Field Engineer

• 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. Manufacturing Engineering
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 

• 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!

• 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