Society of Operations Engineers
SOE is the professional home for around 16,000 members working to inspect, maintain and manage the equipment and machinery which keeps people and businesses safe on a daily basis. We are a Professional Engineering Institution and registered charity, and our members work to implement smarter ways of working, improve maintenance and inspection processes, and embed environmentally friendly and sustainable engineering practice. SOE actively champions the next generation of engineers, and is passionate about making a global difference to the world around us.
Supporting careers
Diverse sectors linked by engineering excellence
Raising standards
Working in partnership to create industry standards
Strategic objectives
Charting the global future of operations engineering
Our sectors
Consisting of five professional sectors in particular technical specialisms.
Why join SOE?
I regard my SOE membership as an essential and valuable part of my professional credentials.
Chris Ellis MSOE MIRTE
I look back, and if I hadn’t joined professional institutions such as the SOE and BES, made the effort to attend meetings and the rest of it, then I wouldn’t have met the people to pull me through.
Dave Cooper MSOE MBES
Being a CEng and CEnv keeps me ahead of the game for professional standards and best practice sharing.
Jeffrey Yung CEng CEnv HonFSOE HonFIPlantE
I got the CEng and, from an aspirational point of view, I really wanted to achieve it because it’s the highest engineering qualification you can get. Also, if you look at the rail industry and many other industries, it’s become more or less a standard; it’s not a standard in the bus industry yet, but I think it will be one day – it’s definitely worth having.
James Higlett CEng AMSOE AMIRTE
Whether you are looking for professional registration to boost your career, comprehensive CPD support, or tailored knowledge and events, SOE membership offers the benefits you would expect from a Professional Engineering Institution.
Career Development
Whether you are an apprentice in your first HGV maintenance role, or a senior engineer responsible for the complex connected plant in an industry 4.0 ready factory, SOE supports career progression for as far as you want to go. We offer a CPD library, industry leading publications, mentoring, and a range of professional qualifications - with content relevant to all members as they continue their career journey.
Careers Advice For Engineers
Meeting modern CPD needs of engineers and employers
Become professionally registered
The global benchmark of recognition for engineering professionals
Technical guides for members
SOE produces a range of technical guides to support our members and industry in their roles. These guides are free to all SOE members, or can be purchased on request.
Upcoming Events
Take a look at our upcoming events at SOE!
Visit to King Edward Mine
IRTE Cornwall welcomes members and guests for a sitive visit with Tony Wood, featuring a guided tour and social breakfast.
SS Great Britain visit
Join Brunel Western Regional Group and IRTE Wiltshire for a guided tour of SS Great Britain, exploring life onboard for passengers and crew, followed by a Brunel Institute Talk featuring rare artifacts, with time afterwards to freely explore the museum.
Recent News
Take a look at the recent news at SOE.
David Sheppard to Host IRTE Skills Challenge Awards 2025
Former BBC broadcaster David Sheppard will host the IRTE Skills Challenge Awards Lunch, on 16 July in Wolverhampton, celebrating the UK’s top transport engineers.
SOE welcomes The British Compressed Air Society as newest Corporate Partner
We’re proud to welcome The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) as our newest Corporate Partner. Together, we’re championing training, safety, and technical excellence in the compressed air sector.
Want to Earn More as an Engineer? New Survey Shows Professional Registration is Key
Professionally registered engineers are out-earning their peers. Want to boost your career and income? Registration might be the next step.
IRTE Launches Inaugural HGV Skills Challenge in Partnership with DAF Trucks
This new competition celebrates the UK’s top HGV engineers and technicians. Building upon the success of the Bus and Coach Skills Challenge, it's time for HGVs to take the spotlight. Join us in recognising skill, precision, and the people keeping Britain moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions.