An operating engineer is responsible for performing routine maintenance, completing work orders, and responding to emergency calls, among other things. An operating engineer is a licensed trades professional who is in charge of power, heat exchange, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Steam boilers, gas compressors, motors, steam turbines, and other equipment that generates light, heat, and power are all operated this type of engineer.
The majority of operating engineers work for power companies, large chemical plants, oil refineries, and other companies that generate their own electricity. They are full-time employees who are responsible for maintaining the power generation systems. Each employer has a team of operating engineers, the number of which varies depending on the size of the power generation equipment. These are shift-based positions, as someone must be available to monitor and maintain the power generation system 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As an operating engineer, people who enjoy working with their hands, are mechanically inclined, and are naturally outgoing report the most satisfaction. In this job, you’ll interact with other tradespeople, parts suppliers, and clients, as well as people who are affected the system. It is critical to be able to interact with others while communicating clearly and effectively.
An operating engineer’s top priority is equipment maintenance. While the power generation system is usually installed a third party, the operating engineer is responsible for keeping all of the parts operational, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring that downtime is kept to a minimum. Monitoring the various systems is an essential part of routine maintenance. Any service interruption causes an increase in demand on other parts of the system.
Repairs or changes to the power generation system are common work orders. The work can be a complicated operation that takes several people and months to complete, or it can be a simple job that takes two or three hours to complete. To ensure that all building and safety codes are met, all utility generating equipment must be tested.
An operating engineer’s daily routine includes responding to emergency and service calls. If there is a power outage, intermittent power supply problems, or a problem with the equipment, users will call. All of these problems point to a problem with the power generation system. Emergencies can occur in addition to these service calls. This could be due to a system failure, a loss of power, or an accident.
The size of the facility is the only constraint on an operating engineer’s career advancement. The majority of operating engineers advance their careers focusing on a specific system size or even a specific manufacturer. The impact of technology on utilities systems is focused on monitoring and balancing tools, which are critical to efficient utility management and maintenance.