There are "field engineers" in all the different areas of engineering. These are the guys who go out and solve the technically complex problems that come up.
But, most engineers aren't made for it. A guy who's great at math and physics, who can spend hours a day reading texts on numerical analysis and electron tunneling usually just isn't the same guy that can look at a real-world problem and solve it.
We need both types of people, but rarely find them in the same place.
If this is what you want to do, find a co-op program or at least summer internships that will get you out in the field while you're still in school.
