Power Engineer

Power engineers are responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of industrial equipment such as boilers, steam and gas turbines, generators, gas and diesel internal combustion engines, pumps, condensers, compressors, pressure vessels and related controls. In large industrial or building complexes, they also may be responsible for heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, fire systems and building control systems.

Responsibilities vary from one position to another, but in general, power engineers:

• ensure that safety codes and other applicable regulations are followed
• use computerized systems to control, start, shut down and track the operation of boilers and related equipment, or use automatic or manual controls
• monitor alarms, gauges and other instruments associated with plant operations
• troubleshoot and take corrective action to prevent equipment or system failures
• isolate and lock out equipment mechanically and electrically for inspection and repair
• ensure that equipment and processes operate at maximum efficiency
• take chemical tests of boiler water and other process samples, interpret them and determine appropriate chemical treatments
• assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures
• prepare equipment for maintenance and inspection (for example, shut down, lock out, restart)
• maintain a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities
• investigate and report on safety-related accidents or incidents
• write reports about plant operation and advise on operational issues to improve plant performance
• work with outside agencies, consultants and contractors (for example, advise designers on operating characteristics of equipment to achieve optimal design).

Industrial plants and building operations often are automated to enhance production efficiency and improve safety. In some plants, senior power engineers may work in control room environments, analyzing problems and taking action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems. At times, they must switch from automatic controls to manual controls to correct problems and ensure the safety of staff and equipment.

Working conditions vary considerably in this occupation. In junior positions, power engineers may be exposed to high noise levels, high temperatures, high humidity, all types of outdoor weather conditions, dust, grease, hazardous chemicals or unpleasant odours. For example, those working in coal-fired power generating stations are exposed to coal dust and fly ash. In large plants, power engineers may be required to enter confined spaces or inspect equipment located at extreme heights. Power engineers in senior positions often work in climate controlled environments or offices.

Lifting items that weigh up to 20 kilograms and climbing ladders, staircases and scaffolds to work at heights may be an occasional or regular part of the work. Safety precautions and procedures (for example, the use of respiratory protective equipment) must be observed to reduce the risk of injury. Some plants do not allow smoking anywhere on site.

Power engineers often work shifts, weekends, holidays and emergency overtime to accommodate continuous production.

Power engineers need the following characteristics:

• mechanical and electrical aptitude
• good vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand co-ordination
• good communication skills in person and in writing
• good organizational and decision making skills
• the ability to read and interpret blueprints and other plant drawings
• the ability to work safely and efficiently
• the ability to work well with others in a team environment.

Power engineers should enjoy controlling and operating manual and automated systems, analyzing information and solving problems, and having clear rules and organized methods for their work.

Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Power engineers may be employed in any industry in which boilers are used. For example, they may be employed in:

• gas plants
• power generating plants
• heavy oil plants
• petrochemical plants
• pulp mills
• plastic plants
• breweries 
• food production plants
• refineries
• hospitals
• hotels
• schools and other institutions
• office and apartment complexes.

Competition for entry-level positions is keen, especially at the 3rd, 4th and 5th Class Power Engineer levels. Advancement to more responsible positions usually requires higher levels of certification. However, higher-level certificates do not guarantee promotion.

Power engineers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9241: Power engineers and power systems operators. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)
• Utilities (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 4,300 Albertans are employed in the Stationary engineers and auxiliary equipment operators occupational group. This group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 60 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As power engineers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for power engineers.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) website: www.absa.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.