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!
Presentation and Factory Tour
Join the IRTE North Eastern Centre for an exclusive presentation and behind-the-scenes tour of a specialist Land Rover conversion facility.
Roller Brake Testing
This 45-minute webinar, followed by a 15-minute Q&A, offers an introduction to roller brake testing, covering its purpose, process, key components, result interpretation, and the benefits of full training.
Showcasing a New Mercedes-Benz Electric Commercial Vehicle
Join the SOE South Wales Regional Group for a unique CPD opportunity to explore cutting-edge electric vehicle technology in the commercial transport sector.
Road Transport Expo 2025
Road Transport Expo (RTX) is the UK’s premier haulage tradeshow, featuring 300+ exhibitors, vehicle demos, and expert talks on compliance and green tech. Free to attend with parking included, it’s the go-to event for fleet solutions and industry networking.
Recent News
Take a look at the recent news at SOE.
Alexander Dennis Returns as Platinum Sponsor for 2025 IRTE Skills Challenge
Alexander Dennis, the UK’s largest bus and coach manufacturer, strengthens their commitment to technician training and industry excellence.
IRTE Northern Centre Members Visit Fox Group’s Hurt Plant Hire Facility
IRTE Northern Centre members were given exclusive access to Fox Group’s Hurt Plant Hire facility in Leyland, complete with a behind-the-scenes tour, fleet insights, and a Q&A with CEO Paul Fox.
Improving Member Access: Changes to SOE Regions
In 2024, the SOE undertook a full review of our regional structure to ensure that every member benefits from meaningful professional development opportunities, regardless of where they are based.
Celebrating Excellence: SOE Honours Corporal Adam Cowen at the REME Engineering Awards 2025
Engineering excellence, leadership under pressure, and frontline innovation, the REME Engineering Awards 2025 shone a light on the Corps' finest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our frequently asked questions.