what is a field service engineer?

As a field service engineer, you use your engineering knowledge to install and maintain equipment, machines and systems. You offer services to clients in the field by overseeing operations and ensuring the machinery works as expected.

You work in industries that need on-site supervision of equipment. For instance, some field service engineers work at airports, as part of the maintenance crew, or in warehouses and factories. Sometimes, you install or repair machines at the client's residence or place of business. Your job requires the application of scientific and mathematical theories when solving problems. Some field service engineers also work in the banking industry, installing and maintaining automated teller machines (ATMs).

Field service engineers need attention to detail to diagnose systems or machinery problems accurately. Most of the time, you troubleshoot systems while in use and should not interrupt the workflow or halt operations. Creativity also helps you recommend or implement appropriate solutions to ensure the equipment works smoothly.

Would working as a field service engineer suit your troubleshooting skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a field service engineer role.

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average field service engineer salary

According to the Economic Research Institute, you earn an average salary of €32,000 per year as a field service engineer. As a junior field service engineer, you start with a salary of €23,000 per year. In a junior position, you handle minor repairs and maintenance tasks due to your minimal experience. In a senior-level position, you have extensive experience and can handle complex tasks. Your compensation package is approximately €39,000 per year.

what factors affect the salary of a field service engineer?

Your compensation package as a field service engineer depends on your experience, educational qualifications and industry. When you have minimal qualifications and entry-level experience, you start with a lower salary, but your compensation package increases as you gain experience. Having specialised skills improves your earnings since you can handle additional maintenance tasks.

The industry you work in also influences your earnings significantly. For instance, working as a field service engineer in the medical and pharmaceutical fields attracts a higher salary, depending on the medical equipment you service. Working in manufacturing industries, where you service large equipment, also pays more than fixing smaller equipment or home appliances.

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types of field service engineers

Aside from working as a general field service engineer, you can specialise in a single industry sector, including:

female in production setting programming machinery
female in production setting programming machinery
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working as a field service engineer

As a field service engineer, you work in various industries, from construction to IT and finance. Read on to find out what field service engineers do daily and their career prospects.

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field service engineer skills and education

As a field service engineer, you handle technical issues and perform complex maintenance tasks. Hence, you require relevant qualifications for your industry. Some of the requirements for becoming a field service engineer in Greece include:

  • Education: most employers expect you to have a bachelor's degree in engineering. You can pursue a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering at any Greek Higher Education Institution (HEI). In senior roles, you may need a master’s degree in engineering.
  • Work experience and certifications: start with internships and junior-level roles to learn the relevant skills for becoming a field service engineer. You also require a professional licence from the Technical Chamber of Greece to practise as a field service engineer. For your professional development, join the Hellenic Association of Mechanical and Electrical Engineers.

competencies and characteristics of field service engineers

Aside from academic qualifications, the following skills improve your career prospects in field service engineering:

  • Technical maintenance: as a field service engineer, knowledge and expertise in technical maintenance is vital. You should know how to repair and service various equipment. That means good background knowledge about the functioning of multiple systems helps you diagnose and repair problems in the system. Aside from routine servicing, your technical maintenance skills aid in troubleshooting problems that arise and identifying efficient solutions.
  • Critical thinking: during maintenance, you perform various tests and systems checks on machinery or equipment. Critical thinking helps you pinpoint problems from the test results. The skill also lets you figure out solutions promptly and ensure minimal work interruptions during repairs.
  • Communication skills: as a field service engineer, you work alongside various technicians and engineers. When brainstorming ideas for repairs or explaining maintenance processes to the technicians, you need communication skills. You also need writing skills to complete your reports and reviews of the tests or repairs completed. Occasionally, you give written suggestions to improve the machinery or provide maintenance procedures.
  • Attention to detail: diagnosing problems in systems or machinery is challenging despite regular checks and tests. Without a keen eye for detail, you may miss some of the system issues or provide the wrong diagnosis.
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FAQs

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a field service engineer.

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