How To Become A Mechanical Field Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a mechanical field engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

Daniel Armentrout

A mechanical field engineer works in a variety of industries, including construction, power, aerospace, and more. Their main duty is to optimize the mechanical processes on the job site and ensure that the project tasks that they handle are done properly and on time. Specifically, their job responsibilities include inspecting work equipment, monitoring project status, supporting manufacturing departments, and solving worksite problems.

Mechanical field engineers also collaborate with other engineers to develop strategies, streamline job processes, and ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations. On top of that, they may also be responsible for a handful of administrative tasks, such as creating reports, monitoring employee progress, and presenting progress to clients.

The basic requirements for this role are a degree in mechanical engineering; required certifications and licenses; and adequate experience in the industry. In terms of soft skills, a mechanical field engineer must be communicable, have a keen eye for detail, display strong analytical skills, and be able to work well with a team.

The role of a mechanical field engineer entails extensive education and experience, but the average salary of $101,000 per year is well worth it.

What general advice would you give to a mechanical field engineer?

Daniel Armentrout

Clinical Associate Professor/Associate Chair

The excessive number of baby boomer engineers are retiring at high rates and you as a new engineering graduate are desperately needed to make up for their loss in the workforce. You will face challenges in your career we could not anticipate or prepare you for in your education. You will have to adapt and continue to learn new fields of study which did not exist when you graduated. We have given you tools to learn and you will have to use those tools to remain relevant throughout your career. Find your place as an engineer when you can be effective, help humanity, and have fun. Plot a career path where you can utilize your strengths and challenge your mind to do new things. Contribute to making a better world and you will be able to enjoy immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.

ScoreMechanical Field EngineerUS Average

Salary

6.4

Avg. Salary $82,132

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.4

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

6.4

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.11%

Asian 10.30%

Black or African American 3.42%

Hispanic or Latino 9.40%

Unknown 4.60%

White 72.17%

Gender

female 6.47%

male 93.53%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

7.4

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.6

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a mechanical field engineer

Explore mechanical field engineer education requirements

Most common mechanical field engineer degrees

Bachelor's

70.9 %

Associate

17.9 %

Master's

4.2 %

Start to develop specific mechanical field engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Troubleshoot	51.34%
Outage	11.37%
Gas Turbines	11.30%
Technical Direction	5.26%
Technical Issues	3.55%

Complete relevant mechanical field engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New mechanical field engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a mechanical field engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real mechanical field engineer resumes.

Research mechanical field engineer duties and responsibilities

Coordinate and supervise mechanical and craft trades to achieve proper and timely completion of the HVAC work.
Manage and/or participate in a variety of water and wastewater assist company principles as engineering consultants for numerous municipal clients.
Create and maintain the project's RFI and change notice log.
Gain experience in HVAC system and piping design engineering, schedules and purchasing.

Prepare your mechanical field engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your mechanical field engineer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a mechanical field engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable mechanical field engineer resume templates

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