Stationary Engineers And Boiler Operators Career

Physically challenging and although tedious, this career as stationary engineers and boiler operators is an upcoming career. The stationary engineers and boiler operators, operate and monitor the equipment that are used to generate power, heat, refrigeration, and air conditioning in industries and other commercial buildings. The term stationary refers to the equipments that are permanently positioned at one place and are not mobile. These engineers need to work in the heart of the factories which are typically the boiler rooms, engine rooms or power plants. The equipments that these engineers deal with are the boilers, air-conditioners, refrigeration equipments, turbines, diesel engines, pumps, condensers, and compressors. The main job of the stationary engineers and boiler operators is to set up, regulate, run, repair and shut down the equipments.

Tasks:-
The career as stationary engineers and boiler operators being a challenging career, there are hazardous duties that are assigned to these engineers. The tasks that are carried out by the stationary engineers and boiler operators are as follows:

• Stationary engineers and boiler operators start up, regulate, examine, repair and close the equipments like turbines, boilers, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipments
• They make sure that these equipments work safely, and monitor them with help of gauges, meters, and computerized controls
• They carry out routine maintenance work of these equipments and check for problems
• Many of the stationary engineers use computers or other advanced technologies to monitor, diagnose and adjust the mechanical electrical systems
• Engineers use the hand tools and power tools to perform maintenance and repair work

Qualification:-
The increasing competition in this career as stationary engineers and boiler operators is the main reason for candidates to acquire strong education. The qualification that is necessary to become stationary engineers and boiler operators are as follows:

• A high school diploma or vocational courses in computerized control and instrumentation is accepted most of the times
• Certification or technical programs related to this field is also beneficial
• The knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, electronics, mechanical drawings, and computers will be an added advantage to portray effective expertise at work
• On-job training, or apprenticeship is provided by most of the employers that is fruitful to gain practical knowledge as well as hands-on experience on different equipments

Other necessary skills:-
The candidates who desire to make a career as stationary engineers and boiler operators should possess strong mechanical aptitude. However, there are many other skills, if inherited or developed will be beneficial. They are as follows:

• Excellent interpersonal and written skills
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills
• Strong physical condition and adaptive to any type of condition
• Exceptional observation skills, and detail-oriented in work
• Superb analytical, creative and logical skills

Place of work:-
Career as stationary engineers and boiler operators is a tedious career, facilitating the engineers to work in places where machines are located. The stationary engineers and boiler operators often work in boiler rooms, power plants, mechanical rooms, and electrical rooms. Thus, the engineers need to work in high temperatures, dirt, dust and noisy area. The stationary engineers and boiler operators work for 40 hours a week. However, working at nights and on weekends is necessary as per the production target.

Job Opportunities:-
Career as stationary engineers and boiler operators provides enormous job opportunities to the candidates who are highly talented. The stationary engineers and boiler operators are needed in almost all the manufacturing industries. These engineers are needed in large numbers in local and state government, factories, and hospitals.

Remuneration:-
The career as stationary engineers and boiler operators being a prosperous career, the engineers are highly paid in this industry. The salary also varies according to the type of industry, type of work, experience and education. At the entry-level positions, the salary provided is comparatively less. The salary goes on increasing with years of experience and responsible work. The salary for the manager and supervisors is enormous. The benefits that are provided in the government agencies and reputed manufacturing industries are enormous. The benefits include paid holidays, sick leaves, health facilities, and pension plans.

Job Progress:-
There are tremendous chances of promotions in this career as stationary engineers and boiler operators. At the start, the fresh candidates are provided on-job training. After the training, the stationary engineers and boiler operators work independently. With years of experience, they these engineers are given tasks that are more challenging. Some of the skilled stationary engineers and operators can be promoted as boiler inspectors, chief engineers, building superintendents or managers. Others may even get jobs as examining engineers or technical instructors.

Employment forecast:-
The employment in the career as stationary engineers and boiler operators is supposed to decline in the future. The advanced technology has revolutionized the manufacturing sectors. Most of the stationary engineers and boiler operators fetch jobs in the manufacturing sectors. Most of the industries are being automated, thereby reducing the workload of the stationary engineers and boiler operators. Thus, most of the factories do not need these engineers in large numbers. Thus, the stationary engineers and boilers will face strong competition. The main key is to remain highly skilled and acquire experience in reputed firms.