field engineer.

Some of the typical tasks of a field engineer include:

• conducting research: before recommending solutions for a machine failure or system error, you determine the underlying cause and extent of the problem. The initial research through observation, system checks and tests helps 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 problems. If you find any red flags during maintenance, you 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 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 make the adjustments before your employer uses the machine.
• testing machinery: after installation, you test the machinery before manufacturing begins. Testing includes performance checks and safety evaluations to ensure the equipment meets compliance standards. It also ascertains that the installation followed the manufacturer's instructions and the client's requirements. After testing, you perform final adjustments to boost productivity.
• writing reports: as a field engineer, you 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 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 work at the site to maintain and repair construction equipment in construction. Aside from fieldwork, you 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 electrical engineers, project managers and site engineers. You might also be working in close proximity to mechanical engineers and service engineers, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, construction managers, civil engineers, and operations managers.

Field engineers are often full-time employees with a regular schedule but don't always stick to the 9 to 5 work routine. You should 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 morning 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, extra qualifications can make you a network engineer or IT manager. 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. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

The average salary of a field engineer is $93,000 per year. With minimal qualifications and expertise, your earnings start at $85,000 annually. When you have extensive experience and qualifications, your remuneration package increases to over $100,000 yearly. The complexity of your tasks and your industry also influence your earnings.

Becoming a field engineer requires qualifications in a relevant engineering field. You can pursue a bachelor’s degree in civil, mechanical or telecommunications engineering. When you have the relevant training, gain experience through internships and entry-level roles to become a field engineer.

As a field engineer, you inspect and install equipment in various industries. You also modify new technologies to ensure they operate in the current systems. Field engineers perform maintenance and repairs to ensure uninterrupted operations. Your job is to diagnose machinery problems and malfunctions to prevent crises.

As a field engineer, you require extensive technical knowledge to understand the operations of various machinery and equipment. It is important to understand the safety guidelines and be attentive to details to identify problems with equipment. You also use your communication skills to explain the machines’ operations to other professionals.

If you want to be a chartered field engineer in Australia, you require over five years of experience in engineering. You should also meet the minimum competency requirements across 16 elements related to field engineering.

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