To work as a facilities engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent work experience, as well as a working knowledge of regional building and safety codes. Facilities engineers create, construct, and maintain structures and systems that are used in commercial activities such as manufacturing or to house large organizations, agencies, and businesses. People skills are highly beneficial for people interested in careers in this field because the work can be quite varied.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, with a focus on subject areas relevant to facility design and maintenance, is the traditional path to becoming a facilities engineer. Internships are a good option for students who want to gain work experience and make professional connections. They can double major to gain a broader understanding of a subject, or they can go to graduate school for advanced engineering training.
Before working in this field, college graduates will need to be familiar with building codes. A student interested in becoming a facilities engineer should begin reading code documentation as soon as possible to gain a thorough understanding of the subject. Codes differ by region, so if you’re not sure where you want to work, look into national code books to get a broad overview. Building codes and related issues are also covered in some classes at some colleges and universities.
Another option is to gain relevant work experience. Working in a maintenance department to gain skills and experience can help someone become a facilities engineer. Familiarity with a facility’s various systems can develop into a broad depth of knowledge and the ability to maintain and repair these systems over time. Workers may become more familiar with building codes and safety issues in the workplace as a result of on-the-job training. Even if an applicant does not have a college degree, some employers may consider him or her for a position as a facilities engineer if they have significant work experience.
Continuing education is a good idea no matter which path one takes to become a facilities engineer. Changes in building codes, as well as generally accepted industry standards and practices, can be kept up to date through conferences, trade journals, and courses. Joining a professional organization can also be beneficial for networking and access to members-only content such as specialized trainings. Professional memberships can help you stand out on job applications, especially if you have a lot of experience in the field.