Paul Scholand
As a Field Service Engineer at Acuative, no two days are ever the same. Working in Managed Network Services, my job involves helping the Acuative staff who monitor and engineer our clients’ networks. By being their eyes and hands, we solve technical issues on the ground and keep networks running smoothly. The experts at our facility in OH ensure that our customers’ connectivity infrastructure is optimized for peak performance. Let me walk you through a typical day in my life and give you a glimpse of what it’s like to be part of a fast-paced, hands-on team.
6:00 AM – Early Start, Prep for the Day
My day usually begins bright and early. After a quick breakfast, I check my email and task list for the day. Each morning, I review any new service tickets, working with our dispatchers in Strongsville to ensure we are prioritizing urgent client issues. Before I hit the road, I double-check my network diagnostic tools, cables, and replacement equipment to get ready for whatever the day throws at me. Being prepared is crucial since traveling to client sites often means limited access to extra gear. Thankfully, Acuative has regional warehouses, courier drivers and overnight delivery for additional access to equipment and supplies. Today, I have two site visits on my schedule—one for a network hardware installation and another to troubleshoot connectivity issues for a client experiencing downtime.
8:00 AM – Arriving at the First Client Site
My first stop today is at a retail client’s location where we’re upgrading their network infrastructure to support higher bandwidth. They need a system that can handle increased traffic, especially during peak hours when their point-of-sale systems and guest Wi-Fi are both in heavy use.
Upon arrival, I greet the store manager, assess the current network setup, and begin the hardware installation. This includes setting up new routers and switches, testing connections, and ensuring everything integrates smoothly with their existing system. Once the hardware is installed, a remote engineer uses remote access from my laptop into the device console port to adjust the internal settings.
Everything goes according to plan, and by 10:00 AM, the store is running on their new equipment. Before I leave, I test everything thoroughly—from internal systems to the guest Wi-Fi—and provide the manager with a quick rundown of the upgrades. I always enjoy explaining things so they know exactly what was done and how it benefits them. The usual questions I always get include “Do we have WIFI now?” and “Will the network be faster?” to which the answers are always a resounding “Yes!”
11:00 AM – Troubleshooting Client Connectivity Issues
My next stop is at an office park where a client has reported intermittent connectivity issues affecting their business-critical applications. I pulled up to the client site early, ready to get to work. Their network was having issues, and after talking with their tech, I found the problem—a damaged Ethernet cable in the server room. I grabbed my tools and started sorting through the tangled mess of wires. After replacing the bad cable and running some tests, I spotted an old wall jack that wasn’t working right. I ran out to the van for a new one and got it swapped out, crimping a fresh cable to connect it all. By the time I finished, the network was back up, and the client was happy.
I perform multiple tests and confirm with the IT manager that the issues are resolved. They’re relieved to see their systems back up and running smoothly, and I take a moment to document the fix in our system before heading to my next task. It’s a good feeling, knowing you’ve fixed the problem and left everything running smoothly.
2:00 PM – Lunch
After wrapping up the morning job, I grabbed a quick lunch at a nearby deli—nothing fancy, just a sandwich and some chips. Even on lunch break, though, I’m still on call. My phone stays on the table, ready to buzz if another ticket comes through. It’s part of the job—being ready to jump back into action if a network emergency pops up. For now, I enjoy a few quiet minutes, but I’m always ready to roll if the day takes a turn.
3:30 PM – On-Call Response for Support
Just as I’m wrapping up, I get a call from our dispatcher – there’s been an unexpected outage. Their entire office has lost internet connectivity, and they need it fixed ASAP. The problem has been identified, parts and support have been set up, and I’ve been designated as the available tech, so I head to the customer site and collect the preconfigured hardware.
I make my way to their office and get to work. After some quick diagnostics, I discover that their primary router has failed. I immediately install the new router and restore their connectivity within an hour. The client is back online, and I take a moment to test the network’s performance to ensure there won’t be any recurring issues.
5:30 PM – Wrapping Up and Final Checks
After the emergency fix, I log the day’s activities into our system, ensuring that everything has been well documented for both the team and the client, establishing a clear record of what was done and any further recommendations. I also take a few moments to review my schedule for the next day and respond to any pending emails. Some days run longer than others, but there’s always a sense of satisfaction knowing that I’ve helped clients maintain seamless operations.
6:00 PM – Heading Home
As I head home for the evening, I reflect on the day. Working as a Field Engineer at Acuative can be unpredictable, but that’s part of what makes the job so exciting. Whether I’m installing new systems or troubleshooting a crisis, every task I complete feels like a step toward keeping businesses connected and productive.
And tomorrow? Who knows what challenges it will bring—but I’ll be ready!
This is just a snapshot of what a typical day looks like for me as a Field Engineer at Acuative. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced role that requires quick thinking, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to solving problems for our clients. If you enjoy working hands-on with cutting-edge technology and keeping critical networks running, this could be the perfect career path for you!