The Power Engineering Career

What is a Power Engineer?

Also known as Power Plant or Boiler Operators and Operating, Steam and Stationary Engineers, the Power Engineer is a technically skilled professional who is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of equipment such as pumps, gas compressors, generators, motors, boilers, steam turbines, air conditioning systems, heat exchangers and refrigeration equipment. Additional information can be seen at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos228.htm.

Where do Power Engineers work?

Power Engineers find employment in power generation plants, industrial facilities, and residential and commercial buildings, where they operate and maintain the equipment that provides heat, light, climate control and power.

How much does a Power Engineer make?

Power Engineers are in steady demand in Canada and around the world. Salaries range from $40,000 to $100,000 plus per year depending on classification and experience.

How do I become a Power Engineer?

In the United Styates, there are a number of certtification program available to provide you the right knowledge to start out on your career as a Power Engineer. PanGlobal's materials have been approved for use in challenging the national certification programs of the National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE http://www.niulpe.org). A growing number of states (Minnesota,. Ohio, Massachusetts, Michigan) and cities have also approved learning materials in support of their regulatory requirements. PanGlobal recommends that you contact your local jurisdiction or the national offices of NIULPE top see what educational requirements are mandatory for yiour area.

A career in Power Engineering begins with an entry-level employment offer. Your knowledge gained through a high quality educational program will facilitate your entry. Advancement is most often gained through experience at the appropriate plant environment and the completion of further education requirements.

The level attained by a Power Engineer is a personal choice. Your local jurisdiction may also have separate certifications specific to the region.

What does it take to become Certified?

Educational Accreditation + Firing Time (F.T.) in the Correct Plant = Certification Preparation

Accreditation is best achieved by working with an educator. Obtaining your educational requirements by working with an educator, is the most structured way to achieve the training requirements in conjunction with the firing time required to gain the knowledge needed to obtain certification. (Please note: not all educators provide firing time)

Firing Time is the “operating time” in a plant environment appropriate to the certification Class

Certification is achieved through an examiner by writing the necessary government exams in a process managed by your jurisdiction’s examiner. As an employer, to obtain insurance, certification of employee’s is mandatory.

Provincial and territorial regulations specify the minimum plant size, the Power Engineer certification and position that must be held and the length of time that a person must work in those plants in order to challenge the exam for the next higher classification level.

Should I join a professional association once Certified?

Affiliation with organizations such as the National Association of Power Engineers (NAPE) is often viewed as an outstanding source of networking connections. You will have the opportunity to exchange opinions, share concerns, address challenges and meet fellow Power Engineers, which may become a useful resource when seeking employment opportunities. You will also have the opportunity to provide your valuable input into the ongoing development of industry appropriate training materials.

Is the Power Engineering profession a trade?

A number of trade unions have Power Engineers as members. Some include: the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) and The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) among others