Focos de atención

Títulos similares

Ingeniero de obra, ingeniero de servicios de campo, ingeniero in situ, ingeniero de proyectos (si trabaja principalmente in situ), ingeniero de construcción, ingeniero de instalación, ingeniero de mantenimiento (si se centra en el mantenimiento in situ), técnico de campo, técnico de servicio, ingeniero de soporte de campo.

Descripción del trabajo

A day in the life of an average engineer usually includes a fair share of office work. Engineers often have a wide range of duties they do at their desks.

Field Engineers, however, work mostly outside of the office. They’re on the road, traveling to various sites outside of the employer’s main operations center. Their job is very hands-on and they get to focus more on one thing at a time.

Field Engineers visit sites to conduct inspections, ensure software and equipment are functioning properly, handle repairs or upgrades, and manage any technical duties while at the site.

Several industries use their specialized services, including construction, telecommunication, energy, manufacturing, and other types of organizations. Their roles are key to keeping things running smoothly at off-site locations!

Aspectos gratificantes de la carrera
  • Unique work environments and frequent travel opportunities
  • Making a direct impact on an organization’s critical infrastructure
  • Continuous learning to keep up with technological advancements
2022 Empleo
59,428
2032 Empleo proyectado
64,182
La primicia
Responsabilidades del trabajo

Horario de trabajo

  • Field Engineers typically work full-time, with frequent travel and overtime possible.

Tareas típicas

  • Meet with clients and stakeholders to review projects, as needed
  • Evaluate sites to assess the viability of proposed software or equipment installations/upgrades
  • Collaborate with design and engineering teams to adjust plans based on site conditions
  • Plan work sequences
  • Install new software or equipment that is compliant with industry standards and project requirements
  • Oversee site tasks to ensure operations are done correctly and everything is functioning properly
  • Troubleshoot software issues or equipment malfunctions using diagnostic tools
  • Repair equipment or, when needed, provide technical advice to maintenance or labor teams
  • Monitor equipment performance after repairs or improvements
  • Review environmental impact assessments and resource availability studies
  • Lead and train onsite crews on new software or equipment, safety practices, etc.

Responsabilidades adicionales

  • Recommend technical improvements to boost efficiency and safety
  • Ensure modifications are documented and communicated to stakeholders
  • Conduct regular safety audits to mitigate potential hazards
  • Draft and submit status reports 
Habilidades necesarias en el trabajo

Habilidades blandas

  • Precisión
  • Analítica
  • Atención al detalle
  • Habilidades de comunicación
  • Orientación al cumplimiento
  • Servicio de atención al cliente
  • Pensamiento crítico
  • Decisividad
  • Razonamiento deductivo
  • Confiabilidad
  • Orientado al detalle
  • Independencia
  • Monitorización
  • Objetividad
  • Paciencia
  • Percepción
  • Planificación y organización
  • Precisión
  • Resolución de problemas
  • Garantía de calidad
  • Comprensión de lectura
  • Orientado a la seguridad
  • Buen juicio
  • Trabajo en equipo
  • Gestión del tiempo

Habilidades técnicas

  • Installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of applicable equipment and software
  • Advanced diagnostic tools and techniques
  • Troubleshooting software issues
  • Computer-Aided Design and Geographic Information Systems
  • Data analysis and visualization tools
  • Software de gestión de proyectos
  • Emerging technologies such as Internet of Things devices, drones, and AI
  • Reading and interpreting engineering blueprints and schematics
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal safety regulations
  • Risk assessments and safety audit procedures
  • Safety training program management
  • Technical writing
  • Aptitud mecánica
  • Fuerza física y resistencia
  • Licencia de conducir
Diferentes tipos de organizaciones
  • Aerospace and maritime
  • Construction and civil engineering
  • Energy and utilities
  • Environmental, transportation, and infrastructure
  • Government and defense
  • Healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology
  • Manufacturing and automotive
  • Oil, gas, and mining
  • Telecommunications and technology
Expectativas y sacrificios

Field Engineering demands a high level of technical skill and a willingness to travel frequently, sometimes on short notice, to conduct on-site inspections, installations, and troubleshooting. Engineers may face challenging environmental conditions, from extreme weather to hazardous work sites. Hours can run long, with the occasional need for weekend or holiday work to meet project deadlines or resolve critical issues.

The rapid pace of technological advancements requires Field Engineers to stay up-to-date on new technologies, methods, and safety protocols. This means participating in professional development courses and sometimes pursuing additional certifications. 

Tendencias actuales

Engineering fields are evolving due to increased digitization and new technologies such as the Internet of Things and 5G telecommunications.

For example, IoT offers remote monitoring and management of equipment, enabling engineers to predict maintenance needs and troubleshoot problems without being on-site. 5G technology is enabling faster, more reliable connections, impacting how Field Engineers implement and maintain network infrastructure.

Renewable energy is also a hot topic, pushing organizations to seek more sustainable solutions with less environmental impacts. Embracing the changes and trends allows Field Engineers to lead innovative changes and stay relevant in an increasingly competitive job market. 

¿Qué tipo de cosas disfrutaba la gente de esta carrera cuando era más joven...

In their youth, Field Engineers likely enjoyed practical, hands-on activities that required critical thinking and problem-solving, such as tinkering with electronics, building models, or participating in STEM clubs and projects.

Educación y formación necesarias
  • Not all Field Engineers have a four-year degree. Some get hired by earning an associate’s and acquiring four to six years of relevant work experience
  • However, engineers generally need a degree in the type of engineering they want to specialize in, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering (which is a branch of computer science and electrical engineering)
  • Depending on the type of Field Engineer you want to be, relevant engineering subfields may include:
  1. Environmental Engineering
  2. Geotechnical Engineering
  3. Hardware Engineering
  4. Ingeniería de fabricación
  5. Network Engineering
  6. Power Systems Engineering
  7. Software Engineering
  8. Structural Engineering
  9. Telecommunications Engineering
  10. Water Resources Engineering
  • Note, engineering bachelor’s degrees sometimes take over four years of full-time study to complete. This is because courses may be harder, making it less feasible to take as many classes in a term. Plus, classes often build upon each other and must be done in a sequence. If one prerequisite class gets filled up too soon and is only offered during certain terms, it can delay an entire sequence of courses!
  • A master’s may not be required, but many engineering students opt to pursue a dual bachelor’s/master’s which can save time and money
  • Some programs partner with local organizations to offer internships and cooperative experiences that can develop students’ practical skills
  • Field Engineers need a driver’s license so they can travel to work sites
  • Employers may also require a background check and a drug and alcohol screening
  • Optional certifications for Field Engineers are based on the type of engineering work being done, and may include:
  1. American Academy of Project Management - Certified Planning Engineer  
  2. American Society for Engineering Management - Certified Associate in Engineering Management
  3. Association of Energy Engineers - Certified Energy Manager  
  4. Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering - Certified Technical Professional  
  5. Cisco -

             Cisco Certified Network Associate

             Certified Telecommunications Network Specialist

  1. ETA - Network Systems Technician  
  2. Green Building Certification Institute - LEED AP Operations + Maintenance  
  3. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers -

             Professional Software Engineering Master Certification

             Software Engineering Master Certification

  1. OSHA - Safety and Health Fundamentals Certificate  
  2. Society of Petroleum Engineers - Petroleum Engineering Certification  
  • Field Engineers receive employee-specific On-the-Job training as well
  • Professional Engineering (PE) licensure can lead to more job opportunities, though it is not required and may not be beneficial for all Field Engineering positions. A PE license can be useful for those who work in areas where public safety is concerned, because it allows engineers to oversee and sign off on engineering projects, ensuring they meet all safety and regulatory requirements!
  1. A PE must pass two exams—Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), the latter of which can be taken only after sufficient work experience has been gained 
Cosas que hay que buscar en una universidad
  • Engineering and computer science programs should ideally be ABET-accredited.
  • Consider the faculty’s accomplishments, such as IEEE and National Science Foundation awards, Fulbright Fellowships, and teaching awards.
  • Check out their facilities. Well-funded programs will have cutting-edge research areas.
  • Consider the availability of financial aid, scholarships, and STEM pathways!
  • Be mindful of in-state versus out-of-state tuition and fees.
  • Check the program’s statistics regarding employment rates for graduates.
  • See if they have connections with employers who hire grads!
Cosas que hacer en el instituto y la universidad
  • Take advanced courses in mathematics, science, and computer programming
  • Study books, articles, and video tutorials related to different aspects of engineering
  • Pin down an area of specialization as soon as possible to tailor your education accordingly and decide what you want to major in
  • Engage in STEM-related extracurricular activities
  • Look for opportunities to hone your people skills, including leadership and managerial skills. Participating in sports or team projects can be helpful
  • Work experience is very important in this career field, so pursue internships or part-time jobs in engineering firms or related industries to get as much practical experience as you can
    Join engineering or computer science clubs
  • Keep a working draft of your resume. Add to it as you gain experience and skills
  • Maintain a professional digital footprint on social media
  • Decide who you want to serve as your professional references. Ask for their permission to give out their contact information
  • Talk to seasoned Field Engineers about how they got started and what their day-to-day is like. Ask if you can shadow one at work for a day!
  • Join professional organizations to learn, share, make friends, and grow your network
  • Get your driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record
Hoja de ruta del ingeniero de campo
Hoja de ruta del ingeniero de campo
Cómo conseguir tu primer trabajo
  • If you’ve completed an associate’s but not a bachelor’s, you’ll need to get some related, entry-level work experience under your belt first before applying for a Field Engineer position
  • Make a profile on job portals such as Indeed, Glassdoor, Zippia, USAJOBS, and The Field Engineer job board
  • Screen job ads carefully and only apply if you’re fully qualified. Take note of applicable keywords to use in your resume
  • Review Field Engineer resume templates to get ideas for wording and formats
  • Adapte su currículum al puesto de trabajo que solicita, en lugar de enviar el mismo currículum a todos los empleadores
  • Engineering apprenticeships or cooperative experiences can help get your foot in the door. They look great on resumes plus may yield some personal references for later. You might even get a job offer from that company in the future!
  • Reach out to working Field Engineers to ask for job-seeking tips
  • Muchas grandes empresas contratan a graduados de programas locales, así que pida ayuda al programa o centro de carreras de su universidad para conectarse con reclutadores y ferias de empleo
  • Study Field Engineer interview questions to see what you might be asked, such as “What is your system of checking for faulty equipment or software?”
  • Make an account on Quora or other online forums to ask job advice questions from workers in the field
  • Study the websites of the employers whose jobs you apply to. Get to know their values and mission
  • Dress appropriately for job interview success!
  • Visit your school’s career center for help preparing resumes and doing mock interviews
  • Practice your replies in mock interviews with friends 
Cómo subir la escalera
  • Establish target career goals, set up milestones, and create a plan to achieve each milestone
  • Talk with your supervisor about professional development! Keep in mind, not all Field Engineers hold a bachelor’s. Some get started with an associate’s plus sufficient work experience. However, it may help one’s career to finish an engineering-related bachelor’s. Meanwhile, those who already have a bachelor’s might want to pursue a master’s to qualify for higher-paying positions
  • Sometimes just taking a few extra courses can help you qualify for a raise or promotion if the new knowledge and skills you learn can benefit the organization
  • Stay current on new technologies, methodologies, and regulatory changes
  • Pursue advanced or specialized certifications related to the industry you’re in
  • Small- to mid-sized organizations may have limited opportunities for advancement. To move up, you may have to apply to larger organizations at some point
  • If applicable for your line of work, get your Professional Engineer license to show you’re committed to excellence
  • Be active in professional organizations, such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or other groups that apply to your area of expertise
  • Volunteer to take on more responsibilities, including supervisory roles
  • Train others thoroughly and set an example for them to follow
Herramientas/recursos recomendados

Páginas web

Libros

  • A Degree in a Book: Electrical And Mechanical Engineering: Everything You Need to Know to Master the Subject - in One Book!, by David Baker
  • Becoming an Engineer: The Average Person's Guide to Getting Good Grades and Succeeding in Engineering and STEM School, by Jake Ryland
  • FE Mechanical Exam Prep: The Most Complete and Practical Study Guide to Get Ready for the Current Exam in 2 Weeks and Pass It on First Try, by Davin Goldenberg
Plan B

Field Engineers are crucial members of the organizations they work for, but the job comes with unique demands such as frequent travel. If you’re interested in other engineering-related career opportunities, check out the suggested job titles below!

  • Ingeniero aeroespacial
  • Ingeniero químico 
  • Ingeniero de Caminos, Canales y Puertos
  • Ingeniero informático 
  • Ingeniero eléctrico y electrónico
  • Ingeniero de Medio Ambiente
  • Director de producción geotérmica
  • Ingeniero Industrial
  • Ingeniero de fabricación
  • Ingeniero de materiales
  • Ingeniero Mecánico
  • Ingeniero de Minas y Geología
  • Ingeniero de aguas/aguas residuales

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