Role Overview

As a Sr. Field Application Engineer at Arrow Electronics in Seoul, Korea, you'll be at the forefront of cutting-edge connectivity solutions, driving design-wins for IoT, consumer electronics, and automotive applications. This full-time position, based at our state-of-the-art Centerpoint Seocho office, demands a deep technical understanding of MCU and connectivity software engineering, particularly in C/C++ programming. Your primary mission will be to secure design-ins for advanced Matter, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi solutions, while providing unwavering technical support to customers from initial system design through to full-scale production.

Arrow Electronics, a global leader in electronic components distribution, empowers you to leverage your expertise with industry giants like NXP, STM, Infineon, and Silicon Labs. With a preference for distributor FAE experience, this role positions you as a trusted technical advisor, delivering training, resolving complex issues, and fostering long-term partnerships. Seoul's vibrant tech ecosystem, combined with Korea's dominance in semiconductors and consumer electronics, makes this the perfect launchpad for your career in high-impact field applications engineering.

Day in the Life

Imagine starting your day at 9 AM in the modern Centerpoint Seocho facility in Seoul, Korea, surrounded by a collaborative team of engineers and sales professionals. Your morning kicks off with a stand-up meeting reviewing key customer accounts and upcoming design reviews. By 10 AM, you're diving into a technical consultation with a major IoT device manufacturer, demonstrating how our BLE and Wi-Fi modules integrate seamlessly with their MCU platform using C/C++ code samples.

Lunch at 12:30 PM offers a chance to network with colleagues over Korean barbecue or bibimbap from the nearby food district. Post-lunch, you might spend time in the lab prototyping a Zigbee/Thread solution on an NXP MCU, coordinating passive components like antennas and PMICs. Afternoons often involve customer site visits across Seoul's Gangnam district or virtual training sessions for regional partners. Expect hands-on debugging of RTOS-based systems, creating application notes on Linux/Android integrations, and strategizing design-wins for automotive connectivity.

By 6 PM, you're wrapping up with competitive analysis or mentoring a junior FAE on Sub-GHz protocols. Evenings might include team dinners or industry events in Itaewon, blending work with Seoul's dynamic social scene. This role balances deep technical work with customer-facing interactions, all while enjoying Korea's efficient public transport and world-class infrastructure.

Why Seoul, Korea?

Seoul, Korea stands as Asia's semiconductor powerhouse and a global hub for electronics innovation. Home to giants like Samsung and LG, the city boasts the world's highest concentration of PhD engineers per capita, fostering an unparalleled tech ecosystem. As Arrow's Centerpoint Seocho location places you in the heart of Gangnam's business district, you'll benefit from proximity to major clients in IoT, automotive, and consumer sectors.

Korea's government invests heavily in 5G, AI, and smart city initiatives, creating explosive demand for connectivity experts. Enjoy Seoul's ultra-modern skyline, high-speed internet (fastest globally), and efficient KTX rail connecting you to Busan or Incheon Airport in hours. Culturally rich with K-pop, hanok villages, and Michelin-starred street food, Seoul offers work-life balance unmatched in tech hubs. Low crime rates, excellent healthcare, and English-friendly expat communities make it ideal for international talent. At Arrow, you'll thrive in this innovation epicenter.

Career Growth Path

Arrow Electronics invests heavily in your professional ascent. Starting as Sr. Field Application Engineer, you'll quickly progress to Lead FAE within 2-3 years, managing regional teams and key accounts. From there, pathways branch to Technical Sales Manager, overseeing APAC connectivity portfolios, or Principal Engineer, spearheading R&D for next-gen Matter protocols.

Long-term, aim for Director of Field Applications or Global Product Line Manager roles, leveraging Arrow's worldwide network. Internal mobility spans sales, supply chain, and corporate strategy. With mentorship programs, certifications in Zigbee/Wi-Fi Alliance, and leadership training, 80% of our senior leaders started in technical roles. Seoul's office serves as APAC headquarters, positioning you for international assignments in Silicon Valley or Singapore.

Compensation & Benefits

Earn a competitive salary estimated at $85,000-$120,000 USD annually (based on experience and local benchmarks), plus performance bonuses up to 20%. Our package includes comprehensive health/dental coverage, 20+ paid vacation days, flexible hours, and transportation allowances tailored to Seoul's metro system.

Additional perks: professional development stipends for RTOS/Linux courses, employee stock plans, wellness programs with gym subsidies, annual health checkups, meal vouchers, and generous parental leave. Team events range from hanok stays to tech conferences, ensuring you feel valued in Korea's high-pressure tech culture.

Team & Culture

Arrow's Seoul team embodies collaboration and innovation, blending Korean precision with global perspectives. Expect a flat hierarchy where ideas flow freely, supported by cross-functional pods of FAEs, sales, and supply chain experts. Our Centerpoint Seocho office features open-plan workspaces, demo labs stocked with latest NXP/STM kits, and relaxation zones with coffee bars.

Culture emphasizes work-life harmony: no-face-time culture, early Fridays, and chuseok celebrations. Diversity thrives with 30% international staff, English/Korean bilingual environment, and women-in-STEM initiatives. Monthly hackathons and customer win celebrations build camaraderie, while leadership encourages knowledge-sharing via internal wikis on MCU best practices.

How to Apply

Ready to power connectivity revolutions? Submit your resume highlighting C/C++, FAE experience, and connectivity projects. Include a cover letter detailing your design-win successes with NXP/STM/etc. Our Seoul HR team reviews applications weekly; top candidates advance to technical interviews (coding challenge + customer scenario) and panel discussions. Join us at Centerpoint Seocho and shape Korea's IoT future.

FAQ Section

Q: Is prior distributor experience mandatory? A: Preferred but not required; strong technical background in MCU/connectivity compensates.

Q: What visa support does Arrow provide? A: Full support for E-7 visas including relocation assistance for qualified international candidates.

Q: Are there travel requirements? A: Moderate; 20-30% domestic travel within Korea, occasional APAC trips.

Q: What's the team size in Seoul? A: 25-person APAC connectivity team, growing rapidly.

Q: Do you sponsor certifications? A: Yes, Wi-Fi Alliance, Bluetooth SIG, and RTOS training fully reimbursed.

Q: Is Korean language required? A: Business Korean advantageous; English sufficient for technical roles.

Q: What's the work schedule? A: Core hours 9-6, flexible with results-oriented culture.

Q: Opportunities for promotion? A: Clear paths; average time to senior roles: 18 months.

Q: Remote work possible? A: Hybrid model: 3 office days/week post-onboarding.

Q: Family benefits? A: Comprehensive parental leave, childcare subsidies available.