A Field Engineer's Career Journey

Stationed in Erlangen, Germany, David Krieg is an inspiration in terms of expertise and enthusiasm in the realm of service engineering. His journey traces back to 2008 when he embarked in vocational school at Siemens. Transitioning from a high voltage cable fitter role, to his current position as a service engineer at Siemens Energy supporting our grid technologies business, he has found himself drawn to the dynamic landscape of the profession, with countless challenges and opportunities. 

In addition to his professional pursuits, David is an avid mountain biking enthusiast. He actively engages with the community, advocating for the construction of mountain bike trails in local forests, demonstrating his proactive approach to projects beyond the workplace.

What makes working as a field service engineer so special?

Working as a field service engineer is truly special because of the variety it offers. I'm engaged in different tasks, ensuring that systems, particularly complex ones like cooling systems and air conditioning, are running smoothly. The dynamic nature of the job means there's always something to learn, which keeps it exciting.

Plus, the travel aspect adds an extra layer of diversity - from France to Spain, the UK, offshore in the North Sea, and even as far as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. As a service specialist, I'm involved in shutdown operations, which vary in duration depending on the scale of the task - from just a few days for small operations and up to two weeks for larger ones. This variety keeps things interesting, and I enjoy the challenge of adapting to different environments and meeting new people.

What are the key challenges you face in your role, and how do you overcome them?

The biggest challenge is the need to quickly adapt and ensure safe working conditions, especially when there's a need to switch work layouts. These pivots can lead to time delays but it's crucial to oversee everything to maintain safety standards. As a supervisor, I often collaborate with various teams and other departments for tasks like customer tests and converted tower operations. Whether it's a small site with a small team or a big site with a larger team, managing these challenges requires effective coordination and communication with colleagues and subcontractors.

How do you collaborate with other teams or departments within Siemens Energy to ensure seamless operations and customer support?

Collaboration with other teams or departments is essential to ensure seamless operations and customer support. I work closely with departments responsible for various sites, maintaining regular contact with field service personnel through scheduled appointments to discuss potential issues. We have monthly internal meetings to stay connected and updated. We also hold an annual training event where we connect with field service personnel across the business allowing us to bond with peers, share best practices and engage with new colleagues. There is also a Mulheim training camp for our business area Gas Services, which facilitates conversations and strengthens collaboration across departments.

What does a typical day as a field service engineer look like for you?

As a field service engineer, my typical day involves overseeing both on-site and plant operations. First thing in the morning, I ensure all safety protocols are in place for everyone involved, including subcontractors and staff. This includes checking safety documents, conducting briefings, and assigning tasks. Throughout the day, I coordinate maintenance activities, which often involves working with a lot of subcontractors. I also provide support to our customers who are on-site during shutdowns. Once the maintenance tasks are completed, I thoroughly inspect everything and prepare a detailed report for the project manager.