not be limited to, electrical engineers, electrical technicians, civil engineers and groundworkers. In fact, a career as a field engineer is so broad in scope that there really is no limit to the industry professionals you might meet.
 

Field engineers are often full-time employees with a regular schedule, but they don't always stick to the 9 to 5 work routine. You need to be readily available to solve your client's issues or emergency system failures. Some field engineers work on a shift basis, which means you can work at night or early mornings if the industry is operational for 24 hours. In some sectors like finance, you occasionally organise routine maintenance after initial installation and do not have to be present at the ATMs daily. Working as a field engineer also involves travelling from the office to clients' premises or production sites.
 

As a field engineer, you have a clearly defined career path with numerous growth opportunities. From a junior field engineer position, work towards a senior field engineer role before joining a managerial position. Most field engineers become project managers, factory managers or construction managers. Alternatively, you can specialise in your study area and branch out into different roles. For instance, a few extra qualifications make you a network engineer or IT manager in IT. Some field engineers also become mechanical or civil engineers.
 

Finding your field engineer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a field engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
 

A field engineer is responsible for maintaining, servicing and troubleshooting problems in machinery and equipment. They also install new systems and test their performance. 

 

The salary of a field engineer ranges from £20,000 to £38,000. Your exact salary depends on your employer and your experience or educational qualifications. 

 

Field engineering is an exciting job that allows you to travel a lot and use your creativity to solve problems. The compensation package is also attractive. 

 

To become a field engineer, you need good communication skills to work with a team. Technical knowledge is also important in developing maintenance routines. 

 

You can become a field engineer by undertaking a bachelor's degree in an engineering field related to the industry you are interested in. A degree in maintenance or mechanical engineering is a great place to start. 

 

Applying for a field engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!