Field service engineers work in a variety of trades, including automotive and heavy machinery technology, computer support, telecommunications and general maintenance. Their jobs usually involve customer service because they work on-site to solve customer problems.
The person you hire will need technical skills to resolve issues on-site, often without assistance or supervision, so state that in your field service engineer job description. Although some company-specific, on-the-job training may be necessary, look for a person with strong problem-solving skills and a background in technology. Your new hire will also need to be able to test systems to verify that installation or repairs were successful.
Because the term can apply to so many different job types, make your field service engineer job description very specific. Describe the working conditions and tools used, as well as the amount of customer contact and the skills that will help a person thrive in the role.
Field Service Engineer Job Summary
Are you a mechanically inclined problem-solver with a background in tech support, programming or hardware repair? Did you love building with Legos as a kid? Do you like to fix your own stuff when it breaks? Our company is looking for a field service engineer for our copy and print division. In this role, you would be working on-site at customer locations to troubleshoot, maintain and repair printers and copiers. After some on-the-job training, you would get to put your technical, mechanical and electrical skills to use every day in new and challenging situations while you interact with a wide variety of people, machines and settings.
Job Responsibilities
- Assess hardware and software malfunctions by means of diagnostic tools and customer input
- Disassemble and reassemble machines to repair or replace worn or malfunctioning components and consumables
- Drive to customer locations using personal vehicle, managing your own daily route to arrive in a timely manner based on customer location and issue, and maintaining accurate time and mileage records
- Educate and train customers on replenishment of paper and toner, basic troubleshooting skills and easy fixes (for example, streaks on copies are often the result of dirty scanner glass, which is easily “fixed” without a service call)
- Provide excellent customer service, listening carefully to customer concerns and addressing issues until customer is satisfied
- Update and maintain assigned machines per manufacturer specifications
- Maintain parts inventory, personal library of machine manuals, company-assigned laptop and tools
- Attend ongoing training events sponsored by company or machine manufacturers to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and repair options
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Reliable vehicle and clean driving record
- Pass background check
- Ability to work productively with minimal supervision
- Good communication and customer service skills
- Understanding of tools and technology needed to complete repairs (we provide tools)
Preferred:
- Three years’ experience in hardware support or repair work
- Three or more years in a customer-facing role
Field Service Engineer Job Responsibilities
The responsibilities section of your field service engineer job description is an important part of finding an employee. This is where you list typical daily tasks, and you should use action verbs to clearly show the applicant what to expect. Focus on main responsibilities and leave out obvious duties such as email, answering calls and attending meetings.
The goal of your field service engineer job description is to attract the right jobseekers and draw them in so they will read more and then apply. In the responsibilities section, aim to include a minimum of 5-6 bullet points to point out most of the duties, but limit it to eight so the reader doesn’t get bored. Do your best to show the culture of your company so that you catch the attention of those who are a good fit.
The following are some samples of what may be found in a field service engineer job responsibilities section:
- Troubleshoot, test and analyze complex issues related to uninterruptible power systems
- Repair and maintain robotic controllers, transfer devices, automation equipment, peripheral equipment and mechanical units
- Make recommendations regarding upgrades, service or repairs and perform preventive maintenance on equipment
- Assist with clients over the phone, in the office and in person off-site
Field Service Engineer Job Specifications
An effective field service engineer job description also has a strong qualifications and skills section. It may seem minor, because it is a short section, but what you include in this part can really cut down on the amount of people who apply, which saves you time.
Use bullet points in this section to make it easy and quick to read. Outline all of the skills, personality traits, education level and certifications that you require so you only attract applicants who qualify for the position. You may also choose to include preferred qualities to further narrow the list of candidates. Your time is precious and the fewer resumes you have to go through, the better.
If you are unsure what to include in this section of the field service engineer job description, talk with others more familiar with the role. The more detail you provide, the better.
These are some common field service engineer job specifications:
- Technical or electrical associate’s degree required; bachelor’s degree preferred
- Minimum of five years’ experience in an automation and robotics environment
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and ascend heights regularly
- Experience with HMI/PLC programming required
- Experience with palletizing, welding, handling tool, DespenseTool, ArcTool, SpotTool and dual channel safety highly preferred
- FANUC Master Certification preferred