An equipment engineer is involved in the design and development of machinery used in manufacturing and other processes. Depending on an engineer’s skill level and job focus, this can include equipment design, installation, and maintenance. A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a higher qualification for more advanced design work are some of the qualifications required to work in this field. Lead designers and other key personnel typically need industry experience, though entry-level positions may be open to recent graduates.
An equipment engineer can work with a client to determine the project’s needs and develop specifications during the design phase. These take into account the client’s requests, as well as regulatory concerns and industry standards, to ensure that the finished product is safe and appropriate. Equipment engineers can create designs and determine whether machinery must be custom-built or can be purchased. They can also work on designs for mass-market items such as medical devices. Some jobs, such as developing safe medical implants, may require collaboration with people from other fields, such as doctors and other medical professionals.
Engineers can also be in charge of overseeing the development of prototypes and final products. The equipment engineer’s responsibilities include inspecting the processes used, ensuring that products meet the stated standards, and overseeing equipment testing. This may include rigorous tests to ensure that the equipment does not fail when put to the test. Simultaneously, an equipment engineer can begin work on the documentation that will accompany the finished product and provide instructions on how to use it.
An equipment engineer may also be in charge of operation and maintenance. Engineers are responsible for keeping complex equipment running efficiently and effectively. This can entail a wide range of tasks to ensure that equipment remains operational. In this situation, equipment engineers may need certifications demonstrating their ability to work safely with rotating turbines and collaborate with a team of skilled personnel to provide complete coverage for a manufacturing or other facility.
An equipment engineer’s responsibilities may include continuing education. Reading trade publications to keep up with industry developments, attending conferences, and taking classes or workshops to learn about new technology are all examples of this. Engineers must be aware of developments in order to provide appropriate advice to clients and develop systems that take these developments into account. It’s also a good idea to keep track of the industry in which an engineer works; for example, someone who works with pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment should be aware of any new processes that might be implemented.