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Fault engineer
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Failure mechanics wanted!
Without breakdown engineers, production comes to a standstill. Whether it's a faulty machine, a malfunction in a control system or an unexpected problem in an automated process: a fault engineer is on standby to solve it. This function is indispensable in production environments, the process industry, logistics and technical installations. In this comprehensive page, you will discover what a breakdown engineer does, what skills are required, how to get started in this field, and how we as a temporary employment agency can support you or your organisation.
What does a breakdown engineer do?
A fault engineer is responsible for analysing, solving and preventing faults in machines and installations. The work is often unpredictable: you are called in as soon as a technical failure disrupts the process. You usually work in shifts or on-call duty, where flexibility is a must.
Typical tasks of a breakdown engineer:
- Locating mechanical, electrical or control malfunctions.
- Carrying out repairs or temporary solutions to quickly restore production.
- Structural analysis of recurring malfunctions and contributing ideas for preventive improvements.
- Reporting breakdowns and work performed.
- Cooperating with operators, maintenance engineers and technical service.
In many cases, you will be working with modern production machines, PLC controls and automated systems. The work therefore requires up-to-date technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
What skills and knowledge do you need as a breakdown engineer?
A breakdown engineer must be stress-resistant, flexible and analytical. You will often come to work under time pressure, because downtime means loss. The ability to act quickly and effectively is essential. In addition, good communication skills are important, as you work a lot with colleagues from different disciplines.
Key competences:
- Technical understanding of electrical engineering, mechatronics and/or mechanical engineering.
- Knowledge of PLC systems (e.g. Siemens or Allen Bradley).
- Ability to independently detect and resolve faults.
- Safety awareness and knowledge of VCA guidelines.
- Willingness to work in shifts or on-call.
Many service engineers are trained at MBO level 3 or 4, e.g. in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or mechatronics.
Training and advancement opportunities as a breakdown engineer
If you want to become a breakdown engineer, you can enter through a technical MBO course. Popular courses are:
- MBO Electrical Engineering
- MBO Mechatronics
- MBO Mechanical Engineering
- All-round service or maintenance mechanic (level 3/4)
There are also BBL tracks that combine working and learning. Even if you come from a different technical background, you can retrain via additional courses and certificates, for example in PLC technology, hydraulics or pneumatics.
There are certainly career opportunities within this profession. Think of positions such as:
- All-round mechanic
- Technical specialist
- Technical service team leader
- Work planner or failure coordinator
Why choose a job as a breakdown engineer?
The position of service engineer is challenging, varied and offers a lot of security. The demand for well-trained mechanics is high and the pay is often attractive, partly due to shift bonuses or on-call shifts.
Advantages of the profession:
- Lots of variety: no day is the same.
- Working with the latest techniques and installations.
- Good salary with extra allowances.
- Advancement opportunities within engineering and maintenance.
- High job security due to the constant demand for service engineers.
Do you like working independently, but also in a team? Are you technical, solution-oriented and not afraid to roll up your sleeves? Then this job is made for you.
We help you find a job as a service technician
Are you a breakdown engineer looking for a new challenge? Or would you like to work in this field? Then we can help you. As a specialised employment agency, we have close contacts with technical companies in the region. From production companies to logistics centres and the food industry: skilled service technicians are needed everywhere.
What we offer:
- Vacancies that match your experience, education and preferences.
- Opportunities for training or certification
- Clear agreements and personal supervision
- Work at reliable clients with modern installations.
Whether you have just completed your education or already have years of experience - we make sure you end up in the right place.
For employers: need a breakdown engineer fast?
Is your company experiencing technical breakdowns and looking for a skilled breakdown engineer? We will help you find the right candidate quickly. Thanks to our extensive network of technical staff, we can respond quickly. We ensure a good match based on skills, availability and personality.
Our working method:
- Thorough selection and screening of candidates.
- Flexible deployment: temporary, permanent, full-time or shift work.
- Advice on training and certifications
- Always one permanent point of contact within our organisation.
So you minimise downtime and get expertise when you need it.