12 Questions for Jobs as a Field Service Engineer (With Answers)
Field service engineers go out into the field to find and fix technical problems. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there will be thousands of new jobs in this field by the year 2026. You can prepare for an interview by going over common questions and how to answer them. We’ll talk about what a field service engineer does and answer 12 common interview questions in this article.
What does a field service engineer do?
A field service engineer is a professional who checks and sets up technology systems, machines, or equipment for customers. They work most of the time in factories, on roads, or at construction sites. For most field service engineer jobs, you need a bachelor’s degree, a high level of technical skill, and good attention to detail. In the United States, a service engineer makes an average of $68,532 per year. Please click on the link above that says “salary” to get the most recent information from Indeed.
12 Questions for Interviews to Become a Field Service Engineer
Here are 12 questions that an interviewer might ask a field service engineer:
Why did you want to work as an engineer in the field?
The interviewer can find out more about you and what you want to do by asking you this question. Make sure your answer shows how your personal traits, skills, or natural abilities fit with important parts of field engineering.
Example: “I’ve always been interested in science and technology, and I love figuring things out and solving puzzles. A teacher told me I’d make a good engineer, so I started looking into computer science and engineering.
In college, my academic advisor noticed that I was good at finding technical problems and coming up with solutions. He told me to take a few field engineering classes, and by the end of my first year of college, I knew what I wanted to study.”
What can you add to our team of service engineers who work in the field?
This question tells your potential boss more about who you are as a person and how professional you are. Be sure to discuss your skills or unique attributes.
Example: “As a woman field service engineer, I can bring a different perspective to a group. As a professional, I have strong leadership skills, good attention to detail, and a history of getting along well with clients.”
How should you deal with a hard-to-please customer?
Field engineering requires both technical skills and the ability to get along with other people. Talking to customers is sometimes part of the job, which can be hard. Talk about situations you’ve been in and how you dealt with them in a good way.
Example: “Getting to know a client well before you need them can help you avoid problems. Even a short string of good conversations can change how a customer reacts to bad news. I still have to deal with angry customers sometimes. I try to put myself in their shoes and treat them the way I would want to be treated. When you are kind to someone and help them right away, the situation usually gets better.”
4. What are your greatest strengths at work?
When an interviewer asks you this, they are probably trying to figure out how you will fit into or add to the team they already have. Trust the skills and talents you already have. Tell your boss about your technical and social skills to show what a well-rounded worker you are. You could also list any compliments or awards you’ve gotten for these qualities.
Example: “As a professional, I would say that my best qualities are that I like to ask questions and that I think in an analytical way. I’m always interested in new things, both at work and in my free time. This helps me find real answers, not just quick fixes, to problems. I also like outlines and steps that make sense because I think things through. Because of this, people have told me that when I explain a process or piece of information to a client, I explain problems and solutions in a clear and straightforward way.”
5. How can you tell if your hardware or software is broken?
Engineers who work in the field must know a lot about machines, software, and hardware. They also need to be good at working with other people and talking to them, since they may need to work in teams and give customer service and technical support to clients. Talk about your knowledge of procedures, your ability to work with other people, or your experience with engineering software or testing equipment when you answer this question.
Example: “The first thing I do when I check for broken machines or software is talk to the client about what machines, equipment, or software they use. It helps to know how old a system is, who uses machines or programs, and how they are used.
Next, I look at the site I’m working on and try to figure out what’s wrong. To find problems in integrated circuits, I often use manual testing systems or software. I always follow safety rules and ask a more experienced field service engineer for help if I don’t know how to use a machine or program.”
6. How do you explain technical information to non-technical clients or other stakeholders?
A field service engineer should be able to do a lot of different things well and be able to talk to people well. This is your chance to show how well you work with clients and other non-technical people you might meet at work.
Example: “I try to have a written outline ready when I have to explain technical information to a client or stakeholder who isn’t technical. I think this is really helpful because they can use this document as a reference later, and they can take notes or write down answers to questions they may have while we talk. I try not to use jargon or too technical language, but I still give the person all the information they need to know what to do next.”
7. What kinds of tools and programs for engineering software do you know?
Most firms or companies that do field service engineering use more than one tool or software to finish jobs or projects. The interviewer will probably want to know if you know how to use the programs they use. They might also want to know how well you can adapt or learn. Make sure your answer shows that you know what you’re talking about, have experience in the field, and are willing to try out new platforms or programs.
Example: “At my job, we use Autodesk and Draftsite to make and finish projects in different ways. I like working with programs that have both 3D and 2D design models because I think it helps me see what the finished product will look like. When it comes to real tools, I never leave home without my wrench set, flashlight, and voltmeter. You never know when getting your hands dirty will be the only way to figure out what’s wrong.”
8. What makes you want to work for this business?
This is a common interview question that is meant to find out what kind of research you have done on the company. To get ready for this question, you should learn about the company, find out what their mission is, and find out what kinds of projects they work on the most. Make sure your answer shows that you know about the company and that it shows how your experiences or goals fit with the company’s existing values.
Example: “So, I’m looking for a company where I can work for a long time. I was interested in your business because you use solar power in new ways and store energy in new ways. I want to know that the world will be a better place because of my work and ideas.”
Is there a project you worked on that you’re especially proud of?
This is a common interview question meant to find out about your organizational skills, how you handle projects, or your creativity and ability to think outside the box. Come ready to talk about a successful project you worked on that shows one or more of these skills.
Example: “Yes, there is. At my last job, we had to take care of the needs of many clients at the same time. My boss asked me to be in charge of a small project for a client. They were having trouble on the job site, so I and two other field engineers went to help them
First, we did some research and looked at the tools and other technologies they were using. We finally figured out that some of their equipment was broken after doing some troubleshooting. The answer was pretty simple, but I’m proud of that job because I took charge and gave tasks and responsibilities to the right people in a way that got the job done.”
10.Can you tell me how your education and training on the job have prepared you for the job you want?
The person who is interviewing you might not look at your resume while you are talking to them. You should use this chance to remind your employer where you went to school and what your highest degree is. Also, it’s a good idea to talk about something specific you’ve learned from school or work.
Example: “I got my Bachelor of Science in engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. There was a great program, and my advisor and professors helped me and gave me real-world experience. I also took classes that focused on the theory of engineering and how to solve problems with computers.
Still, I would say that the most important things I’ve learned have come from my work as a field engineer in the real world. I’ve learned how to solve problems quickly, talk to customers, and report on my work in a clear and helpful way.”
11. How do you make sure everyone at work is safe?
Field service engineers often have to set up equipment or tech solutions in many different places. Checking a work site for possible safety problems or risks is one of the most important parts of the job. A candidate needs to know how important it is to follow all safety rules.
Example: “The most important thing is to keep the workplace safe. We go into buildings or homes as field service engineers to fix broken machines, wires, or other equipment. Keeping customers and crew members safe is the most important thing.
I look at a job site carefully and always follow safety rules when I’m in a situation that could be dangerous or harmful. When I work with someone else or on a team, I also remind them to follow safety rules. This could be as easy as switching gears, using different tools, or turning off a power source. Taking a few small precautions is the best way for field service engineers to stay out of unnecessary danger.”
What would you tell a trainee field service engineer about how to solve hard problems?
This kind of question tests your technical knowledge and shows the interviewer how you might lead. If you’re asked a hypothetical question about advising a junior field service engineer or an intern, make sure your answer shows off your coaching skills along with your knowledge and technical expertise. You can also use this question to talk about any goals you have for the future in terms of leadership.
Example: “I had the best mentor during my internship after school, so I would love to be able to do the same for someone who is just starting out in their career.
I would say that the most important thing to do in this situation is to figure out what the problem is before you try to solve it. If someone has a complicated problem, it’s likely that they need to fix more than one thing. A correct diagnosis can save you time and energy when helping clients or customers solve hard problems. It can also make you look professional and thorough.”
