How to Be Mechanical Field Service Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

May 17, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The need for Mechanical Field Service Engineers has grown significantly over the past decade due to the increasing complexity of machines and the need for highly specialized expertise. As such, these professionals are in high demand, providing invaluable support to companies in the manufacturing, automotive, and other industrial sectors. With their expertise, they can quickly identify and solve technical problems, saving time and money while ensuring a high level of safety and quality.

they are also responsible for preventive maintenance, helping to reduce the risks of equipment breakdowns and minimize downtime. In short, the effective use of Mechanical Field Service Engineers can lead to increased profits, improved customer satisfaction, and increased efficiency.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. To become a mechanical field service engineer, you'll need to start by earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. You'll study topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science.
Obtain Professional Certification. Depending on the type of field service engineering you intend to do, you may need to obtain professional certification from an accredited organization such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Gain Work Experience. After you've earned your degree, it's important for you to gain experience in the field. There are several ways to do this, such as internships, apprenticeships, and entry-level jobs at engineering firms.
Develop Technical Knowledge. As a mechanical field service engineer, you'll be required to have a comprehensive understanding of both mechanical and electrical systems. You should take the time to develop your technical knowledge by reading industry publications and attending training courses.
Build Your Network. Having a strong professional network is essential for any successful field service engineer. Take the time to attend industry conferences and connect with other professionals in the field. This will help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the industry.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can begin applying for jobs as a mechanical field service engineer. You can search for available positions on job boards and apply directly to engineering firms or through recruitment agencies.

Being a successful Mechanical Field Service Engineer requires a wide range of skills and capabilities. Such a professional needs to have a thorough understanding of the mechanical principles and operations related to their field. They must be able to identify and diagnose mechanical problems, identify solutions, and provide technical advice to customers.

Furthermore, they must be able to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams and technical manuals to determine necessary repairs. they must possess advanced problem-solving skills, as well as manual dexterity to work with tools and machinery. Finally, they must have excellent customer service and communication skills to effectively communicate with customers and colleagues.

All these skills and capabilities enable the Mechanical Field Service Engineer to provide the best possible service to their customers and ensure the highest level of safety.

You may want to check Mechanical Reliability Engineer, Mechanical Maintenance Engineer, and Mechanical Quality Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Provide on-site technical service and troubleshooting for mechanical systems, including installation, maintenance, repair and calibration.
Diagnose and resolve mechanical issues quickly and accurately, while maintaining an organized and detailed log of each service call.
Inspect and evaluate mechanical systems, components and equipment for wear, corrosion, and other defects, and recommend necessary repairs or replacements.
Perform preventive maintenance tasks on mechanical systems, such as lubricating and replacing parts, to ensure proper functioning.
Respond to emergency service calls in a timely manner and perform necessary repairs with minimal disruption to customer operations.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all service calls, including parts used and labor time.
Develop a thorough understanding of the mechanical systems serviced by the company and stay abreast of new technologies and industry trends.
Test components and systems for proper functioning, using specialized tools and equipment.
Prepare detailed reports of service performed for customers upon completion of each service call.
Train customers in the use and proper maintenance of mechanical systems.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strong technical aptitude and knowledge of mechanical systems
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and drawings
Excellent troubleshooting, problem solving, and diagnostic skills
Proficiency in using a variety of hand tools and equipment
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to travel for extended periods of time
Ability to lift and move heavy objects
Computer-literate with working knowledge of MS Office applications

Having a strong background in mechanical engineering is essential for a successful Mechanical Field Service Engineer. This is because the job requires a deep understanding of mechanical principles, such as fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, mechanics and kinematics. the engineer should be familiar with tools and equipment commonly used in the field, from hand tools to industrial machines.

Practical problem-solving skills are also important, as the engineer must be able to diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical issues quickly and accurately. Communication skills are also vital, as the engineer must be able to effectively communicate with customers, vendors, and other engineers. Finally, the engineer must be highly organized and have the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively in order to ensure that service calls are completed in a timely manner.

By having these skills and traits, a Mechanical Field Service Engineer can ensure that customers receive quality service and that their needs are met.

Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Assembly Technician, and Mechanical System Designer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the mechanical field service engineering industry?
Describe the most challenging mechanical field service engineering problem you have solved.
How do you handle difficult customer situations?
How do you stay up to date with the latest advancements in mechanical field service engineering?
What techniques do you use to diagnose and repair mechanical equipment?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot complex mechanical systems.
What safety protocols do you follow when working on mechanical systems?
How do you handle competing priorities when servicing mechanical systems?
What strategies do you use to ensure successful installations of mechanical systems?
How do you keep accurate records of maintenance and repairs performed on mechanical systems?

Common Tools in Industry

Multimeter. A device used to measure electrical voltage, current, and resistance. (eg: Fluke Multimeter)
Oscilloscope. A device used to observe electronic signals over time. (eg: Tektronix Digital Oscilloscope)
Torque Wrench. A tool used to precisely measure and apply torque. (eg: Craftsman Click Torque Wrench)
Soldering Iron. A tool used to join two pieces of metal by melting and flowing solder into the joint. (eg: Weller Soldering Iron)
Power Drill. A tool used to make holes and drive screws into materials. (eg: Black & Decker Cordless Drill)
Wrench Set. A set of tools used for gripping and turning nuts or bolts. (eg: Craftsman Ratcheting Wrench Set)
Screwdrivers. A tool used for turning screws, typically with a flathead or Phillips head. (eg: Stanley Precision Screwdriver Set)
Allen Key. A tool used to turn hex screws or bolts. (eg: Wiha Allen Key Set)
Pliers. A tool used for gripping and manipulating objects. (eg: Channellock Pliers Set)
Hammer. A tool used for driving nails and other fasteners into materials. (eg: Stanley 16oz Claw Hammer)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
International Society of Automation (ISA)
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
National Fluid Power Association (NFPA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)

We also have Mechanical Integrator, Mechanical Parts Engineer, and Mechanical Design Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Diagnostic Software. A type of software used to diagnose problems and identify solutions for mechanical systems.
Troubleshooting. The process of identifying and resolving issues with mechanical systems.
Maintenance Scheduling. The practice of regularly inspecting, cleaning, and repairing mechanical systems to ensure they are running efficiently and safely.
Spare Parts Inventory. A collection of replacement parts for mechanical systems that are kept in stock for emergencies.
System Documentation. Detailed records of the design, operation, and maintenance of a mechanical system.
Technical Drawing. A visual representation of a mechanical system that is used to communicate its design and operation to other engineers.
CAD/CAM Software. Computer-aided design and manufacturing software used to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems.
Failure Analysis. The practice of analyzing the root cause of a mechanical system failure and recommending ways to prevent it from happening again.
Risk Assessment. An evaluation of the potential risks associated with a mechanical system, such as safety hazards or environmental damage.
Safety Regulations. Rules and regulations that must be followed when working with mechanical systems to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What responsibilities are associated with a Mechanical Field Service Engineer?

As a Mechanical Field Service Engineer, responsibilities can include providing technical support and maintenance of mechanical equipment, diagnosing and resolving mechanical issues, performing preventive maintenance, developing repair and installation procedures, and responding to customer inquiries.

What qualifications are required for a Mechanical Field Service Engineer?

Generally, a Mechanical Field Service Engineer is required to have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, strong problem-solving skills, and experience in the field. Knowledge of electrical systems, computer systems, and other related systems may also be beneficial.

How much does a Mechanical Field Service Engineer earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Mechanical Field Service Engineers was $62,190 in May 2020.

What are the working conditions of a Mechanical Field Service Engineer?

Mechanical Field Service Engineers may be required to work on-site at customer locations or in a laboratory or workshop. They may also be required to travel to various sites and work flexible hours.

What are the benefits of being a Mechanical Field Service Engineer?

Benefits of being a Mechanical Field Service Engineer can include competitive salary and bonuses, career advancement opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art equipment and technology.