How to hire a field electrical engineer

How to hire a field electrical engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step field electrical engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a field electrical engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new field electrical engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a field electrical engineer do?

Post a field electrical engineer job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a field electrical engineer, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A field electrical engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, field electrical engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of field electrical engineers.

   Type of Field Electrical Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Field Electrical Engineer	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment. Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, such as broadcast and communications systems—from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPSs).	$32-53
   System Design Engineer	A system design engineer is a professional who participates in system design engineering and resolves manufacturing and service problems. System design engineers are required to collaborate with the system design team to research emerging technologies and develop new capabilities... Show more	$37-71
   Instrumentation & Control Engineer	An instrumentation and control engineer is responsible for installing and designing technical components for engineering systems that would support production and manufacturing processes. Instrumentation and control engineers inspect control systems, modify features and infrastructure, configure controllers, and run multiple quality checks to ensure stability and optimal performance... Show more	$33-58

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Electrical Systems
   • Oil Gas
   • Control Systems
   • Start-Up
   • Design Drawings
   • Technical Direction
   • Electrical Equipment
   • Electrical Construction
   • Engineering Drawings
   • Technical Assistance
   • OSHA
   • Cost Estimates
   • Electrical Design
   • Electrical Installation

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Develop LabVIEW code to automate test procedures and to communicate with units for verification of functionality and accuracy.
   • Represent HVAC Field3 (cont . )
   • Analyze systems in hot zones such as PLC's and VFD's in various nuclear applications.
   • Design and implement automation and communications systems for various projects/applications, including PLC and HMI programming, and PID control.
   • Develop a user interface utilizing excel and visual basic to push servo axis data into a programmable controller automatically using DDE.
   • Perform quality inspections of piping and mechanical commodities, compliance reporting, progress reports and quantity verification.

   More field electrical engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your field electrical engineer job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A field electrical engineer salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, field electrical engineers' average salary in montana is 36% less than in new jersey.
   • Seniority. Entry-level field electrical engineers earn 40% less than senior-level field electrical engineers.
   • Certifications. A field electrical engineer with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a field electrical engineer's salary.

   Average field electrical engineer salary

   $86,347yearly

   $41.51 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level field electrical engineer salary

   $67,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 23, 2026

   Average field electrical engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	Washington	$103,024	$50
   2	California	$99,221	$48
   3	Massachusetts	$93,010	$45
   4	Texas	$91,465	$44
   5	Colorado	$87,606	$42
   6	New York	$87,600	$42
   7	Florida	$86,727	$42
   8	Maryland	$85,118	$41
   9	Oklahoma	$83,366	$40
   10	Connecticut	$81,178	$39
   11	Michigan	$81,034	$39
   12	Missouri	$79,779	$38
   13	North Carolina	$76,803	$37
   14	Kansas	$75,406	$36
   15	Arizona	$74,819	$36
   16	Ohio	$73,970	$36
   17	Tennessee	$73,954	$36

   Average field electrical engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Amazon	$110,686	$53.21	332
   2	DOCOMO PACIFIC	$93,839	$45.11
   3	Kiewit	$93,687	$45.04	731
   4	Randstad North America, Inc.	$89,487	$43.02	2
   5	City Light & Power	$89,431	$43.00	12
   6	Ghafari Associates	$88,663	$42.63	94
   7	Security Engineers	$87,383	$42.01	4
   8	Footbridge Staffing	$87,367	$42.00
   9	Eversource Energy	$86,833	$41.75	18
   10	Electric Power Systems	$86,715	$41.69	83
   11	Wartsila Holding Inc	$86,217	$41.45
   12	System One	$86,016	$41.35	62
   13	Ranpak	$85,638	$41.17	12
   14	ABM Industries	$85,242	$40.98	93
   15	SYSTRA USA	$85,233	$40.98	11
   16	KBR	$85,005	$40.87	43
   17	E-J Electric Installation Co.	$84,851	$40.79
   18	Kelly Services	$84,814	$40.78	35
   19	Andritz	$84,768	$40.75	7
   20	Northrop Grumman	$83,340	$40.07	171

4. Writing a field electrical engineer job description

   A field electrical engineer job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a field electrical engineer job description:

   Field electrical engineer job description example

   Looking to POWER UP your career? Then come join a company that is helping usher in the next generation of Energy for our planet!
   
   As a NETA certified Independent Electrical Testing & Engineering Organization, we set the standard for technical expertise and uncompromising safety within the Utilities, Renewable Energy, Data Centers and Industrial industries.
   
   EPS is currently seeking bright and talented individuals to join our organization to help us manage the present and create a better future. We want people who believe in maintaining the highest standards of business and professional conduct. We look for people who share our values of safety first, exemplary integrity, cultivating diversity, continuous improvement and "doing the right thing".
   
   This position is for an entry level Field Engineer who has earned their Bachelor's degree from an ABET accredited college or university or a 2 year degree from a program specializing in this field. This position involves contributing both as an individual and as part of a team. Persons in this role must be able to apply basic engineering principles, specifications, policies, and procedures in the field.
   
   We are currently seeking an Entry Level Field Engineer (1yr or less of experience) in the Electrical Engineering / Substation / Power discipline.
   
   • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a 2 year degree in a substation/power specific program.
   • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred
   
   • 0-5 years of engineering experience.
   
   • Ability and desire to work in a field environment.
   
   • Ability to obtain a top secret security clearance if needed
   
   • Able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
   
   • Complete a satisfactory criminal background check.
   
   • Able to work overtime and travel out of town for periods of time.
   
   • Able to climb ladders, stand for extended periods, able to lift 70 lbs.
   
   • Must have a valid driver's license and currently have and be able to maintain a good driving record.
   
   Additional Information: Relocation assistance is not available for this position. EPS will not sponsor an employment visa (e.g., H-1B visa, etc.) to fill this position.
   
   EPS in an equal opportunity employer. Our organization does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, veteran status, sex, religion, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an E-Verify, Drug and Tobacco-Free Workplace.
   
   ID: 2022-3653
   
   Metro Area: San Francisco
   
   External Company Name: Voltyx
   
   External Company URL: eps-international.com

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find field electrical engineers for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your field electrical engineer job on Zippia to find and recruit field electrical engineer candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit field electrical engineers, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new field electrical engineer

   Once you've decided on a perfect field electrical engineer candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new field electrical engineer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a field electrical engineer?