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!
Day visit to the 2874 Locomotive Trust & Workshop at The Heritage Gloucester & Warwickshire Steam Railway
Join IRTE Wiltshire for a day tour at Gloucester and Warwickshire Steam Railway.
SOE Presidential Address 2025 & AGM
Join us for a hybrid AGM followed by an address from our new President, Caroline Harries.
MOT Update
Malcolm has become a regular speaker for IRTE North London and will run through any news and changes within the MOT world.
Avon & Somerset Search and Rescue
Join Brunel Western Regional Group and Jim Hardcastle, Team Leader ASSR, as he shares what it’s like to go on a call-out with a specialist volunteer search and rescue team.
Recent News
Take a look at the recent news at SOE.
Why Engineers in 2025 Are Turning to Professional Institutions for Career Growth
Find out why engineers are joining the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE) in 2025. Learn how membership supports professional recognition, CPD, and career growth in transport, plant, and environmental sectors.
Top 5 Skills Every Engineer Needs in 2025
Discover the top 5 skills every engineer needs in 2025, from digital literacy to sustainability. Learn how SOE membership supports professional development and career growth.
The Pirbright Institute joins SOE as a Corporate Partner
The Pirbright Institute joins SOE as a Corporate Partner, supporting engineering excellence, professional development, and future-ready engineers.
Electric Buses and HGVs: The Engineering Challenges Behind the Transition
Electric buses and HGVs face big engineering challenges in batteries, charging, and maintenance. Discover how SOE supports engineers leading this transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions.