Power engineers supervise, operate and maintain machinery and boilers that provide steam, power, heat, refrigeration and other utility services to industrial and commercial facilities. Power engineers are responsible for maintaining a network of components which convert different forms of energy into electricity and for managing any of the three main subsystems of power engineering: the generation subsystem, the transmission subsystem, or the distribution subsystem. The engineers are also responsible for the electrical devices that are attached to these systems, which include transformers, generators, and motors. Power engineers' duties typically include making sure that all the devices are functioning properly and that they meet safety regulations.

Tasks:

1. Ensure that safety codes and other applicable regulations are followed
2. Use computerized systems to control, start, shut down and track the operation of boilers and related equipment, or use automatic or manual controls
3. Monitor alarms, gauges and other instruments associated with plant operations
4. Trouble shoot and take corrective action to prevent equipment or system failures
5. Ensure that equipment and processes operate at maximum efficiency
6. Assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures
7. Prepare equipment for maintenance and inspection (for example, shut down, lock out, restart)
8. Maintain a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities
9. Write reports about plant operation
10. Work with outside agencies, consultants and contractors

Key skills for power engineer:

• Mechanical and electrical aptitude
• Good vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand co-ordination
• Good organizational and decision making skills
• The ability to work safely and efficiently
• Sufficient physical strength and stamina
• Willingness to learn

Average salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: £37,400 per year
The United States of America: $70,580 per year
Australia: AU$81,000 per year

Qualifications and training required:

Power engineer must have a professional qualification at a college or technical/trade school. An electrical engineering degree prepares the upcoming engineer for general power plant operations. Necessary skills of power engineers begin with a general understanding of power plants. Established power engineers demonstrate traditional skills such as awareness of efficient system design. An engineer who understands how to design and optimize a process for maximum efficiency is what a perspective employer expects.
Power engineers not only have to hone their current skills, but be willing to gain new ones. One of the upcoming components of power engineering is an increased demand for computer and software engineering. It is essential that engineers keep up to date with latest research and technologies in the field of green energy resources.