How do you source field installation engineers when your installs are measured in weeks not hours or days?
How do you find an engineer with the right skills who is going to be not just happy with the work schedule but will thrive under it?
Recruiting and resourcing field installation engineers who will be away from home for extended periods can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can attract and retain qualified engineers and grow your team.

A look at sourcing great field installation engineers

Clearly Define the Job Requirements of the Field Installation Engineer

Role Description

Be transparent about the nature of the job, including the travel schedule, expected duration away from home, and any physical demands. Give an example of a typical 3-month schedule of work.

Skills and Experience

Specify the technical skills needed, but don’t make this list too long. Your ideal field installation engineer may not have every single skill on your wish list, but someone with potential and who will be happy with the schedule, can be trained.

Advertise the Lifestyle

Highlight the adventure and unique experiences of working on the road. Some engineers may be attracted to the prospect of seeing new places and experiencing different work environments.

Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits

Salary

Offer a salary that is competitive for the industry and accounts for the time spent away from home. Include here if overtime is paid under some circumstances.

Per Diem and Travel Reimbursements

Provide detail of the daily allowance for meals, accommodations, etc and make it clear that your engineers are never out-of-pocket during their assignments.

Bonuses or Incentives

Consider offering travel bonuses or performance incentives for those who are willing to take on more challenging or longer assignments.

Health and Wellbeing Support

Offer comprehensive health insurance and support for mental and physical wellbeing, which can be especially important for those who are away from home for extended periods

Flexible Scheduling for the Field Installation Engineer

Time Off Between Assignments

Consider offering extended time off between projects to give engineers a chance to recuperate and spend time with their friends and families.

Flexible Work Hours

Where possible, offer flexibility in when and how engineers take breaks or work, allowing for work-life balance.

Provide Career Growth and Training Opportunities

Skill Development

Give detail of the continuous training, certifications, or professional development opportunities available. Highlight why working on installations will enrich the experience and knowledge of the field installation engineers.

Career Pathing

Outline clear career progression opportunities for engineers who stay long-term either in terms of promotion within field installation or in terms of moving out of the field and into an office-based role or role with shorter travel assignments.

Create a Supportive Work Environment

On-the-Road Support

Provide engineers with a reliable support team or contact person they can reach out to while in the field for troubleshooting or personal matters. Ensure that support is available 24-7.

Team Building

Encourage team bonding activities, even remotely, to foster camaraderie. Being away from home can feel isolating, so maintaining a supportive network is key.

Recruitment Channels

Industry-Specific Job Boards

Post on job boards that are specific to engineering, such as EngineeringJobs.com, and use platforms like LinkedIn to target professionals in the field.

Referrals

Incentivise current employees or your network to refer qualified candidates. Employees who are already familiar with the job’s demands can provide valuable insights into the work environment. They have a very clear idea of who will be a good fit for the role.

Leverage Technology and Tools

Remote Communication Tools

Equip your field engineers with modern communication tools (like video calls, instant messaging, etc.) to maintain contact with the home office and their families.

Travel and Scheduling Software

Utilise travel management platforms or scheduling tools to streamline booking and organizing trips, making the process easier for the engineers and your HR team.

Promote Company Culture

Flexibility and Respect

Show that your company values work-life balance and respects employees’ personal time. Engineers are more likely to stay long-term if they feel supported by their employer.

Employee Recognition

Acknowledge hard work, especially for those who are constantly away from home. Public recognition or rewards can boost morale.

Maintain Open Communication

Regular Check-Ins

Set up regular check-ins for employees to discuss their well-being, share feedback, and address any concerns.

Feedback Loop

Act on feedback regarding work conditions, team dynamics, and suggestions for improvement to ensure the job remains attractive and sustainable for engineers.

Provide a Comprehensive Relocation/Onboarding Plan

For engineers who are required to work away from their usual base or travel frequently, offer relocation assistance or a smooth onboarding process to ensure they are well-prepared for their work environment.

Conclusion

By offering competitive pay, career growth, and the necessary support to deal with the challenges of being away from home, you’ll attract dedicated and capable engineers while retaining those who already understand the demands of the role.

Further Reading

How to source Field Application Engineers

Spotlight on a Woman working as a Hardware Installation Engineer