Power Systems Field Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era where reliable and sustainable energy is a global priority, the role of power systems field engineers is more critical than ever.

As our need for energy evolves, so does our demand for skilled professionals who can build, maintain, and optimize our power systems.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a power systems field engineer?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring engineer trying to understand the core of this role,
• A recruitment officer outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of power systems engineering,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable power systems field engineer job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career portals.

Let’s dive in.

Power Systems Field Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Power Systems Field Engineers work with electrical power systems, including power generation, transmission, and distribution.

They are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of these systems in a variety of field locations.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Designing, installing, and maintaining electrical power systems
• Performing regular inspections of power systems to ensure they are operating optimally
• Troubleshooting and diagnosing problems with power systems
• Developing and implementing preventative maintenance procedures
• Preparing technical reports and documentation on the status of power systems
• Ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations
• Working with clients to understand their power system needs and providing solutions
• Traveling to various field locations to work on power systems
• Staying updated with the latest technologies and best practices in power systems engineering
• Performing load calculations and determining appropriate equipment
• Training and guiding junior engineers and technicians

 

Power Systems Field Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Power Systems Field Engineer to join our team.

The responsibilities of the Power Systems Field Engineer include analyzing power system designs, ensuring system reliability, and providing technical support to clients.

The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles, power systems, and field operations.

They should be prepared to conduct field surveys and resolve any power system issues as they arise.

 

Responsibilities

• Analyze and assess power systems for operational efficiency.
• Design, develop and maintain power systems according to specifications and safety standards.
• Perform power systems studies such as load flow, short circuit, motor starting and relay coordination.
• Provide onsite technical support to clients during system installation and maintenance.
• Prepare and present technical reports on system performance and improvements.
• Resolve technical issues promptly and effectively.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations and safety standards.
• Conduct regular inspections to identify faults and necessary repairs.
• Stay updated on latest power systems technology and trends.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Proven experience as a Power Systems Field Engineer or similar role.
• Thorough understanding of power systems and electrical engineering principles.
• Experience with power systems modeling and simulation tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Willingness to travel to client sites as needed.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Power Systems Field Engineer
• Work Environment: Field setting with regular office work. Travel will be required for site visits and client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Power Systems Engineering Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Power Systems Field Engineer Do?

Power Systems Field Engineers, often employed by utility companies, industrial plants, or consulting firms, play a critical role in managing and maintaining power systems equipment and infrastructure.

Their primary responsibilities include troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining power systems equipment such as generators, transformers, circuit breakers, and other electrical devices.

They routinely perform site inspections and tests to ensure equipment is functioning properly and safely.

These tests can involve voltage, current, and power measurements using specialized diagnostic tools and software.

Power Systems Field Engineers also oversee the installation of new power systems equipment and may be involved in designing and planning power infrastructure upgrades or expansions.

They often work closely with other engineers, technicians, and operators to resolve technical issues and develop solutions to improve power system performance and reliability.

They have a critical role in responding to and mitigating power outages or system failures, and thus can often be on-call or required to work in various weather conditions and during non-standard hours.

Furthermore, they ensure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations, and they may also be involved in training staff on system operations and safety protocols.

Due to the nature of their work, Power Systems Field Engineers need a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles, power systems, and safety standards.

 

Power Systems Field Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Power Systems Field Engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the reliable operation of power systems.

The skills and qualifications needed for this role are:

• Proficiency in understanding power system engineering, including power generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills in troubleshooting and diagnosing complex power system issues, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills to conduct calculations and analyze data related to power systems performance.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with other engineers, technicians, and management, and to provide clear instructions or explanations to clients.
• Experience with power system simulation software and tools, such as PSS/E, ETAP, or DigSilent.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills for conducting system evaluations, maintaining equipment logs, and preparing technical reports.
• Physical stamina to work in different field environments and ability to work under pressure during emergency breakdowns or outages.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and practices in the electrical power industry.
• Being able to efficiently identify and resolve issues that arise during the installation, maintenance, and repair processes using problem-solving skills.

 

Power Systems Field Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Power Systems Field Engineers typically have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships, cooperative education (co-op) programs, or part-time roles in power systems engineering.

Practical knowledge may be gained in roles such as Power Systems Technician, Electrical Engineer, or other related positions within the energy sector.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge of power systems engineering in entry-level roles.

During this time, they may gain experience with power system analysis, protective relaying, substation design, and electrical equipment testing, among other areas.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have a history of project management or team leadership and may be ready for a senior or managerial position.

They may also have additional experience with complex power systems, power grid operations, and large-scale power system projects.

Furthermore, many employers prefer candidates with Professional Engineer (PE) certification, which typically requires a four-year college degree, several years of work experience, and successful completion of the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and PE (Professional Engineer) exams.

This certification serves as an indication of a high level of expertise and professionalism in the field.

 

Power Systems Field Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Power Systems Field Engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field.

This degree program provides a broad understanding of power systems, electronics, and electromagnetics, along with the more specific skills needed for designing and managing power systems.

In addition to the degree, a strong background in the use of technical software, such as AutoCAD and MATLAB, and familiarity with various types of power systems such as generators, transformers, and circuit breakers, is necessary.

Some roles may require power systems field engineers to have a Professional Engineer (PE) license, particularly for positions where the engineer will be signing off on projects or supervising others.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but usually involve a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, four years of relevant work experience, and successful completion of two exams.

Further education, like a master’s degree in electrical engineering or power systems, can be beneficial especially for those who want to specialize or aim for leadership positions.

Continuing education is crucial in this field due to the rapidly evolving nature of power systems and related technologies.

Many power systems field engineers choose to earn certifications in specific areas of the discipline or complete courses on new technologies and systems to stay up-to-date.

 

Power Systems Field Engineer Salary Expectations

A Power Systems Field Engineer earns an average salary of $80,000 (USD) per year.

However, the earnings can significantly fluctuate depending on the level of experience, additional qualifications, and the location of employment.

The complexity of projects handled and the size of the employing company also play a major role in determining the salary.

 

Power Systems Field Engineer Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Power Systems Field Engineer need?

Power Systems Field Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

Some employers prefer candidates with a Master’s degree or a Professional Engineering (PE) certification.

Real-world experience with power systems and related technologies is also usually expected.

 

What are the daily duties of a Power Systems Field Engineer?

Daily duties of a Power Systems Field Engineer include inspecting and troubleshooting power system equipment, designing and implementing system upgrades, coordinating with internal teams and external contractors, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and safety regulations.

They also test power systems, generate reports, and provide technical support to clients as needed.

 

What skills are important for a Power Systems Field Engineer?

Strong technical skills are critical for Power Systems Field Engineers.

This includes understanding power system operations and equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and generators.

They should have excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure and in challenging field conditions.

Good communication and teamwork skills are also important, as they often have to coordinate with different teams and clients.

 

What kind of software tools should a Power Systems Field Engineer be familiar with?

Power Systems Field Engineers should be familiar with computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating and modifying electrical diagrams.

They should also be comfortable using power system analysis software, such as ETAP or SKM, for performing load flow, short circuit, and reliability analyses.

Knowledge of maintenance management software and data analysis tools may also be beneficial.

 

Is fieldwork always required for a Power Systems Field Engineer?

Yes, fieldwork is a significant part of a Power Systems Field Engineer’s job.

They often have to visit power stations, substations, and other industrial sites to inspect, test, and troubleshoot equipment.

However, the amount of fieldwork can vary depending on the specific job role and the employer’s requirements.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the true essence of being a Power Systems Field Engineer.

Surprise, surprise.

It’s not just about conducting tests or inspections.

It’s about shaping the energy landscape, one system at a time.

With our comprehensive Power Systems Field Engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why draw the line there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise job listings or fine-tuning your resume to the T.

Remember:

Every system you work on is a vital part of the larger energy grid.

Let’s power the future. Together.