What does a Facilities Engineer do?
Published 4 min read
A facilities engineer is responsible for the maintenance and operation of a company's buildings and equipment. They may also be involved in the design and construction of new facilities.
Facilities Engineer job duties include:
- Inspect facilities and equipment to identify issues and make recommendations for repair or replacement
- Develop maintenance plans and schedules to ensure that facilities and equipment are properly maintained
- Coordinate with vendors and contractors to schedule repairs and replacements
- Prepare cost estimates for repairs, replacements, and new construction
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for facility operations and maintenance
- Ensure that all safety regulations are followed
- Maintain records of facility maintenance and operations
- Monitor energy usage and develop strategies to reduce costs
- Supervise facility staff
Facilities Engineer Job Requirements
A Facilities Engineer is responsible for the maintenance and operation of buildings and their systems. They must have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, and many employers prefer candidates who are certified by a professional organization such as the American Society for Healthcare Engineering. Facilities Engineers should have at least five years of experience in building maintenance or operations.
Facilities Engineer Skills
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Carpentry
- Welding
- Painting
- Drywall
- Flooring
- Roofing
- Landscaping
- Snow removal
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How to become a Facilities Engineer
There are many different types of facilities engineers, but all share a common goal: to make sure that the buildings and systems they oversee are well-maintained and operate efficiently. Here are some tips on how to become a facilities engineer:
1. Get a degree in engineering. Facilities engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and other structures. As such, it is important to have a strong foundation in math and science. A bachelor's degree in engineering is the best way to prepare for a career in this field.
2. Consider specializing in a particular area of facilities engineering. There are many subfields within this discipline, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or civil engineering. By specializing in one area, you can become an expert in that particular facet of facilities engineering.
3. Get experience working in a related field. Many facilities engineers start their careers working in maintenance or operations roles before moving into management positions. This experience can be invaluable in understanding the day-to-day challenges of managing a facility.
4. Stay up to date on new developments and technologies. The field of facilities engineering is constantly evolving as new technologies are developed. By staying abreast of these changes, you can ensure that your facility is using the most up-to-date methods and materials.
5. Join professional organizations. There are several professional organizations dedicated to facilities engineers, such as the American Society for Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) or the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). These organizations offer networking opportunities, educational resources, and job postings that can help you advance your career.
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