What does a Stationary Engineer do?
Published 4 min read
A stationary engineer is responsible for the operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment in buildings. This may include heating and cooling systems, generators, pumps, and other mechanical equipment. The engineer must be able to troubleshoot problems and make repairs as needed.
Stationary Engineer job duties include:
- Maintaining and repairing mechanical equipment such as pumps, fans, compressors, and boilers
- Inspecting equipment to identify potential problems
- Diagnosing mechanical problems and determining how to fix them
- Repairing or replacing defective parts
- Adjusting equipment to improve performance or conserve energy
- Maintaining records of maintenance and repair work
- Operating equipment to generate steam or power
- Monitoring gauges and instruments to ensure proper functioning of equipment
- Starting and stopping equipment as needed
Stationary Engineer Job Requirements
Stationary Engineers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment in buildings. They may work in a variety of settings, including factories, office buildings, hospitals, and schools. Stationary Engineers must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers also require Stationary Engineers to have an Associate's degree or certificate in engineering technology. Some positions may require certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. Stationary Engineers typically have several years of experience working with mechanical equipment.
Stationary Engineer Skills
- Boiler
- Chiller
- Cooling tower
- Air handling unit
- Rooftop unit
- Make-up air unit
- Exhaust fan
- Pumps
- Motors
- Variable frequency drive
- Belt drive
- Direct drive
Related: Top Stationary Engineer Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Stationary Engineer
A stationary engineer is a professional who is responsible for the operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment. This equipment includes but is not limited to: boilers, pumps, compressors, generators, and motors. A stationary engineer must have a strong understanding of how this equipment works in order to keep it running smoothly.
The first step to becoming a stationary engineer is to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. After that, one must complete an accredited engineering program. Once these requirements have been met, one must then pass the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. After passing the PE exam, one is officially a licensed professional engineer and can begin working as a stationary engineer.
There are many different career paths that a stationary engineer can take. Some engineers work in power plants or factories, while others may work in office buildings or hospitals. No matter what type of facility an engineer works in, their ultimate goal is to keep the mechanical equipment running properly.
Stationary engineers must be able to troubleshoot problems when they occur. They also need to be able to perform routine maintenance on the equipment. In some cases, engineers may need to design new systems or make modifications to existing ones.
Becoming a stationary engineer requires both formal education and on-the-job training. Those who are interested in this career should be prepared to work hard and learn as much as possible about mechanical equipment. With dedication and hard work, anyone can become a successful stationary engineer.
Related: Stationary Engineer Resume Example
Related: Stationary Engineer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)