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A Power Engineer operates the utility equipment systems used to produce electrical power, to generate steam for industrial processes, and to manage the thermal environment in buildings and facilities.
The occupation requires technical and operational knowledge of: boilers; piping systems; pressure vessels; valves; pumps; compressors; diesel engines, generators; turbines; heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems; plus ALL associated instrumentation and controls.
The occupation is known by various terms: Power Engineer, Steam Engineer, Stationary Engineer, Refrigeration Engineer, Operating Engineer, Power Plant Operator, Thermal Plant Operator, Fireman, Boiler Fireman, Boiler Operator, Boiler Tender, Water Tender, Turbine Operator, Compressor Operator, Burner Operator… Power Engineer is the standardized Canadian designation.
Unlike mechanical engineers, who require years of academic training before they can earn a living, a Power Engineers can begin their career at a good salary with as little as only a single year's study and training.
The size of the facility or plant often determines a Power Engineer's responsibilities. In smaller plants they may be responsible for operation and maintenance of a variety of equipment systems. They may even be the only operator on-site, and thus be accountable for the management and maintenance of all facility operations.
In larger plants they may be responsible for only specific equipment systems or roles within the plant. Large facilities may have several senior Power Engineers on a given operating shift, designated as shift engineers and assistant shift engineers. In all cases, a Chief Power Engineer (or Plant Chief) is designated as ultimately responsible for the operation of the entire power plant.
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