What Skills Do I Need to be a Field Engineer?

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One of the most important jobs in the oil and gas industry is that of field engineer. Because many important operations in this industry occur outside of the office, it’s imperative that field engineers be skilled in handling a variety of tasks. For those wanting to explore field engineer jobs, they should take into account the training and other skills needed to perform at their best and make them very attractive candidates for the jobs they desire.

Communication Skills

Because field engineers work directly with many different types of clients, it’s imperative they have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Having the ability to write reports that are easily understood and convey ideas face-to-face in conversations can help field engineers solve problems more quickly as well as let clients know they understand their problems and are working hard to correct them.

Problem-Solving Abilities

The best field engineers are those who are able to think outside the box and use their problem-solving abilities in a variety of innovative ways. Being very familiar with the product and comfortable fixing problems that may arise quickly and unexpectedly is also needed in these jobs, so they should be able to handle stress levels well and realize they may also be on-call at times to fix problems at any time of the day or night.

Excellent Manual Dexterity

Field engineers also work with many different types of equipment, and must possess excellent manual dexterity and motor skills to fix equipment in a timely manner. Being able to work with a variety of tools, work under sometimes harsh weather conditions and in work areas that may be compact, dirty and dark are also attributes needed by people in these jobs.

Education and Training

While many field engineers obtain college degrees in electronics, instrumentation or engineering it is still very possible to obtain these jobs without attending college. Many are able to obtain on-the-job experience in the field by either being promoted from within or through apprenticeships, which can sometimes last several years and provide training in a number of different areas. Whether training is obtained in college or through an employer, field engineers receive training in such subjects as computer programming, plumbing, electronics, construction, utilities and even pest control.

No matter the area in which a field engineer is employed, all of these skills and more will be needed to succeed. A professional appearance, along with a strong desire to do the job right the first time, can help a person find success in this job. Whether installing a machine at a manufacturing facility or consulting with other engineers and technicians about a pipeline in an oil field, there’s no doubt field engineers play a vital role in the everyday operations in the oil and gas industry.