Field Service Engineer vs Power Electronics Engineer: Which Career Path to Choose?

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#1 21679761 17 May 2018 07:04

Rakesh Rakes Rakesh Rakes

Anonymous

Post #1
21679761 17 May 2018 07:04

I got two job offers from two companies.1. Field service engineer (Commission, troubleshoot, repair and analyze Power Electronic PV inverters.)2. Power electronics engineer ( Design & Development, Schematics, component selection, & layout, Power supplies, Design expertise in AC power control, power supplies, WiFi, CAN bus, etc)I am confused which one to choose. I am confused how my career will be and the pros and cons. Please, kindly help and suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you
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#2 21679762 18 May 2018 13:51

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #2
21679762 18 May 2018 13:51

Rakesh - I think the second one would better develop your expertise and probably be more fulfilling in the long run. However the first would have lots of variety of your day to day work, and probably a bit of outside field work, but more limited use of your expertise.It very much depends on what you like best.
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#3 21679763 18 May 2018 23:20

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #3
21679763 18 May 2018 23:20

Rakesh
I am with David, but looking at your second option:Power electronics engineer ( Design & Development, Schematics, component selection, & layout, Power supplies, Design expertise in AC power control, power supplies, WiFi, CAN bus, etc)
WiFi and CAN bus seem to be somewhat outside my understanding of the skills needed for a power electronics engineer. Does this mean you need a wider set of skills (and possibly more job satisfaction acquiring them) or does it mean that the job is not really well defined and you will be trying to meet conflicting requirements? If I were you I would go back to the firm and query this discrepancy.
#4 21679764 19 May 2018 05:56

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #4
21679764 19 May 2018 05:56

Aubrey... I was thinking about this as well. Car power electronics would probably use CAN for control and comms with the rest of the car, and many solar inverters these days use WiFi so the generation figures can be downloaded by the owner. Either could be a great learning and development opportunity.
#5 21679765 19 May 2018 06:17

Elizabeth Simon Elizabeth Simon

Anonymous

Post #5
21679765 19 May 2018 06:17

Aubrey,I work for a company which designs equipment for the power industry and large industrial plants. The use of communications in power electronics is an increasing part of our business. We use many different communications protocols in our products.
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#6 21679766 19 May 2018 08:13

Aubrey Kagan Aubrey Kagan

Anonymous

Post #6
21679766 19 May 2018 08:13

Elizabeth,David
I am no stranger to the use of communications in power systems, like you. But is it the same person doing both the power and the communications? I am not saying it is impossible, but from what I have seen in job postings, the requirements often want someone with knowledge in everything, and with 1 year experience.. I am just suggesting to the OP that he finds out what he is getting into.
#7 21679767 21 May 2018 12:40

Rakesh Rakes Rakesh Rakes

Anonymous

Post #7
21679767 21 May 2018 12:40

Thanks a lot, David.
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#8 21679768 21 May 2018 12:41

Rakesh Rakes Rakesh Rakes

Anonymous

Post #8
21679768 21 May 2018 12:41

Thanks a lot, Aubrey Kagan.
#9 21679769 21 May 2018 12:42

Rakesh Rakes Rakesh Rakes

Anonymous

Post #9
21679769 21 May 2018 12:42

Thanks a lot, Elizabeth Simon.
#10 21679770 21 May 2018 12:44

Rakesh Rakes Rakesh Rakes

Anonymous

Post #10
21679770 21 May 2018 12:44

Thanks a lot for your suggestions and clarity to choose the better career.
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Topic summary

The discussion compares two career paths: Field Service Engineer focused on commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, and analyzing power electronic photovoltaic (PV) inverters, and Power Electronics Engineer involved in design and development, including schematics, component selection, layout, power supplies, and expertise in AC power control, WiFi, and CAN bus communications. The Power Electronics Engineer role is seen as offering deeper technical expertise and long-term fulfillment, while the Field Service Engineer role provides more varied daily tasks and fieldwork but may limit technical growth. The inclusion of WiFi and CAN bus in the Power Electronics Engineer role reflects the growing integration of communication protocols in power electronics, such as solar inverters with WiFi for data monitoring and automotive power electronics using CAN bus for control and communication. However, concerns were raised about the broad skill set required and potential job role ambiguity, suggesting candidates clarify job expectations with employers. Overall, the Power Electronics Engineer position is recommended for those seeking advanced design and development experience, while the Field Service Engineer role suits those preferring hands-on, diverse field activities.
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Field Service Engineer vs Power Electronics Engineer: Which Career Path to Choose?

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Topic summary