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Engineering · Entry level

Service Engineer job description

A Service Engineer repairs, services and maintains equipment, in the workshop and at customer sites. They diagnose faults, carry out repairs and overhauls, run tests after repair, and support customers on product use. The role sits in the service team. A good Service Engineer finds faults quickly, repairs to a lasting standard, tests before returning equipment, and keeps clear records of every job.

DetailFor this role
DepartmentEngineering
LevelEntry level
Reports toService Manager
Direct reportsNone
ExperienceFresher or up to 3 years in equipment service

Service Engineer job description template

Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.

Job title: Service Engineer

Department: Engineering

Reports to: Service Manager

Location: [City], [office, branch or site]

About the role

A Service Engineer repairs, services and maintains equipment, in the workshop and at customer sites. They diagnose faults, carry out repairs and overhauls, run tests after repair, and support customers on product use. The role sits in the service team. A good Service Engineer finds faults quickly, repairs to a lasting standard, tests before returning equipment, and keeps clear records of every job.

Key responsibilities

  • Diagnose faults in equipment brought to the workshop or at site.
  • Repair, overhaul and replace parts to restore the equipment.
  • Test equipment after repair to confirm it works to spec.
  • Carry out servicing and preventive maintenance visits as scheduled.
  • Support customers on installation, correct use and basic upkeep.
  • Record faults, repairs and parts used for each job.
  • Raise indents for spares and manage the service stock.
  • Escalate warranty and complex issues to the manager or factory.
  • Keep the workshop, tools and test equipment in order.

Requirements

  • Diploma or ITI in mechanical or electrical trade
  • Hands on repair experience
  • Product training is an advantage
  • Fresher or up to 3 years in equipment service

KRAs and KPIs for a Service Engineer

Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.

Key result areaHow to measure it
Repair qualityRepaired equipment with no repeat failure within the repair warranty
TurnaroundWorkshop jobs completed within the target time
TestingEvery repair tested to spec before return
RecordsJob cards and parts records complete for each job
SparesService stock managed with no wrong or missing parts
CustomerCustomer satisfaction on service kept above target

Skills and tools

Fault diagnosisRepair and overhaulTesting after repairPreventive maintenanceService recordsCustomer supportWorkshop practiceProblem solving

Tools used day to day: Hand and power tools, Multimeter and diagnostic kit, Test benches, Service software, Spare parts.

Reporting line and career path

Service ManagerService Engineer
Moves up from: ITI Trainee, Apprentice, Service Trainee
Next roles: Senior Service Engineer, Field Service Engineer, Service Team Lead

Interview questions for a Service Engineer

  1. How do you diagnose a fault on the workshop bench?
  2. Walk me through overhauling a pump or motor.
  3. How do you test equipment before returning it to the customer?
  4. How do you decide a repair versus a replacement?
  5. How do you handle a warranty claim on a repaired unit?
  6. How do you keep job cards and parts records accurate?

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Frequently asked questions

What does a Service Engineer do?

A Service Engineer repairs, services and maintains equipment in the workshop and at customer sites. They diagnose faults, carry out repairs and overhauls, test after repair, and support customers on use. They keep records of every job and manage service stock. Their job is fast, lasting repairs that keep equipment working.

What is the difference between a Service Engineer and a Maintenance Engineer?

A Service Engineer usually works for a manufacturer or service provider, repairing the company products for customers. A Maintenance Engineer works inside a plant, keeping that plant own equipment running. Both diagnose and repair, but one serves external customers and the other serves in house production.

What qualifications does a Service Engineer need?

A diploma or ITI in a mechanical or electrical trade, with hands on repair experience. Product training helps. Employers value quick fault finding, sound repair skills, the discipline to test before return, and clear records of faults, repairs and parts for every job.